Scored a JK Sahara Dana 44 for $50 and 5lbs of venison burger. Why a JK Dana 44 you ask? Even with the Artec swap kit, I'll be into a Dana 44 for $500; $300-600 less than I have been able to find a TJ axle for. I was going to rebuild the TJ 44 (Axle shats/Locker,etc.), so those cost are still relevant to the path I'm going with the JK44.
"But you'll going to have some issues!"; I'm aware of "most" of the issues, I've been reading/searching this topic quite a bit prior to posting this thread. The rear axle seems fairly straight forward, it's the front axle I have doubts about.
Front axle (no set build period/purchase) : Harder to find a good deal on one, plus it seems the general consensus is the steering is tricky to setup and the inner C of the JK axles are weak. I cannot confirm/deny those allegations. I'm leaning towards a JK Dana 44 but prices are quite high for them (also diffilut to find either Dana 30/44), so it may be a Dana 30 or use 2.5" wheel spacers on my TJ Dana 30 to match the JK 65" WMS (not prefered) .
I may end up buying a. n already built axle if the cost to build is similar.
I have a small parts list for preparation, I'm hoping to keep this under $3k, so far, I have about $600 left to meet that budget. ECGS can build a similar axle for $3700+/-, if I am under that, I think I made a good investment, plus I can say I built it. Planning on still running a 33" tire, 35" will be long down the road, rumor has it that includes some effort as well.
Dana 44
Artec Swap
Beer for welder
Rev. G&A Shafts
5.13(?) Gears
Gear install/Overhaul kit
ARB Locker
Locker install Labor
Driveshaft
"But you'll going to have some issues!"; I'm aware of "most" of the issues, I've been reading/searching this topic quite a bit prior to posting this thread. The rear axle seems fairly straight forward, it's the front axle I have doubts about.
Front axle (no set build period/purchase) : Harder to find a good deal on one, plus it seems the general consensus is the steering is tricky to setup and the inner C of the JK axles are weak. I cannot confirm/deny those allegations. I'm leaning towards a JK Dana 44 but prices are quite high for them (also diffilut to find either Dana 30/44), so it may be a Dana 30 or use 2.5" wheel spacers on my TJ Dana 30 to match the JK 65" WMS (not prefered) .
I may end up buying a. n already built axle if the cost to build is similar.
I have a small parts list for preparation, I'm hoping to keep this under $3k, so far, I have about $600 left to meet that budget. ECGS can build a similar axle for $3700+/-, if I am under that, I think I made a good investment, plus I can say I built it. Planning on still running a 33" tire, 35" will be long down the road, rumor has it that includes some effort as well.
Dana 44
Artec Swap
Beer for welder
Rev. G&A Shafts
5.13(?) Gears
Gear install/Overhaul kit
ARB Locker
Locker install Labor
Driveshaft
