Price of D44 Rubicon Axles
#11
A year and a half ago, before Mopar stated selling them directly, I understood and even 5k for low miles made sense, but nowadays it's a rip off
#12
And I'm in the camp with mds22. The market for used Rubi axles is inflated in today's environment. I get it that people value their sleeves and C-gusset protection, but in the words of those that have sold their entire wrangler, the upgrades usually don't help with the value. (I'd say that the 4130 axle shafts would be the exception).
Honestly, if I had a D30 front and a D44 rear. Rather than pay $3500 for a set of Rubi axles, I'd be considering Fusion4x4 D60 front and then upgrade the D44 you already have over time. You would end up with a better combination.
#13
I just did a Rubicon axle swap with some take-offs and I can tell you that the rear brakes are interchangeable, as are t he fronts.
There are three key differences between the Rubicon D44 and the Dana 30. One is the size of the ring and pinion (which necessitates a larger pumpkin), the second is the spline count on the axle shafts, the third is the locker. Everything else is exactly the same. Same tubes, same C's, same knuckles, same brakes, same hubs.
The rear is essentially the same between the two. The only difference is the Rubicon carrier is offset so the internals are not interchangeable, but the brake assemblies are.
I got these for a price I couldn't say no too. A lot less than I have seen anywhere else. Otherwise I would have bought new and locked the rear.
There are three key differences between the Rubicon D44 and the Dana 30. One is the size of the ring and pinion (which necessitates a larger pumpkin), the second is the spline count on the axle shafts, the third is the locker. Everything else is exactly the same. Same tubes, same C's, same knuckles, same brakes, same hubs.
The rear is essentially the same between the two. The only difference is the Rubicon carrier is offset so the internals are not interchangeable, but the brake assemblies are.
I got these for a price I couldn't say no too. A lot less than I have seen anywhere else. Otherwise I would have bought new and locked the rear.
#14
The sum of front and rear Mopars in the OP's pic, if purchased the pair, will still run you $4500 after tax or shipping or both. You are looking at likley $100 to,ship each axle. If you can get a set of takeoff a for $3500 or less, I don't think it is that bad. Saving $1000. Personally I would not pay extra for sleeves and gussets. Gears, RCv's, probably. The Fusion stuff is great and at pretty damn good prices considering others. But then you are looking at a set of new wheels, possibly new driveshafts, steering, maybe some brake lines. After all said and done you probably get close to $10k. So for the majority of our needs, a decent set of Rubi takeoffs for $3500 prob ain't that bad of a deal for some bolt in peace of mind, capability, little headache and fewer domestic altercations.
#16
To answer your question, yes, the brake are interchangeable. And I'm in the camp with mds22. The market for used Rubi axles is inflated in today's environment. I get it that people value their sleeves and C-gusset protection, but in the words of those that have sold their entire wrangler, the upgrades usually don't help with the value. (I'd say that the 4130 axle shafts would be the exception). Honestly, if I had a D30 front and a D44 rear. Rather than pay $3500 for a set of Rubi axles, I'd be considering Fusion4x4 D60 front and then upgrade the D44 you already have over time. You would end up with a better combination.
#17
Another post in this thread said that $3500 for a pair is a good deal. I will agree with that.
Yet another post stated that there's been front axles posted for $2500. Certainly a brand new axle for $2400 plus the shipping is a better deal.
Someone else stated that the Fusion4x4 D60 front and beefing up your rear will incur additional costs. That's true. Perhaps. But the folks I know looking for a D44 with lockers are also the type that are likely to expose the weaknesses in the D44 (the tubes, the C's, the ball joints, etc...). I think there's a market for both. Some folks the D44 front will be fine. Others will find that moving to the next step (front D60/rear D44) is where they need to be.
BUT, I'm off the OPs topic. I'm in his camp. Most used Rubi 44s are overpriced.
#18
I was just looking at this as well and had the same question since I would like to swap my front Dana 30 for a Dana 44. The Mopar catalog shows the D44 for $2400 which includes the electronic locker. I can get it directly from the dealer for $2100. Matching rear for $1850 with brakes.
This is a dealers website in my area, I order Mopar replacment parts from all the time. When I do an in store pickup, there isn't any shipping cost.
Front
OEM Part Number P5153825AF from Jeep - moparpartsdiscounted
Rear
http://www.moparpartsdiscounted.com/...5153826AB.html
I was just looking at a Dana 44 takeoff on Craigslist for $2k and get this...The owner even states the axle is bent.
JK Rubicon front axle
The Mopar parts will have a 1 year warranty. It's a brand new axle. With a Rubi D44 takeoff you have no warranty and you're getting a used axle where you're also taking on the risk that the axle has been bent or has gear damage.
I don't get it either, but right now I'm leaning alot more towards new than not saving anything for buying a used and taking on a lot of risk and likely buying a beat up D44 Rubicon take off. The thing that scares me about the take offs, is why is the original owner selling the D44? The only reason I can think of, is because they're upgrading to a D60 and if they're upgrading to a D60 then they likely learned in some manor that the D44 was bending with their current wheels.
This is a dealers website in my area, I order Mopar replacment parts from all the time. When I do an in store pickup, there isn't any shipping cost.
Front
OEM Part Number P5153825AF from Jeep - moparpartsdiscounted
Rear
http://www.moparpartsdiscounted.com/...5153826AB.html
I was just looking at a Dana 44 takeoff on Craigslist for $2k and get this...The owner even states the axle is bent.
JK Rubicon front axle
The Mopar parts will have a 1 year warranty. It's a brand new axle. With a Rubi D44 takeoff you have no warranty and you're getting a used axle where you're also taking on the risk that the axle has been bent or has gear damage.
I don't get it either, but right now I'm leaning alot more towards new than not saving anything for buying a used and taking on a lot of risk and likely buying a beat up D44 Rubicon take off. The thing that scares me about the take offs, is why is the original owner selling the D44? The only reason I can think of, is because they're upgrading to a D60 and if they're upgrading to a D60 then they likely learned in some manor that the D44 was bending with their current wheels.
Last edited by Rednroll; 03-30-2016 at 08:36 PM.
#20
I have a Rubi now and I'm not buying any axles anytime soon. I just wanted to give info to other members that might not know what options are out there. I hate to see someone get ripped off, even if it is unintentional from the seller.