Best choice with $2000 for front axle?
#1
JK Freak
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have no choice but to replace my Dana 30 in my 2014 JK. Mines been bent, both sides. I have $1800-$2000 to work with, my internals are not broken.
What would be the best way to deal with this? I assume I can use my internals with a Tera30 housing and not have additional costs, I know I can buy brand new blank OEM housings that have the C and ball joints on eBay for around $1350 shipped. It's there a best value choice that I'm missing?
I'm running the stick Rubi wheels and 32" tires, I really don't plan to go bigger. I'm happy with the performance of the break lock traction control system, off anything I might add a front limited slip next year.
I'm not locating any Dana 30 or Rubicon 44 take off complete axles with 3.73 gears, so it looks like whatever I do, it will be new.
My dealer wants $1710 for a factory housing, so the eBay route sound better than them. EBay D30 is around $1350 and the Teraflex Tera30 is $2000, and that's pushing really hard at the end of my money supply.
Any advice, I would appreciate it. I'm in western Pennsylvania, so I don't have big rock climbing, more dirt trails, small rock and lots of ruts. I'm a low range, low gear wheeler, so really a stock Dana 30 should hold up fine. My bent axle was a one time life lesson, I will not repeat that mistake.
My bent axle as it sits outside :'(
It's not bent a little, I did it all the way.
What would be the best way to deal with this? I assume I can use my internals with a Tera30 housing and not have additional costs, I know I can buy brand new blank OEM housings that have the C and ball joints on eBay for around $1350 shipped. It's there a best value choice that I'm missing?
I'm running the stick Rubi wheels and 32" tires, I really don't plan to go bigger. I'm happy with the performance of the break lock traction control system, off anything I might add a front limited slip next year.
I'm not locating any Dana 30 or Rubicon 44 take off complete axles with 3.73 gears, so it looks like whatever I do, it will be new.
My dealer wants $1710 for a factory housing, so the eBay route sound better than them. EBay D30 is around $1350 and the Teraflex Tera30 is $2000, and that's pushing really hard at the end of my money supply.
Any advice, I would appreciate it. I'm in western Pennsylvania, so I don't have big rock climbing, more dirt trails, small rock and lots of ruts. I'm a low range, low gear wheeler, so really a stock Dana 30 should hold up fine. My bent axle was a one time life lesson, I will not repeat that mistake.
My bent axle as it sits outside :'(
It's not bent a little, I did it all the way.
![](http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/27/56a134d6acadac322ed63e02345f31c0.jpg)
![](http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/27/db3969e11419857f96e30b8734fffd30.jpg)
#2
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
First, what exactly did you do!?
And I would not buy the tera 30 its pretty much the same as the Mopar you found on eBay.
Personally I would get a used 44 for around $1000, many benefits to going that direction.
And I would not buy the tera 30 its pretty much the same as the Mopar you found on eBay.
Personally I would get a used 44 for around $1000, many benefits to going that direction.
#3
JK Freak
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Where are they found? And the 44 bend just as easily as the 30 where as the Tera is much stronger tube, shorter long side tube, and stiffer center. I would call the Tera30 upgrade over the stock 44 if my reading comprehension is worth two turkeys?
#4
JK Freak
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'd buy a $1000 Rubicon 44 3.73 axle full of parts if they existed, I'm just not finding them. I know people opt for the 3.73 in Rubicon packages, I've met a few owners that had them ordered that way by choice.
#5
JK Junkie
![](https://staticssl.ibsrv.net/autocomm/Content/JK-Forum/jkamicon.png)
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you were closer to Houston there is a guy that has a set of rubi axles with 5.13 and front tubed and gusseted for $2500. Know it's over the budget but a little more saving and that would be the sweetest deal.
#6
JK Freak
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
This is a bare 44 for $1340, what would it cost me to buy the parts to fill it to get back to my 3.73?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/111289961793?cmd=VIDESC&gxo=true
http://m.ebay.com/itm/111289961793?cmd=VIDESC&gxo=true
Trending Topics
#8
JK Jedi Master
![FJOTM Winner](https://i.ibb.co/FgFLpFN/Untitled-1.jpg)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 0
Received 162 Likes
on
154 Posts
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Check " moparpartsdiscounted.com "
One thing I just noticed was that the housings for older models are several hundred less than for newer years. Bare d30 housings are $882 for the 2008 vs $1197 for the 2013. Didn't know there was a difference in the housings themselves? Certainly something to check in to if it will save you a few hundred.
2013 Jeep Wrangler FRONT DRIVE AXLE Drive axles Front axle Mopar Parts Discounted
2008 Jeep Wrangler FRONT DRIVE AXLE Drive axles Front axle Mopar Parts Discounted
But, keep checking on used axles. Some of the shops that do a lot of aftermarket 44/60 upgrades have them gathering dust on the shop floors. You might even get lucky and find a rubi44 with 3.73's.
One thing I just noticed was that the housings for older models are several hundred less than for newer years. Bare d30 housings are $882 for the 2008 vs $1197 for the 2013. Didn't know there was a difference in the housings themselves? Certainly something to check in to if it will save you a few hundred.
2013 Jeep Wrangler FRONT DRIVE AXLE Drive axles Front axle Mopar Parts Discounted
2008 Jeep Wrangler FRONT DRIVE AXLE Drive axles Front axle Mopar Parts Discounted
But, keep checking on used axles. Some of the shops that do a lot of aftermarket 44/60 upgrades have them gathering dust on the shop floors. You might even get lucky and find a rubi44 with 3.73's.
#10
JK Newbie
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: West Greenwich, RI
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Check on car-part.com. It searches all your local junkyards and pick and pulls in the area. Lets you pick your gear ratio. I would pick up a decent used axle, add the gussets/truss and get out for $700.
my .02....