I have a 2014 JKU running on 35s, 4" lift, with stock D44 rear and a bent at the C's stock D30 front with a 3.21 axle ratio. I managed to get a set of 40's on beadlocks for free and also a front D44 housing off of a 2019 jeep JL. What all will I need to put the new front axle and 40's on? Are any of the parts transferrable from my old axle? Also what gear ratio should I go to considering it is still my daily driver (interstate speeds) and only lightly trailed until I can afford to set it up for more extreme off-roading. On a "hopes and prayers" budget so whatever is cheapest to get me on the road because I cannot drive it with my front axle the way it is currently. Thanks!

 

Welcome to JKF. Good knowledgeable experienced members here and most likely you will hear from them that are running similar setups. I have never considered or needed to change out the D30 front. Gear change costs in the $900 to $2000 range depending on "can you do the job". From reading on the Forum you will hear 5.13 gear ratio for the 40s; not sure of anything larger. Expect more posts with more suggestions.

 

Welcome to JKF.
40's on a Dana 44/30 axle system will only last if you do what I call powder puff 4 wheeling. Look for more bent components with harder wheeling as there is about 140lbs per corner. Personally I would stay with the 35's and install the Dana as you stated and drop 1-1/2" off the lift. You will find it much better to drive until you can afford the $10,000 or so to do the change properly.

 

I could be wrong, but I don't think that JL axle is a direct swap. I think you're going to have to modify that a bit. You might search round on that a bit.

 

The JL is wider to start with so suspect the spring bases will be a different location so most likely need to be cut off and reinstalled in the correct position. Then there are other things to check like TB bracket locations, drag link, tie rod - do you have a complete diff hub to hub, brakes (they are different) and all steering components? Was this axle the host of the 40's? And the JLs have larger wheel studs 1/2" for JK vs 14mm for JL. Slippery slope here. Might be cheaper to sell the diff and wheels and replace the D30 axle housing until your finances can takeover.

 

Sell the 40's on bead locks as well as the JL axle. Do a little research on properly running 40's. Typically its around $30k today. The JL front 44 is a shit axle. What bolt pattern is on the Bead lock wheels?