Stock axles are 2.5" OD, 1/4 wall tubes. Thickness isn't important so much as diameter. More thickness will help it from getting crushed, more diameter helps the tube from bending or snapping.

 

That's why I mentioned the Yukon free spinning hub kit

 

I've been down the same road every way possible. When it's all new, there isn't much that can be done on price. Take the UD60s for example. Dana makes close to nothing on the axles. Reseller margin is hardly better. That gives you an idea for how cheap axles can be made. The cost to cast a set of Cs alone is $750 or more at a Dynatrac level volume. If they sell what's in the picture for under $2k, it's at zero margin. If it's not, I'd seriously question what you're buying.

 

My opinion on this is:
If these unit bearings, knuckles, balljoints, and Cs aren't heavy enough for you I think you should seriously consider D60s.

 

I'd be curious to hear more about this. This is what intrigued me the most with the core44. I hated setting the backlash when we did my gears. I bent so many damn shims trying get wedge them in without a case spreader. I wish the factory setup at least used captured shims.

 

The spanner nut system is very similar to what is inside the Ford 9 Inch, which is a very well known and strong rear axle.

Instead of using shims large spanners are used to set backlash, and then they are indexed with a set screw to keep them secured.

 

I'm very familiar with the Ford 9" and I understand how they work. What I'm curious about is why the Northridge guy wasn't a fan of the design and why he chuckled.

Sorry if I wasn't clear.

 

I'm sorry I thought you were wondering about the actual system.

The guy chuckled because Northridge doesn't sell Core 44 axles, and I'm sure he would rather you purchase something from them. The spanner system is plenty strong.

When I was deciding on axles it was the same kind of deal, 4WheelParts say theirs is the best, Dynatrac says theirs is, and I'm sure Teraflex would do the same thing.

 

I say Core 44. But I say any upgrade from the stock D30 will be better.

 

I just found a place offering the CORE 44 for $3923 with the ARB locker. This might be the axle I go with.