Both front u-joints on my dana 44 are shot... Sounds like a good time to upgrade..

I could just swap in new joints for say $60
or
I could swap in Chromoly shafts with new joints for $650
or
I could swap in RCV shafts for $1200

I'm runings 35s and seem to get 2 years out of my u-joints.. I'm thinking RCV shafts might make sense for the long term and piece of mind.. Thoughts?

 

I was in your boat a year ago, kept going through ujoints way to quick until I eventually busted my axle shaft.
I wanted the RCV's but didn't have the money for them at the time (still want them), so I went with Alloy USA shafts and ujoints.
HAven't had a problem since and the ujoints have been holding up too.
I'd go with Chromoly if you want to save some $ for other things but if you got money why not get the RCV's?

 

The RCV's are pretty damn nice. Very smooth offroad and tough as nails. They also carry a lifetime warranty .

David

 

If you got the money I don't think that your going to find anyone that says don't do it!

 

If you have the scratch they are a great investment IMO.

 

RCV's are overkill if you are planning on staying with 35's. A good quality chromo axle and u joint would serve you well.

 

My understanding is that the RCV axles are so strong that the gears become the weak link. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. If that is the case I would rather have a U-Joint or axle break because they are cheaper and easier to replace than a set of gears.

 

Where you wheeling routinely and hard? I'm surprised to hear "going through ujoints way too quick." The reason I'm asking is I have 35's sitting in my garage and I'm regearing at the end of the month.

 

I've got RCV's and I'm running 35's. The best thing about having RCV's is the lack of binding when your steering through an obstacle. Everything is very smooth and easy to service as well. The only draw back I have had with them is when you swap out your balljoints you need to remove the knuckle to pull the RCV shafts out which knocks your alignment out of wack.

 

Not sure I understand how this knocks the alignment off.. When replacing ball joints wouldn't it be the same as normal shafts?
Also what sleeves are you running?

I run 35s today but who is to say I'll be running them 2 years from now