bikeboy

Hi Everyone.
I need some basic AXLE info.
I'm building an '82 Scrambler and am considering using JK Rubicon Dana 44 axles.
How good are they? I've heard they're better than the models used in TJ or LJ Jeeps. Yes or no?

What's the difference in the JK RUBICON 44'S and the standard JK 44's ?
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Convict

I dont think there's a difference between rubis and non on a jk other than lockers.

I've heard TJ's had a larger axle tube. But a 44 is a 44.

RCJeeper

The JK dana 44s are substancially beefier than the TJ axles.


JK vs TJ
spline count - 32 vs 30 & non rubicon JK
Inner pinion bearing dia - 1.625 vs 1.325
Outer pinion bearing dia - 1.310 vs 1.125


The front is similarly larger, though the front tubes seem to be its weakest link and is the same outside diameter as the TJ which is 2.5"

jeepin08

there is a difference b/w rubicon and non rubicon dana 44's. I believe it is spline count or something.

Convict

Theres a guy up here (alberta) selling his stock suspension from a sahara including a Dana44 for $250. If your looking for a deal.

Renegade

Rubicon D44 front has 30 spline inner shafts and 32 spline outers. It also has u-joints that are unique to the JK and are larger than the previous model D44 (760/297X joint) axles. The high pinion design makes this axle stronger than older low-pinion designs. The weak points are that the c-clips are still not full circle clips and have a tendency to fall out- leading to failure, and that the "inner c's" can bend with hard core use. Both of these problems can be remedied fairly easily making the axle a good economical upgrade in my opinion.
Rubicon D44 rear has 32 spline shafts.
Non-Rubi D44 rear has 30 sline shafts.

2climbbig

I have a JK with a D44 HD... what is the difference between that and the rubi.

pearl-drum-man

Do you have the factory locker? If so it should be the same as the Rubicon rear. Non-locked (factory) differences are listed above.

bikeboy

Renegade. Great post!
Thanks for the details.

whatroads

I suppose you do already know the JK axles are about 6 inches wider than your stock Scrambler axles? The JK axles also have a 5 on 5 bolt pattern as opposed to the Scrambler 5.5 on 5

On the other hand, I ran full width truck axles on my old YJ