Cheap Rubicon Dana 44 Axle, would that work?

Luc.Blais · **Posted:** Mon Dec 29, 2008 12:03 pm

Hi, All

I have not considered an SFA swap yet, but have any of you gurus seen this deal from mopar (approx: $3000)? 2 axles, brake assembly and electric lockers.

Here's an excerpt from the full write up article found: (excerpt after the pics below)
http://4wheeloffroad.automotive.com/62484/131-0804-jeep-wrangler-jk-dana-4x4-axles/index.html

here's some pics we all like pics

Rear axle:

Front axle:

Quote:

Given The State Of Our Economy, Most Of Us have been reduced to bargain shoppers, cutting our frivolous disposable-income spending to a minimum. these days its all about scrimping and saving just to afford a tank of gas. We feel the pain just like you, so when a really cool bargain comes along, we have to tell you about it. Mopar surprised us by selling its newest Dana 44 front or rear Wrangler Jk axle assembly, complete with lockers, at a wrecking-yard price of just over $1,400 and some change.

If you haven't already heard about this deal, then here's what you get for the price; a complete axle assembly with factory electric lockers, 4.10 gears, disc brakes with vented rotors, and ABs...and the front axle is high-pinion. some other cool features are the new axles now have a crossover steering design rather than the scissor type used on the Wrangler tJ. the sensor switch to activate the locker is just a positive/negative hookup, and there is now a drain plug so you don't have to pop your differential cover every time you want to change the fluid.

These axles fit under just about any Jeep, however you'll more than likely need to cut off the suspension mounting points and other assorted bracketry. this may include hacking off the lower shock mounts too. not to worry though, there are a few bracket kits available from aftermarket manufacturers. if these features don't convince you, then check out the axle specs below.

TECH SPECS
Front Axle
Differential Electric Locker
Gear Ratio 4.10
Overall length 651/2
Spring perch
center-to-center 391/2
Upper control-arm mounts
center-to-center 201/2
Lower control-arm mounts
center-to-center 33
Shock mounts center to center 381/4
Rear Axle
Differential Electric Locker
Gear Ratio 4.10
Overall length 651/2
Spring perch
center-to-center 321/2
Upper control-arm mounts
center-to-center 54
Lower control-arm mounts
center-to-center 473/4
Shock mounts center to center 481/4

Luc.Blais · **Posted:** Mon Dec 29, 2008 12:13 pm

I'm not able to validate the price claimed in the article as of yet...

C co Crusader 2/127 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 1:25 am

that would be a pretty decent deal. Now only if the rear was compatable with the pickup for the spedo in the 8.25

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 2:05 am

plus even though new who wants 4.10 gears so out they come and new 4.56/4.88s so added $$$

Luc.Blais · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:00 am

Thanks Tom let's try and see how pricey this setup would be with 4.88 replacement you just recommended.

Please if you see something missing let me know...

Pricing summary: (detailed parts info after this summary)
Front Axle assembly, Disc Breaks, Electric Lockers, $1336.50
Rear Axle assembly, Disc Breaks, Electric Lockers, $1231.20
Replacement Front, 4.88 Rings & Pinions, $229.95
Replacement Rear, 4.88 Rings & Pinions, $229.95

GRAND TOTAL: $3027.60 (All new parts)

Detailed parts info:
http://www.chryslerpartsdirect.com/
Part Number: P5153825, AXLE FRONT, $1,336.50

Quote:

Mopar Performance Jeep JK Wrangler Rubicon Model 44 Front Axle Assembly

SKU: P5153825

2007 JK Wrangler Specifications:axle ratio: 4.10 Factory Rubicon E-Locker Track width: 61.9 Wheel bolt pattern: 5 on 5.0 Rear axle tube diameter: 80mm Front axle tube diameter: 63.5mm Front brake rotor: 302mm diameter x 28mm wide vented

These factory Mopar axle assemblies will provide the next level of off road performance for your JK Wranglers, TJ, YJ or CJs. The axles are shipped with the current Jeep Wrangler Rubicon suspension mounting brackets installed. They are completely assembled, with a 4:10 gear, disc brakes, and locking differential with locking sensor. Adaptation of these units into previous year models is the responsibility of the purchaser. This item is shipped via truck freight. A sales rep will contact you with your shipping quote.

Part Number: P5153826, AXLE REAR, $1,231.20

Quote:

Mopar Performance Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Model 44 Rear Axle Assembly

SKU: P5153826

2007 JK Wrangler Specifications:axle ratio: 4.10 Factory Rubicon E-Locker Track width: 61.9Wheel bolt pattern: 5 on 5.0 Rear axle tube diameter: 80mm Front axle tube diameter: 63.5mm Front brake rotor: 302mm diameter x 28mm wide vented

These factory Mopar axle assemblies will provide the next level of off road performance for your JK Wranglers, TJ, YJ or CJs. The axles are shipped with the current Jeep Wrangler Rubicon suspension mounting brackets installed. They are completely assembled, with a 4:10 gear, disc brakes, and locking differential with locking sensor. Adaptation of these units into previous year models is the responsibility of the purchaser. This item is shipped via truck freight. A sales rep will contact you with your shipping quote.

http://www.justdifferentials.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2317
D44JK-488-RUB, $229.95
Ring & Pinion, 2007 Jeep Wrangler JK 4 Door & Rubicon Rear Dana 44 4.88 Rear Gear Set

http://www.justdifferentials.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2319
D44RS-488RUB, $229.95
Ring & Pinion, 2007 Jeep Wrangler JK 4 Door & Rubicon Dana 44 4.88 Reverse Front Gear Set

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 11:45 am

The price is a steal for nicely equipped axles. You could build w/ these and never have to upgrade. (but you could w/ alloys, etc.) I would love to see someone do their build w/ them. Just figure out the speedo pickup and go for it.

Inc · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 12:54 pm

I agree with JJ that it is a really nice setup, but I need to go cheap, so a used axle already built and strengthened was the way to go for me. But if you have a bigger budget and want to run 35s then these are sweet.

What is the width of these compared to the TJ Rubi 44s, and compared to full widths? Could you use front springs like full widths or still have to go with coilovers?

daspes · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 1:39 pm

Those axles are no longer available as of about 2 weeks ago. Mopar has switched to what they lable as a Military D44HD fron, retails for about 3600, and a military D60HD rear, for about 1800. There is a news release floating around somewhere on the web.

2006 KJ · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 1:46 pm

daspes wrote:

Those axles are no longer available as of about 2 weeks ago. Mopar has switched to what they lable as a Military D44HD fron, retails for about 3600, and a military D60HD rear, for about 1800. There is a news release floating around somewhere on the web.

your saying the new rubi's come with a D60HD in the rear :shock:

not sure if i believe it

daspes · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 1:49 pm

NO just saying they are no longer offering the same deal of having a bolt on axle D44 axle liike you have been for the past 2 years. You can still go to your parts counter and order a diff housing, carrier, shafts, gears, bearing and seals. then assemble you own D44. But they have stopped selling the D44HD axle assemblies as shown above.

Inc · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 1:53 pm

Well, that makes that decision easy for some I guess. Hard to buy if they won't sell it.

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 2:51 pm

Actually those are not 44s are they ???? ( I remember reading that somewhere, have to look it up) but they continued to call them that since every one associates 44s with good solid axles for Jeeps :wink:

daspes · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 2:56 pm

They are called 44HD's

Inc · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 2:57 pm

tommudd wrote:

Actually those are not 44s are they ???? ( I remember reading that somewhere, have to look it up) but they continued to call them that since every one associates 44s with good solid axles for Jeeps :wink:

They are like a beefed up 44 I think. But yes, they call them 44 because most know 44s are good.

daspes · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 3:00 pm

I believe, the only differences are the carrier, axle tubes and shafts are thicker. Ring and pinion are slightly different. So really not to many things in common.

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 3:00 pm

Inc wrote:

tommudd wrote:

Actually those are not 44s are they ???? ( I remember reading that somewhere, have to look it up) but they continued to call them that since every one associates 44s with good solid axles for Jeeps :wink:

They are like a beefed up 44 I think. But yes, they call them 44 because most know 44s are good.

so will 44 gears fit in them or only 44HDs ?? Never read up on them enough to see, just curious

daspes · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 3:03 pm

Nope.

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 5:01 pm

HD's are high pinion too.

Luc.Blais · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:45 pm

Daspes, were could we find that these part numbers are discontinued cause the price I have quoted up there are current from this morning and are where in stock. I didn't try to order either, might be a different story.

I just looked on a few mopar part dealers and they all list the product as current product available. P5153825 (Front axle assembly) P5153826 (Rear axle assembly) I have a friend at the stealership, I'll give him the part numbers to look them up on his system.

Reguarding speedo, I'm not sure how that works but isn't those values set in the ECU with the Starscan tool. please enlight me. I don't know much about this any info would be great. If it's a lost cause

be as critical and as analytical as possible so no one else on this forum waste time with this setup.

Thanks for all the input

daspes · **Posted:** Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:58 pm

There was Mopar memo released to the dealerships a couple of weeks ago. Now that I'm at home, I'll try to find a copy of it. You may still be able to find a few while stocks last. Confirmed this with 4wheelparts and Quadratec myself a few days ago.

Cheap Rubicon Dana 44 Axle, would that work?

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