JK Front D44 build - looking for input

So, I ordered a fresh Rubcon housing (which I will reinforce) for $900. I couldn't stomach the $2k for the pro rock 44

Now it needs some guts...looks like options for front are pretty limited.

Locker:

I like the ARB (RD157) Locker but it requires the 35 spline shafts which are $1k +....no thanks

I guess I'll be sticking with one of the 30 spline units. Any thoughts?

Shafts:

There are only a couple of other options for shafts that I am aware of.

I can get the Alloy 15211 30 Spline for $530 shipped
http://www.autopartsdealer.com/alloy_usa_chromemoly_front_axle_shaft_kits-p418266-p.html

or

Superior Axle Shafts for ~$750

Both of which are 30...

Finally, I'll be putting in 5.13 gears, likely superior since I found the best rpice on those and haven't heard anything bad about them.

I guess I am mostly looking for input on a locker and what locker I'll want to match it with in the rear at some point.

Thanks!

where did you get the housing for $900? thats about 200 less than the best price i have seen.

Jeepsareus.com $980 shipped. I really had to dig to find that price. With not much effort at all I got Ipac down to 1000 but would have had to pay tax.

If I were you, I'd use RCV's. They are worth the money. You can also pick up someone's take out Rubicon locker and keep things pretty easy for wiring (just two wire connection and can be done via a toggle).

Talk to Dern about building you an axle side track bar brace (it is very similar to Poly Performance's version).

Do lower control arm skids.

Think about sleeving and then gusseting the C's. Rock Slide Engineering makes a good kit that gives you an external shell plus the gussets for the C's and the sleeves that fit inside the axle housing.

Okay, ARB locker, RCV axles and 5.13s ordered. Gonna need some big ol tires to complete the package.

Talk to Marcus at River City Off-Road. The Goodyear MTR with Kevlar work pretty good. I think they are pretty quiet if you keep them rotated and prevent any cupping.

Toyo Open Country M/T. They are quite on the hwy and kick ass on the trail!

PM me if you are looking for some one to build or weld your front diff. I can make some of the parts cheaper than you can buy them.

I'd go with Dern. He's in New Braunfels and can build you a truss or anything else you need for your axle. See if Hemi_Tim will post up some pics of the work Dern did on his D44.

Also, I'd suggets letting Dern attack it before you paint it and fill it with parts. It's easier to work on that way. If not you could ruine the seals or melt the wiring.

If you're going with the ARB you need 35 spline axles and you can't use inner sleeves with 35 spline axles.

Here are some photos from when Danny and I welded up my Poly lca skids, R-SE external shell, sleeves, c gussets. The last two photos are pics of the axle side track bar brace that Danny made for me. It is a stout piece. I also have a poly tie rod, drag link flip with Poly drag link and a frame side track bar brace by Poly.





















Track bar bracket by Dern




If you have any questions, call Dern or myself and we can help you out.

Thanks for the offer....it's a shame the shop needs the housing to get the Jeep mobile, otherwise I could do all this before it even goes on. I told them to just throw the bare housing on so they can move it around. I'm not putting gears axles into until I get the welding wrapped up.

I just realized that the route I would like to take requires me to cut off all the existing mounts. I should have just bought the PR44 and gone w/o a locker for a bit. Oh well...that's what happens when you're rushed...

rlogan wrote:

I just realized that the route I would like to take requires me to cut off all the existing mounts. I should have just bought the PR44 and gone w/o a locker for a bit. Oh well...that's what happens when you're rushed...

I didn't want to say it because you'd already bought it, but yeah. The PR44 Unlimited already has the 1/2" tubes, heavy duty C's and all the mounts are already moved to correct the pinion angle and give some + caster for better handling too. We live and we learn. But then again, a fully assembled PR44 is about $4500.

Oh well, I'll do the RSE outer and reinforce the Cs and hope for the best. I can do some home made trusses as well. Nothing a plasma cutter won't handle.

Anyone want a great deal on a fresh Rubi housing?

How much?

Just in case you missed it: http://jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45843


I'd sell the housing you got & get this one. Then build from there. Unless you are dead set on and ARB & 35 spline shafts?

if it's not already gone, I'd jump on this quick http://jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46416

just what it says front rubi elocker, 9000 miles on it $400 plus shipping

I would but already have an ARB...I wish I could have gotten that axle as well. Anyone want to help install gears this weekend?

Sorry. I'll be at Canyons this saturday.

Oh yeah...guess I'll miss that trip.

BEEN A MONTH.... any updates? build pics?

I was over there this morning, it was out of paint and they were putting the last pieces on. I think they were a bit ambitious. We'll see if I get it back today or not (not counting on it). If not, I am out of town until Thurs so it'll have to wait until then.

what'd you decide on the axle?

I'll be adding gussets, lower control arm slides, and RSE outer shell(enroute). Gears ARB and RCV shafts will be going in shortly after. I want to do the welding before seals etc.