Rubicon TJ D44 Front Axle XJ Swap

[XJ_Matt]

Since TJ owners convert to a high pinon d30 from a XJ and its a direct bolt on, would a D44 front axle housing from a Rubicon TJ be of an advantage to swap on the front of an XJ? Since you can now find many Rubicon Axle housings on ebay i thought this might be a good time to upgrade to match my D44 Rear?

[basalt51]

If it's free yes. If its $1500 like most absolutely not. There have been many many discussions about the Rubicon front d44s...search

[hjeepxj]

I agree w/Basalt.


But I personally would give the Rubi 44 more credit than most guys do...Especially when you only plan on running 33s w/said rig. (Like me)

A rubi 44 would be primo in my situation, and I'd buy one if it were 5-600. But not what I've been seeing them go for. (1500+)

[Root Moose]

Originally Posted by hjeepxj

I agree w/Basalt.


But I personally would give the Rubi 44 more credit than most guys do...Especially when you only plan on running 33s w/said rig. (Like me)

A rubi 44 would be primo in my situation, and I'd buy one if it were 5-600. But not what I've been seeing them go for. (1500+)

Why?

Same shafts as a LP/HP D30.

Same knuckles, brakes, ball joints as a LP/HP D30.

HP D30 R&P is about the same strength as a LP Rubi D44.

HP D30 has better prop shaft angles.

What's the advantage?

Hell of a lot of work just for larger carrier bearings.

r@m

[hjeepxj]

Originally Posted by Root Moose

Why?

Same shafts as a LP/HP D30.

Same knuckles, brakes, ball joints as a LP/HP D30.

HP D30 R&P is about the same strength as a LP Rubi D44.

HP D30 has better prop shaft angles.

What's the advantage?

Hell of a lot of work just for larger carrier bearings.

r@m

A lot of work?

Its a bolt in....it comes with a selectable locker and the 4.10s I want....

[JEEPZZ]

Originally Posted by Root Moose

Same shafts as a LP/HP D30.

I believe the inner shafts on the Rubi 44 are 30 spline and from there on out it's regular D30 stuff... right or no???

[XJack]

Originally Posted by JEEPZZ

I believe the inner shafts on the Rubi 44 are 30 spline and from there on out it's regular D30 stuff... right or no???

Yes - 30 spline inners, D30 outers.

[GPRSDLYT]

not hi-jack but.....
30 spine inners / 27 spine outers, which u joints would they share? 297/760's?
-g

[Root Moose]

Originally Posted by hjeepxj

A lot of work?

Its a bolt in....it comes with a selectable locker and the 4.10s I want....

I stand corrected on the spline count but still...

Can you get the Rubi axle for cheaper than an ARB and R&P install? Not likely. Every complete Rubi axle ready for install I've seen for sale is over $1400 or so - most much more.

I still think the shaft angle that comes with a HP D30 is more important than any "advantage" a Rubi D44 has - especially if you have a NV242 t-case (my bias).

$0.02

r@m

[Lucas]

I bet if you bought a selectable locker/gears/and alloy shafts you would have spent the same amount of money as a rubi 44, but have a HP30 that is stronger and geared deep enough to wheel big tires..

[hjeepxj]

Originally Posted by Root Moose

I stand corrected on the spline count but still...

Can you get the Rubi axle for cheaper than an ARB and R&P install? Not likely. Every complete Rubi axle ready for install I've seen for sale is over $1400 or so - most much more.

I still think the shaft angle that comes with a HP D30 is more important than any "advantage" a Rubi D44 has - especially if you have a NV242 t-case (my bias).

$0.02

r@m

That was my point, so Id probably never end up with a Rubi 44, but if there WAS one for 600$, id run it.

[Root Moose]

Originally Posted by hjeepxj

That was my point, so Id probably never end up with a Rubi 44, but if there WAS one for 600$, id run it.

Hell, for that price I'd buy it and put it in the pile with the rest of the parts I have hiding in my barn for when I get around to building a SWB Jeep.

Good score!

r@m

[basalt51]

I'ld buy it for $600, sell it for $1200. Tell the guy he's getting a great deal, and put the money into the hp d30

[XJack]

Originally Posted by GPRSDLYT

not hi-jack but.....
30 spine inners / 27 spine outers, which u joints would they share? 297/760's?
-g

Yep - 760's

[mikedashg]

Originally Posted by Root Moose

Why?

Same shafts as a LP/HP D30.

Same knuckles, brakes, ball joints as a LP/HP D30.

HP D30 R&P is about the same strength as a LP Rubi D44.

HP D30 has better prop shaft angles.

What's the advantage?

Hell of a lot of work just for larger carrier bearings.

r@m

About the R&P. You said it's about the same strength? How so? Isn't a Dana 30 7.2" vs 8.5 in a Dana 44? Or is the Rubi special? What about tube size? 2.75 vs 2.5?