Cute JK Dana 44

um...can I hate you?

Best reinforcing JK axle modifications to date imo.

lol, damn, that one is almost exactly likethe one I have in the works right now, was even thinkning about painting the knuckles red, eh..oh well

So what will be the weak link when it breaks? Something has to give.......

John L said:

So what will be the weak link when it breaks? Something has to give.......

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The housing won't break. But a wise man once taught me to make the driveshaft pinion u-joint the weak link. Easy to change on the trail, and won't cause further damage. So I've always stuck with a 1310 pinion u-joint.
In this axle, I'll be converting to 1330. I'm not a throttle junkie either. I pick a good line and finesse my way through it.

Looks great..

Dat's one sexy axle.

Got a part number and/or a source for those ball joints?

If you don't mind what is the total cost? I'm curious as to how it would compair to a junkyard D60 with new innards.

It sure is "cute"

Nice I wish I had trused mine when I did the gussets and tube sleeves. Oh well guess I'll do it one day

Duke said:

If you don't mind what is the total cost? I'm curious as to how it would compair to a junkyard D60 with new innards.

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About $450 for parts. (Not including shafts or gears). Did the work myself, so that was free.

any info on the type/ size/ diameter steel used for the short tube gusset?

Wonder if I could pick up a piece like that at Tractor Supply or Home Depot?

Very nice job now GO BEAT ON IT!
report back

StubEXrube said:

any info on the type/ size/ diameter steel used for the short tube gusset?

Wonder if I could pick up a piece like that at Tractor Supply or Home Depot?

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I have plenty of steel at the house

"Cute", that thing is downright sexy. I like it. Just curious, with all the expense and time spent on it would you say that it is worth it over the additional costs to get a 60 front end? Taking into account the newly acquired strength of your setup vs the a 60's strength as well.

scrogg said:

"Cute", that thing is downright sexy. I like it. Just curious, with all the expense and time spent on it would you say that it is worth it over the additional costs to get a 60 front end? Taking into account the newly acquired strength of your setup vs the a 60's strength as well.

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I think it was well worth it. A High Pinion D60 with 5.13's, a selectable locker, and all new parts would have cost much more. I eliminated all of the weaknesses that this housing is known for, and the gears are already the size of D60 gears. I'm confident that this thing would hold up to 40's pretty well. I'm running 37's now, so I should be plenty safe.
Not to mention, the axle came with the Jeep!

As far as the time and effort... I really enjoy doing the work, so I don't think of it as labor. Just playing with my toys. :cookiemonster:

Nice work

Holy Chit! Thats some cool looking 44!