[squashman702]

Originally Posted by -ZJones-

I've been thinking about this a lot the last few days after making a build list for the rest of this year and into the next. For the JK's all I would have to do is buy the axles from someone and then get the bracket kits. 4.10's would be fine with the 5.9 and 35's and selectable lockers would be cool too. I just don't know what I want to do. I would be picking up the axles Thursday if I go the waggy route or start saving for JK 44's if I decide on that. I'd like to get your opinions on what you think I should do.

Build list for the waggy 44's is on page 82 towards the bottom. JK 44's include, for the front, selectable electronic locker, 4.10 gears, brand new brake rotors and calipers and pads, 32 Spline outer axle shafts and 30 spline inners, 1350 U-joints in the axle shafts 35% stronger than the 5-760X found in any other Dana 44. And for the rear, Selectable electronic locker, 4.10 gears, brand new brake rotors, calipers, and pads, 1.4” diameter 32 Spline axle shafts.



Yes I know what I said about it before but **** happens.

It just seems to me that this might be the easier route. I know I've seen JK axles (44 rear, not Rubi) for $700 or B/O on CL. Even if you spent 2k per axle (which would be on the high side I would think), you'd still come out ahead in the end if you figure you spend $500 on brackets max. I'm sure if you waited around for the right deal, you'd end up spending a lot less money. I would think they'd be almost easier to find than Waggy 44's. I know the waggys are cheaper up front, but I'd imagine you'd end up replacing virtually everything besides the housing by the time you were done.

With the Rubi's
-No paying for regear
-No sourcing parts/waiting for deals
-Less risk of error (say brackets get welded on incorrectly, you find out you have cracks in the housing, etc etc)

There was an article in a magazine about the swap . . . not sure if it was JP or 4 wheel and offroad or what, but it definitely make it look pretty straightforward as far as axle swaps go. I'll try to find the link.

After all of this . . . keep in mind that I haven't done the swap myself. Just something I've put some thought into.

[bigbluezj94]

the jk 44s are just a really simple way to go about it. but you will have a lot more fun and feel more accomplished building the waggys. Plus my buddy has got a set in his garage and they are stout! haha Its really all up to you man. If it were me, i would realize that eventually you are going to graduate college, get a good job, move out and by something more reasonable as a daily driver. Then you'll wonder why you dont have 1tons under it. hhaha

[Jones]

Originally Posted by Goobersbro

The things I know about the jk 44's are they use dana 30 outers. Also guys I know that are running those axles hate the electronic lockers in them. You have to engage them before you hit an obstacle. You can't hit it open then wait till you get stuck and lock it up you have to lock it up then hit the obstacle. With an OX or arb you can try hitting it open before and if that doesn't work then lock in. but the electronic lockers require you to roll forward some 5 feet before they lock in. Don't know how big of a deal this is for you though

The JK 44's use Dana 30 outers too? I thought that was just for the TJ.

[ArloGuthroJeep]

I thought that was a TJ thing as well...JKers are throwing 37's on the stock axles and I hear of more axle TUBES breaking then axle shafts.

[squashman702]

AFAIK, the JK 44 is a true 44 . . . no D30 outers. That was TJ Rubicon.

[Goobersbro]

yea I just realized you were talking about jk's haha yea jk's are better because they are true haha

[WhiteOut]

The JK 44's are a true 44, its the TJ 44 that uses Dana 30 outers.

[Goobersbro]

OK OK OK lol I was wrong about the outers but the lockers do suck haha well if your into running stuff open they do

[Jones]

I've been doing a lot of research today and the JK axls are selling for ~$4,500 for the pair (with no brakes) and not much cheaper if they're used and the price keeps going up. If I'm going to spend that much on axles I want them to be exactly how I want it and not have to compromise with gears, etc.

Here's some pictures of what the Waggy axles look like. They look like they're in pretty good shape.

[Goobersbro]

just buy the waggys for heavens sake

[Jones]

I got the real price of the JK 44's, $2900 for the front and $2300 for the rear.


Update:

So I'm going with my orginal plan of building up the Waggy 44's. Picked them up today from the seller for $350. Holy crap, the front axle is so heavy and being 100+ degrees out didn't help much either. Well here they are sitting in the back of my jeep. They're gunna stay there till I can get some help to take them out.



The plan is still the same.

TnTcustoms.com
Wagoneer Dana 44 Truss
Upper Control Arm Mount (P)
HD Lower Coil Mounts
Upper Control Arm Mount (D)
Factory Track Bar Mount
HD Lower Control Arm Mounts

bjsoffroad.com
Detroit Lockers
4.56's w/ Master Installs
Rotor/Hub Assemblies
Warn Locking Hubs
Wheel Bearing Kits
Rear Axle Bearings and Seals Kits
Ball Joint Kits
Spindle Bearing Kits

ClaytonOffroad.com
Rear Long Arms
Bilstein Shocks
Coil Springs
Axle Bracket Kit
Track Bar

Dutchmanms.com
Custom Chromoly Shafts

eastcoastgearsupply.com
Alloy USA Chromoly Shafts

Solidaxle.com
Dana 44 Solid Diff Covers

tsmmfg.com
Disc Brake Conversion with Calipers

TirePackage.com
5 BFG KM2’s

[k9popo]

Good choice Brian, it will be a great build up thats for sure...

[MoonyJohn]

Looks like you need some different rims...

[Jones]

Originally Posted by MoonyJohn

Looks like you need some different rims...

Yep, 6 on 5.5 wheels. I'll probably go with cragars.

[Jones]

How the hell do I get the rotor of the front axle? Do I have to take off the hub cap? Yes I took off the caliper already.

Edit: for my front waggy 44 not the Dana 30.