Topic: Rubicon Axle in a YJ?

[sharpxmen]

Hi guys,
Just wondering if any of you saw or hear of a Rear D44 Rubicon put in a YJ. I found one at a wreckers (he has both front and rear) and by looking at them i can see the front having an airline for the locker but the rear doesn't. Did some reading and apparently the Rubicon D44 rear has a limited slip and (not sure) some e-locker which dunno how it works. There are some wires going into both front and rear diffs, if the front is air actuated not sure what they are used for and for the rear i can guess is for the locker - although reading about the auburn ected (not the one in the Rubicon) they are saying that it's slip is controlled by the PCM, so i am a little scared that is the same with the Rubicon (front/rear). If any of you knows how these axles/lockers work plese enlighten me - googled a few "dana 44 rubicon locker ..." couldn't find anyhting detailed enough or some article of a successful swap into a YJ - i know there is a lot of work, cut, weld, etc since YJ is leaf spring and TJ is coil but if the price is wright with lockers and everything it might just be worth it. Thanks in advance.

[Jeffy]

You can use them under a YJ if you cut the brackets off and add new perches.  The width is fine for both.  You migth want to get the compressor harness and lines from the TJ to make life easier.  The compressor sits next to the transfer case.


Here is some info on the Rubicon D44: http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php?topic=472.0

[sharpxmen]

it's just that the rear does not have the air tube for the locker - not sure how it works. On the front one i can see both the vent and the air pressure fitting, on the rear only the vent

[Bounty Hunter]

They should both be air actuated if they are from a Rubi.  Sounds like they paired the front up with a non-rubi 44.

I wouldn't get too excited about them, they have the same thin-wall tubing and outers as the weaker D30 and D35.  Only thing you're gaining is ring and pinion strength, lockers, and gear selection.

Buck up for some real D44's, or install an 8.8 rear and be done.  Your HP D30 is a decent axle compared to LP Rubi front D44.

[sharpxmen]

went today to have another look - you're right both are air lockers - they took the axles out so the airline was easy to spot that way. Seems that with some 30 spline Superior Axles + locker you get the same strength, so after adding all up including the work to modify these for a YJ it's probably the same cost with buying lockers and axles for the 30/35s i have. Well, just liked the way it would've sound D44 front/rear ...

[wrangler387]

The front rubi 44, is a hybrid 44/30. So i wouldn't really get that, the rear one i believe still uses the weaker TJ dana 44 axle tubes also. If you want dana 44s F/R, you can look into waggy 44, or a waggy front and izusu/scout rear etc (bountyhunter has a waggy front and isuzu rear)... a 44 and 8.8 would be a nice combo also. I wouldn't bother putting money into the dana 35 though, everything about the axle is weak, i'd look for something stronger (dana 44, yota 8",  ford 8.8" or 9").

[Jeffy]

Another thing to consider is how big or small you want your Jeep to be.  If you're content with running 35's or less then Rubicon axles will probably be fine.  This also is dependent on how aggressive you drive and the trails.  Like I've mentioned in the FAQ, the Rubi front D44 is only different on the outers.  The only downside is that you're limited to 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern and the lack of cheap manual hubs. (Warn and MileMarker make some $$$$ conversions) If you don't want to change wheels or don't want premium manual hubs for whatever reason it's the best option for the front.  You will still be able to regear it below 4.88:1.

The rear uses D35c axle tubes which is a bit of a let down.  This kept mfg. time down but you do lose strength.  D35c axle tubes do flex a bit.  I think the axle tube flanges are D35c too.  You could truss the housing though.  If you're not planning on doing anything too hardcore and don't want to change a whole lot then Rubi D44's would be a fair compromise.  You might also want to check other forums 4Sale forums to see if anything is selling their D44's (Converted for YJ).  There are some good deals out there.