JK Axles

[Fshnfvr]

Ok guys I recently got a Comanche of which I'll post pics, register and start a build thread soon.  However, I have a quick question I hope someone can answer.

 

My plans are a camping rig on 35s and a rear locker.  So here is the question.  I have a chance to pick up a set of JK axles (44 rear 30 front) complete with 4.88 gears and diff covers for $2K.  Is that a good price?  Anyone done this swap?  I know they make kits for the front and the back would just be spring perches I assume.  Overall seems like a realatively easy swap.  

 

What do you guys think?

[MiNi Beast]

👎 

[derf]

I wouldn't give more than $500 for a set of built up non-Rubicon JK axles.  If they were from a Rubicon, they might be worth a little bit more but not much.

 

For completely stock axles, I wouldn't give more than $200 (junkyard prices)

[A-man930]

I've considered this exact swap and quickly steered away because of the JK price gouge factor.

 

$2k sounds about right.  They shouldn't cost that much, but they're for a JK so they're gold plated 

[MJCARENA]

Seems like a  good deal. The price of having axles regeared is quite a bit. Are they just open diffs or some kind of locker or limited slips.

[Fshnfvr]

Open diffs. I went back with some of these comments and it looks like I can get them for $1500. With the regear that seems like a fair price for my area. Junkyard 44s stock go for $1000. 

[MiNi Beast]

Those aluminum axles have issues bending. But honestly sounds like you 🤔 have mind made up. Run it.  regear is done. you can handle fab work swapping them. Give him 1400 and send me a beer bang when your rolling. I like my 4.88s. Easy enough add a lunchbox. Just do it. 

[Fshnfvr]

6 minutes ago, MiNi Beast said:

Those aluminum axles have issues bending. But honestly sounds like you 🤔 have mind made up. Run it.  regear is done. you can handle fab work swapping them. Give him 1400 and send me a beer bang when your rolling. I like my 4.88s. Easy enough add a lunchbox. Just do it. 

Definitely not set at all.  I know I don't need or want 1 tons so this seemed good. I’m open to anything that makes sense. In fact they would sit for a bit as I have some other things to do first. What would you recommend?  TJ axles seem the easiest but seem to be harder to find in my area. But again I can hold out. 

[MiNi Beast]

What are your plans tire wise 🤔 then build for 2" tire size over that then 👍 hell i directly bolted in my 14 bolt rear added discs and 4.88 gears all under 600. Front is a 44 with 4.88s and upgrade steering and tracbar, with lunchbox all under 800. Can be done. If no need to rush then don't. You can source same if not better then what your looking at. But if want it now and know what you are getting may just be worth it. Biggest thing with what old timers will tell you, is you plan for what you want in the whole picture kinda way. Save time and money in the long run. I'd say you should pass and spend 2k on tires. That's where money goes if you legit. 

[Fshnfvr]

I stated in the opener 35” tires was the plan. 

 

ill never go bigger this isn’t a hardcore wheeler. I have a Jeep for that. This is a back country explorer, hunting and camper. Moderate trails only.   I also don’t want to add too much width. Some is ok but bot full-size of tons. 

[derf]

4 hours ago, A-man930 said:

I've considered this exact swap and quickly steered away because of the JK price gouge factor.

 

$2k sounds about right.  They shouldn't cost that much, but they're for a JK so they're gold plated 

Not around here.

Rubicon axles carry a premium but non-rubicon axles aren't worth much, especially with no lockers.

[89 MJ]

Is your Jeep already 4x4?

[Fshnfvr]

Yes it’s 4WD

[MiNi Beast]

[89 MJ]

29 minutes ago, Fshnfvr said:

Yes it’s 4WD

Then why swap the front axle? You’d be going D30 to D30. I’d swap it with one from a 97+ and do a Ford 8.8 rear. Then it will be as strong (maybe stronger) than the JK axles for a fraction of the cost. You could probably do it for $500 or less. 

[MiNi Beast]

1 minute ago, 89 MJ said:

Then why swap the front axle? You’d be going D30 to D30. I’d swap it with one from a 97+ and do a Ford 8.8 rear. Then it will be as strong (maybe stronger) than the JK axles for a fraction of the cost. You could probably do it for $500 or less. 

I think the gearing has a small part in wanting to swap

[Fshnfvr]

Damn you guys are tough. Here is why I thought it would be easier clearly I’m an idiot I get it now.

 

first they are being sold as a pair and rubicon axles are a premium at least where I am and I don’t NEED a 44 front. 

 

Second a JK 30 gets rid of the CAD and is already geared to 4.88 which is my desired gearing. 
 

Third the JK 44 is clearly stronger than my current axle and again geared for 4.88. 
 

and I’m not capable to regear myself. Or at least I never have and don’t have the tools. 
 

it would then be disk brakes all around and JK bolt pattern for a set of JK wheels I already have. 
 

But don’t worry I’ll pass. 

[ghetdjc320]

Not a bad price if everything is included and is in good shape. Also the JK housings are not aluminum so let’s quash that rumor... Stock JK axles are basically the same as stock rodeo/passport rear axles from 98 and up but with a different lug pattern. 

[ghetdjc320]

Also, you don’t need to look for a 97+ d30. Any ABS XJ pre 2000 will have a HP D30 with the larger u joints. My 91 front axle is a non disconnect and has the larger u joints. The JK d30 isn’t a big upgrade over the XJ 30. You can grab a nice rear d44 from a rodeo/passport and most come stick with 4.88’s. Cheap too. We have a post here about the different options

[89 MJ]

9 hours ago, Fshnfvr said:

and I’m not capable to regear myself. Or at least I never have and don’t have the tools. 
 

it would then be disk brakes all around and JK bolt pattern for a set of JK wheels I already have. 
 

But don’t worry I’ll pass. 

Oh, this changes it a bit. Wheels and tires are going to be expensive. If you already have JK wheels and tires, that might make it more justifiable.