i can get a rubicon front axle for my xj. i think i can get it for under 800.00. is it a good deal

 

Sure, I would say so. IMO of coarse.

 

thats alot of money. whats wrong with your dana 30 ???

 

That's a real good price if the factory locker works and it's complete, especially if it has the gearing you want.

It would cost most people more then that to put a locker in a HP30.

 

What year Rubicon Axle is it? I believe the early Rubi axles came with dana 30 tubes and outers.

 

All Rubi front D44s come with D30 tubes and outers. The only D44 piece in those axles is the center section. If the guy wants $800 for it, I'd tell him he can keep it. Now, if you were to get a really smokin deal on one I'd say snag it up. The D30 front axles in the front of XJs are more stout than I first gave them credit for. Mine has taken some major abuse especially since adding the 4.56 gears and 32" tires. I'm putting an Aussie locker in mine as soon as Santa Clause (the wife) let's me open my presents. More on how it holds up to lower gears, bigger tires, and a locker.

 

My dana 30 is holding up great to my aussie locker and 33 inch tires. I still need the 4.56 part of the equation though.

 

actually im fairly certain that the new JK Rubi 44s are full Dana 44s.

 

they also have thicker axle shafts. i still wouldn't pay 800 for one though. a high pinion 30 with chromolys is just as strong if not stronger than a tj 44. for 800 bucks you could probably upgrade to a super 30 kit

 

If it's a complete Rubicon D44 from a TJ, I say ya it's worth it. They are D30 outer tubes and C's. But if you truss them there as strong as ant other D44.

I'd buy it...

 

You're better off buying a 30 spline ARB, shafts to match. and a truss

 

At that price you'd be ok depending on your needs. As mentioned the D44 has a different housing but something to think about IS the housing and what you plan on doing in the future. There's really 2 positives and 1 negative to that housing. The 2 positives are a) larger ring & pinion and b) allows 5.13:1 gearing. The negative is it's a low pinion vs. your high pinion.

You also have to consider the air source for the locker. The Rubi runs about 5 psi so you can either get a Rubi specific air pump or get a full OBA system and regulate the air going to the front axle.

There's a fine line between the D30 and D44's. As mentioned the biggest one is the size of the Ring & Pinion but there are thousands of guys running 35"/36" tires on the HP D30's without issues. I wouldn't recommend that size tire without at least getting some chromo's though...

Considering you already have a decent front axle I would only buy that axle if 1) you plan on going to 5.13:1 gears 2) It is already geared to what you need AND the locker works AND you plan on 35" + tires.

With that price I would have a hard time buying the Super 30 instead of this axle - the end price just doesn't make sense...

 

well said.

 

agreed. TJ Rubi 44s are LP.

 

I've already spent the money on 4.56 gears, new carrier and locker for my front HP D30. Guess I'll just save up for chromo shafts and truss and call it good. That thing has truly amazd me, so far. I've done things I thought would grenade it for sure. So far, its's still hanging tuff. I always run a part until it fails and then build something stronger.