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Rubicon axle upgrade

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Old Jul 20, 2010 | 11:36 PM
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Default Rubicon axle upgrade

Would it be worth putting a set of Rubicon axles underneath a Cherokee and is it possible to do? In addition, I have a set GM axles, GM 12 bolt and GM 10 bolt, would these be easier to install or better?
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Old Jul 20, 2010 | 11:44 PM
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are they tj rubicon or jk rubicon axles?

ps, anything is possible, with a welder and grinder.

Last edited by caged; Jul 20, 2010 at 11:49 PM.
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Old Jul 20, 2010 | 11:53 PM
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I am exploring the idea before I do anything. I'm sure there is a better of the two different axles? Would it be a simple swap?
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Old Jul 21, 2010 | 12:04 AM
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if they are TJ axles, the front i think are pretty much bolt in i think. The rear you will have to convert to leafs, which isnt tooooo hard.

The chevy axles are probably full width axles which will require a butt load more work compared to the TJ Rubi axles. I think the diff is on the wrong side of the chevy axle(pass drop, not drivers drop)
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Old Jul 21, 2010 | 12:17 AM
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or just link the rear and use coils. its not too hard to do. i plan on it when i get cash. check this out
http://redneckracingteam.com/Forum/i...p?topic=228.10
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Old Jul 21, 2010 | 12:32 AM
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Very cool! Love the pics. This is going to be fun, fun, fun. lol. Well, learning how to weld as well as he did.
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Old Jul 21, 2010 | 08:31 AM
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well, if you're willing to cut, grind and weld up a set of axles, i wouldn't start with rubicon axles. the tj rubi front is really only a d30/44 hybrid, and not to mention, very expensive.
and jk rubi axles, even tho a real d44 front, they have a different bolt pattern, so you need new wheels, so....

i would go with a set of late 70's ford d44/60 or 44/9 or even 60/60ff. will cost you less than a set of rubi axles, and a whole lot stronger. plus there are great aftermarket parts that are common and relatively cheap.
you can't hi-steer a rubi axle very easily.
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Old Jul 21, 2010 | 08:55 AM
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Rubi axles aren't but a little better than the D30 you have. They actually have the same outers, and the only real D44 parts are the center section, and ring and pinion. HTH!!
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Old Jul 21, 2010 | 03:20 PM
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but they are from a Rubicon so they have to be better
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Old Jul 21, 2010 | 04:24 PM
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JY prices for rubicon axles are silly silly money and not really worth it. Search some other options. wagoneer axles, 8.8 in the rear. both better choices then 1500 a peice for factory hybrids.
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Old Jul 21, 2010 | 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by PingPong
but they are from a Rubicon so they have to be better
Funny stuff!! LOL!!
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Old Jul 22, 2010 | 07:13 AM
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To me the only cool thing that a rubicon has is the 4to 1 case.. but thats it.. and that too can be bought in the form of a tera low kit.

AT the same time.. I dont understand why wrangler owners take their tops off and ride around sitting in the sun seems to me that would be hot
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Old Jul 22, 2010 | 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by caged
well, if you're willing to cut, grind and weld up a set of axles, i wouldn't start with rubicon axles. the tj rubi front is really only a d30/44 hybrid, and not to mention, very expensive.
and jk rubi axles, even tho a real d44 front, they have a different bolt pattern, so you need new wheels, so....

i would go with a set of late 70's ford d44/60 or 44/9 or even 60/60ff. will cost you less than a set of rubi axles, and a whole lot stronger. plus there are great aftermarket parts that are common and relatively cheap.
you can't hi-steer a rubi axle very easily.
well the first part ^ here about the d30 d44 hybrid is correct. second part is not correct, they are not expensive, I bought mine locked, gears, with superior shafts and ctms for $800. you cant build a 70's ford axle for that. you can find them on craigs in the PNW for under $800 stock with the air locker.

the custom ford axles IF you do it right with a locker, gears, and great alloy shafts and a great ujoint, you will be into it at least a grand. I run 35 krawlers that are super heavy and have not had a single issue with my rubi44. that being said im in the process of building my hp44. i will have probably $3000 into it after all said and done.

if you can get a rubi axle already built with gears shafts and ujoints, thats still a large advantage in my eyes over a d39
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