Swirlchaser

Hey guys,

while exploring my axle options someone recommended a JK axle swap. I'm told the JK front 30 is stronger than the XJ 30 and the newer rear D44's are even stronger than previous D44's. They are both 5" wider as well. The axles are pretty cheap which makes up for the additional fab work required. Is anyone running JK axles in their XJ?

xjmarc

Not worth the hassle. Search the JK D30 and you'll find they like to break at the inner C which would mean they aren't stronger but quite the opposite. They also use an oddball u-joint that's fun to find and expensive. The rear D44 isn't bad and has 33 spline shafts but with the matching D30 front the cons outweigh the pros. Also you'd have to remove all the brackets and weld on new ones since nothing matches up.

Swirlchaser

There is definitely extra fab work but at less than $500 for the pair it looked interesting. Maybe I'll stick with the Ford 8.8 and beef up my D30.

weeder

Jk axles are weaker, i wheel with a buddy on 35s, gussets and aussie locker. He has 1 ton steering and his tre's are blown already after replacing them end if last year. He has to baby his axle because of its weakness. He put synergy bj's in it and swore he saw the c's flexing. Keep your 30 sleeve or truss it, gusset it and swap the ca mounts out or gusset them and you will be fine.

xj_maniac_newb

It's been done. Searching is your friend.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/x-...-my-xj-127744/

Swirlchaser

I found that thread, but no reports on how it's holding up. I don't wanna do a swap just for the hell of it. If it's a proven setup I'll take a shot, if not I'll go back to plan A.

xj_maniac_newb

Not worth the effort. The gains in strength (if any) will be marginal at best.

Swirlchaser

I wouldn't mind the D44 rear but the front is worrying me. Using one makes no sense, looks like an 8.8 rear is in the future. The 30 lives to wheel another day.