Hello guys, I'm in a bit of a decision issue. Right now I'm just finalizing the last parts I need to order for my XJ build. I got all sorts of fun parts in my garage just waiting for me to start my build. Without going into major detail (unless you want to know ) I'm going to be running a 5.5 RE long arm kit with 35's. For the rear end I got an 8.8 with ARB locker, 4.88's, Yukon shafts and such.

My issue now is the front end. I cant decide what to do. At first I was leaning towards a G2 complete axle with ARB and chromoly shaft with 4:88's. Then after researching the Rubi housing they use is not really a big upgrade over the Dana 30hp already in my 99 XJ.

Then I started looking at the Dynatrac prorock 44. That looks to be about $1,000 more than the built G2 coming in complete form. With a lead time that could be 6 weeks.

Then there is building the current Dana 30hp that I have. getting an ARB locker and 4.88's installed. As well as a truss system and gussets. I can do all the work on my jeep except gear installs. Something I dont have experience in.

With the cost of building my D30hp (ARB, gears, shafts and have the locker and gears installed) Im guessing I would be right around the $2500 mark or a bit more. Thats when I started leaning towards the G2 Dana 44. Not too thrilled with a low pinion front axle though.

Any advice would be much appreciated

I believe the reverse cut (hp) Dana 30 is roughly about as strong as the standard cut 44. Really is a bummer that you have to spend a good amount of change for something worth the upgrade.

low pinion in the front puts you at a massive disadvantage compared to the HP in the rocks. plenty of badness comes from that pinion being much more exposed, where an HP is a non issue. so if the G2 front end only comes LP, DONT BUY IT!

when looking at these costs, the correct answer in the first place was to go to a full width 8.8 rear and a dyna 44 front. that woulda been ****.

at this point I'd just have a stock D30 built to match the rear. $2500 sounds crazy to me, that should be the entire build plus steering and install costs. ARB in a D30 is nuts IMO, a grizzly would be more than sufficient, and still comfortable.

you'll have a lot of dollars tied up in a setup that will still break if you start getting to crazy with it. remember to keep cost vs resale value in mind when in case you decide you want to sell off all parts and not lose your butt (with expensive front axles, most people do)

Have you looked at http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-283...p-jeep-xj.html Or if you can weld i would look in to full widths like a dana 60 and 14 bolt rear.

I've had this exact same debate with myself many times. The answer I keep coming back to is a built HPD30 is going to be the best axle to match the 8.8 rear. 30 spline RCVs along with full truss, gusset, and ARB will make the D30 a very strong axle for 35s. I plan on doing the same set up, but running 37s and big brakes on the HPD30. I don't see any rocks in my area. Mostly just beach and muddy trails, so I think 37s are a viable option.

i also went over all this a year ago, g2 44 or dynatrac 44 or build my hp 30. to run 35's & wheel it w/ a sensible right foot. best cost wise vs performance to me was build the 30..... w/ 4.56 gears, eaton E-locker, chromoly inner & outer shafts etc.cost me $ 2000 w/ the gears & locker installed by a shop. ive wheeled it a lot & have not broke anything. advantages of the hp 30 are high ground clearance, lightweight, less cost involved.

RCV's? 30 spline!? 37" tires? Y'all are crazy. A fully polished D30 should cost you about $1800. Any more than that and you should be looking at a front axle that's actually worth it. Damn