opinions on rear axle?

[jpotts]

So, I am looking at upgrading the drivetrain on my TJ. I am currently in the process of building a new front axle - a SpiderTrax 609 w/ ARB, 35 spline alloys, 5:38's, etc. I also have an Atlas II 5:1 sitting in a box.

I'd like to get some opinions on what to do with the rear. I am currently running a D-44 w/ stock shafts, ARB, & 4:88s. I also have a 14-bolt that is bone stock sitting on the side of my house. I would like to run ~40" tires and stretch the wheelbase to ~106".

So it was suggested to me by someone that upgrading the D44, cryo'ing the gears, going w/ 35 spline alloys, etc. would be preferable to running the boat-anchor 14-bolt even if it was shaved. I'm hoping to get some other opinions as I am leaning one way but am still somewhat undecided.

[chopped7]

since you're asking for opinions, mine is go the the 14b. you can sell your 44 to cover the cost of building it. size does matter.

[slickrrr]

im interested in your dana 44 if you like chopped's opinion

[AZXJ]

Sell the boat Anchor, and the D44 and go with a Spider 9 in the Rear! :D

[lancetkenyon]

I will be running the D44 with cryoed gears and 35 spline with a spool. Going to 41-13-17 Comp Claws in the semi-near future. I will let you know how they hold up.

[bab]

had a 14bolt for years hella stout but i think it wont work for you the lowest gears avalible are 5.13 last i checked ,you said you had 5.38 in the front remember i am just giving my 2 cents but it is a good axle and easy to modify

[ademster]

5.38 is available for the 14 bolt.

I would go with the 14 bolt. its strong and parts are easily available.

[Heinz57]

umm, 14 bolt, cheap way stronger than the small stuff, did I say cheap, and have not seen a 14 bolt with 40" tires be a problem. If you stick with the 44 you can only build it so much before it breaks then you have a bunch of expensive parts with some broken. Did I mention you can stick with the stock axle shafts and more than likely never have issues? Plus you can shave it some and it ends up being like 3/4" lower than a 60!! And should you get hung up on something, just back up and hit it harder...won't break it!

Good Luck

[azcharlie]

FWIW, I plan to run a 14 bolt and it was cheap bought it off CL for $100.00. Then sell my D44 and recover the money I spend building a much stronger rear axle. I was planning going to go with a D60 but after doing some research the $$ started to add up with getting it bored out and chromo 35spline shafts.

[jpotts]

Sell the boat Anchor, and the D44 and go with a Spider 9 in the Rear! :D

That was the original thought. I'm having a hard enough time collecting the funds to complete the front.:piggy:

[Oc1paddler]

40" tire you won't even notice how big the 14 bolt is. You will break the 44. Maybe not right away but it will go boom. I dont' think that you should even have a doubt on what way to go.

[probable cause]

man i'm jealous jaime i want to go fr and rear spidertrax.

[TRLR8TDTJ]

Stick with 14b, or go with Dana 70u. I have d70 sitting in garage. They are already smooth on the bottom. If you already have 14b just built that all you need is brakes gears and locker, and cover.

Kyle

[desertfabmotors]

Depends on what is the biggest tire you plan on running.
How hard do plan on beating on it.

If you are going to run 40's or bigger and have a small budget then the 14blt is your best bet.

Todd

[jpotts]

Thanks for the info guys. Next question. Can any shops around here shave the 14 bolt for me? Or am I gonna have to figure that out on my own? I sure I can grind/cut the housing, but I can't weld it. Also, do you have to go so low as to need to shave the ring gear?

[xjstocker]

Thanks for the info guys. Next question. Can any shops around here shave the 14 bolt for me? Or am I gonna have to figure that out on my own? I sure I can grind/cut the housing, but I can't weld it. Also, do you have to go so low as to need to shave the ring gear?

ive heard of people shaving the ring gear. toy box auto in tempe can probably handle the shaving for you. carlos has a little experience with it:D

[SavageSun4x4]

There is not much you can do to the D44 that will allow it to stand up to 40" tires. Albeit you can most likely build the internals strong enough then you run into the housing and tubes as your new weak link. In addition, the cost is about $$$$$ to get that D44 up to that level of abuse and even then it will not work in the LONG RUN.

The 14B you have is a stout axle and can be beefed further, but there is some limitation on axle gears, not sure what, but one poster said 5.13's and I think he is right on that.

That said your set up with 5.38's + 5:1 Atlas, I wonder what kind of trans you will use and what engine?

Applying the RCI (Rock Crawling Index) you have a 2.69 and the relative number is 2.12. (I assumed a transmission gear of 4.0) You are going to have one heck of a rock rig :drummer: You certainly will not be any slouch on the trails. RCI info here: http://www.savagesun4x4.com/enter/viewpoints-technical_discus/rock_crawling_index_rci_dis.html

Let us know how this progresses it sounds great!!

[jpotts]

Thanks again for the input. I am definitely thinking that I'll go with the 14-bolt. I'll probably sell the 44 to someone who wants to upgrade from a d35. I believe that 5.38 is a fairly new gearset for the 14-bolt, but they are definitely available from Yukon.

GM 14 Bolt 5.38 Ring and Pinion (Thick)
Price: $237.77
Manufacturer: Yukon
Part Number: YGGM14T-538T

Don, I'm still using the stock 4.0 engine w/ the 5-speed. At this point, I have no plans to upgrade either.

[SavageSun4x4]

Thanks again for the input. I am definitely thinking that I'll go with the 14-bolt. I'll probably sell the 44 to someone who wants to upgrade from a d35. I believe that 5.38 is a fairly new gearset for the 14-bolt, but they are definitely available from Yukon.

GM 14 Bolt 5.38 Ring and Pinion (Thick)
Price: $237.77
Manufacturer: Yukon
Part Number: YGGM14T-538T

Don, I'm still using the stock 4.0 engine w/ the 5-speed. At this point, I have no plans to upgrade either.

Thanks. The only real question then becomes engine RPM's. Now I think with the 40" tires you will be fine. If you find yourself running out of RPMs you could got to 42's.

The new BFG KM2's come in both a 40 and 42. The 40 is in a 17" wheel size and the 42 is in a 20" wheel.

42x14.50R20 C 41.8 3640@35

Your rig is taking a good shape and keep us informed maybe post a few pics :)

[rockreadyyj07]

14 bolt