Hey all- jk driveline engineer here and looking for some feedback from the people how know how to drive these jeeps... I'm a wheeler too and heard of some broken front axle shafts broken on the trail. I have tried an no luck braking one. Let me know if you have.

 

I sheared the front driver side shaft at the connection to the U-joint at the wheel on my 2013 JKUR. The front lockers were engaged and the wheels were spinning in the mud until I caught traction on a larger rock under the mud which stress the shaft and snap! A little wire on the U-joint to hold it out of the way and I was able to drive her home (160 miles). Not bad.

 

Broke the passenger side in Moab on my 12 JKUR with 35's.

Got a nice set of Chromoly's out of the deal

 

I've broken both sides. The first one was an acceptable break. Spinning tire in the snow, caught pavement, bang. The second pissed me off. I was locked up, slightly high centered on a rock. Barely gave it any gas, in soft dirt, and the damn thing broke at the u-joint. The factory axles are horribly weak. Both are now replaced with the "updated" factory unit. I only have the factory bfg mudders. We'll see if the updated ones are stronger. They are larger, so I'm hoping...

 

Yep.

 

2013 shafts are supposed to be stronger at the ears too.


2007 Rubicon /2 door/6 speed

 

I just spoke to a buddy of mine today who was on a trail run in Montana. He said 5 jeeps snapped their front axles. All were running lockers. 2 Rubi's and 2 Non Rubi JK and his Cherokee. The 3 were D30's with lockers and the Rubi's. He said all five vehicles broke just like this photo. I'm thinking they were locked and had all 4 tires on solid traction surfaces and he confirmed it. Two of the vehicles were within 2 years new.