I have a 2008 Rubicon with many modifications. It has been off road a few times, but would like to get it ready to take it out more often.




1. Front Axle - I know that one of the major issues to address is the front axle. I cant decide if it is worth it to buy all of the parts needed to increase the strength, but O am not a welder. So I will have to pay someone to do the modifications. I am mechanically inclined and have most if not all tools needed to do an axle swap. Am I better off in the long run (money wise such as labor/parts) to upgrade to a dana 60 and swap them out myself or strengthen the current dana 44? I have already had the stock gearing swapped out for 5.13 in the current axles.

2. Onboard Air - want it (doset everyone?) cant decide on mounting location. Have seen the 2gal option mounting tank in front of engine and the pump in the enging bay as well. like this option, but really want a clean look. I much prefer the tank under the vehicle and the pump behind the tail light. River Raider makes a nice tank and evap canister skid plate. Anyone have any feedback on this option?

3. Skid plate protection - Want a complete system to cover it all. River Raider makes an all in one kit that seem to fit the requirements. Anybody have any other ideas?

4. Roll Cage - Want full protection option that looks good as well. Current options are ******* Suspension or the River Raider kits. I do have some concern over how the River Raider unit conects in the front and the support it will provide.

Any other ideas???? (would love to do the V8 option but dont want to drop 15-20k on it)

 

How do I get my pics to post?

 

Up in Forum Support is a 'how to post pics' sticky.

 

1. Depends on usage and tire size.
- Add up all of the costs of building your rubi 44.
- Buy a PR44 housing and drop all of you rubi components into it.
- Buy a new PR44 and sell your rubi44
- Buy a 60 and sell your r44.

A PR44 is a significant improvement over your rubi44. Is the cost justified over building a rubi? More than likely. So the real question is - do you need a D60? My guess is that for 'most' of us, a PR44 is plenty stout, and a 60 is overkill unless you just have a lot of disposable cash.


2. Nothing wrong with either setup. Another benefit to an undercarriage mount is that you can stuff a bigger tank in, which could be a bonus. You might also look into a Kilby belt driven kit as opposed to an electric compressor.

4. While sport cages may be 'adequate', you should look in to custom cages also. Or a sport front/custom rear. At least price it out for comparison.

 

So what axle upgrades are the best bang for the buck?

 

There is a lot of debate on this, just depends on your needs/usage/budget.

C Gussets
Inner Sleeves
Outer Sleeves
Truss
CA Skids
Upgraded Mounts (trackbar, ca)
Whatever I missed?

C Gussets should top the list. Then inner or outer sleeves, or both. (not doing inner sleeves leaves the option of moving to a 35sp ARB when your stock locker goes south)

But, no matter how much money you dump into it, it is still a stock axle, and can't come close to comparing to a PR44...

 

leaning twards just upgrading the front to a Dana 60 from everything I am reading on the forum. By the time I buy the new housing and pay someone to swap everything over, It will be within 1-2K of a Dana 60. Decisions Decisions