I am about to get my stock 3.73 changed to 5.13; the install shop informed me that I might want to consider getting chromoly F&R axle shafts or get the RCV front axle shafts. My question is do I really need to spend $1k extra on these shafts? My jeep is a DD and go muddy riding 2-3 times a year. Any help or input would be appreciated.

 

I think chromolys would be fine. I think RCV is overkill for a lot of people but they get them cause that's what everyone says they need. Actually run your stock and see how they do. Then decide.

 

Might just do that. Installer said not to go chromoly unless I'm running lockers one day. I would eventually like to get a dana 44 for the front.

 

5.13 gears in a D30 makes the ring and pinion an even greater weak point. Stronger shafts are probably not a good idea. RCVs should be avoided. Save the money and keep the stock shafts and hope they remain the weak point.

 

That 30 is stronger than most people want you to think. If you DD it and a little muddin you'll be fine.

 

I think I will skip the $1k for axle shafts and find another place to put that money!

 

When I regeared I had the shop sleeve (had already gusseted myself) and put Chromoly in the front. Locked both axles. OEM shafts in the rear. It has worked fine for me thus far (137K miles, much off-road use). Just be careful on the skinny pedal. If you get on it trying to clear those tires and you come out of the slippery stuff onto something hard, your risk of breaking something is higher. Also, that mud getting up in those axle shafts is going to cause damage. Expect the life of those inner axle seals to be much shortened. Don't be surprised if your unit bearings fail, and if you find that the axle shafts have been ground down at the point where the seal runs on it, making turning the shafts necessary (even for Chromoly). I've had it all and more. Generally I stay out of mud now. Just too hard on the gear.

 

i would gear and that's it. I did mine with 5:13's and ran it for about 3 years issue free with 35's

 

Leave your axle shafts as the weak link. It is much easier to change a shaft than it is to change the R&P.

 

What should be done if you're going with 5.13 gears? I was told that the ring and pinion are too small so it would require a larger housing.. Just look for a D44 or look at aftermarket brands like Currie or Dynatrac?