Just purchased a brand new front PR 44 housing and starting to make a list for the build. I am swapping out my d30 for this beast . This is the Limited housing but did not come with the ball joints.. i had a chance to pick up a set of 30 spline rubi shafts that are in great condition and considered using them for the build but dont have my heart set on that yet. Also, this housing was not made to fit the factory elocker, so i will either have to make provisions for an air locker or go another route. As i am looking to jump up to 37s, will the 30 spline rubi shafts hold up or what are some other good options for chromo shafts?? Good gear sets for 4.88 ratio? Any other good options for selectable locker aside from arb?(every shop under the sun recommends arb air lockers above anything else, there has to be other decent options out there?!). Moog ball joints, warrantied and can get replacements over the counter at local parts stores... but are they reliable? Any other words of advice are greatly appreciated. My first axle build and want to make it count .

 

Theres the old gal... 2010 with a 6 speed. Shall i go 4.88 with 37s? I have been running 35s with the stock 3.73 and have gotten used to it, although, i really wouldnt mind having some more pep.

 

Pretty sure that you can't use the stock Rubi axle shafts since you got the none Rubi housing. And especially because you can't use the Rubi locker, you'll likely have a different spline count. Your choices for selectable locker are the eaton e-locker or the ARB. I like eaton and you don't need a compressor to run it.

As for axle shafts, you'll need to get the RCVs for that axle or have some custom made to fit.

 

Confirming my comment above. That housing requires custom axle shafts. You'll be around $800 for chromo, so just pony up and get the RCVs.

The unfortunate thing here is that you would have saved money buying a built PR44 from Northridge.

 

Custom made?? What kind of shafts would i need? There is a driveline specialists minutes from my house that more than likely would be up to the task.. i have had them rebuild driveshafts and inspect the rubi shafts after i purchased them. Also, do you think the eaton can take the punishment that an arb can? I already run powertanks and mounting a compressor just for the locker never was too appealing

 

Well, i kinda scored a great deal on the housing i bought. I will save a considerable amount even with the rcv shafts and an arb if i go that route. Even after the front and rear gear and locker install that i had quoted, still under the cost of the pre built pr 44. Also, i love northridge, they are a short trip up the highway from me

 

If you haven't found it yet, on Dynatracs website, find the PR44, then down at the bottom click the Downloads tab. There is a good FAQ with a bunch of info on the housings, with sections pertaining to axle shafts lengths and one about which versions of the ARB lockers, both 30 and 35 spline, work in these axles. Might be worth a read.

The factory e-locker and both the 30 and 35 spline ARB are the only selectables listed. Along with the detroit locker and detroit truetrac. Haven't seen any information on the new 4-pin eaton e-locker fitting these housings yet, but you could call and ask if it interests you. (and then update the thread with the answer)

Have you decided between 30 and 35 spline shafts? You might do that first, since it may limit the options.

Several people have mentioned using balljoints from Napa and other parts stores without issue. And a few said they had to replace before too long. If they have a warranty and you don't mind replacing them whenever they fail, go for it. I am still on the 'factory' balljoints that shipped with my pr44, but will be swapping them for synergy bj's before too long. And for shafts, I went cheap and ordered it with just 30sp alloy inners, and re-used the stock 32sp outers from my d30.

 

Thanks nthinuf. Like i said, i had hopes of using the rubi shafts i had picked up but wasnt positive if they were the best choice. Got them at a good enough deal anyhow. 30 spline probably would suit my needs well enough. I will give the dynatrac site a look. I have done a bit of searching while i had time but figure the folks on this site can give better opinions on what has worked for them.

 

I was talking to a Northridge4X4 rep the other day about a PR44 and RCV shafts. I told him I'd like 35 spline shafts and he stopped me. He said that with the PR44 the 35 spline RCV's are tapered down at the ends to fit through the seals. Therefore making the 35's a little weaker than the 30's that have no taper. I have gone back and forth, but he said he has had quite a few rigs come in with the ends broke off of their 35 spline RCV's that are stuck in a PR44

 

I replaced my Dana 30 last year on my 09 JKU auto this is what I went with ..... PR44, RCV's, Reid Knuckles, Dynatrac ball joints, ARB air locker, Yukon 5.13 gears.... Rolling on 37" MTR's on Mickey Thompson wheels.... Good luck