My intention is to go with the front D44, I think it's a pretty good deal at around $1500.

 

You got that right! Can't beat it with a stick! The rear unit aint bad, either.

 

1500 for a front 44 seems like a great price. You could also watch for people selling their 44s when they upgrade to a larger axle. Depending on where you live this could be a better deal with some minor mileage if you look for used.

 

...and don't forget salvage yards.

 

The JK's D30 is about as strong as the old D44's, just like the JK D44's are closer to a Ford 9" now, etc...due to upgrades.

So - for up to 35's, the D30 upfront is probably all you need for the light wheeling described, and more than that if you are not skinny pedal crazy.



The Aussie Locker, for ~ $250, is different from the other non-selectable lockers in that it makes the outside tire turn faster than the inside tire on turns while POWERING BOTH tires.

This makes it the most street friendly of the full time lockers. So ALL non-selectable lockers will crab MORE than an open diff, just like ALL LSD equipped diffs will on ice, etc...the Aussie will be the most controllable of the lot.

A front LSD does about the same thing, and I think the ECTED says its a limited slip when not locked IIRC.

The ARB and Ox are an open diff when unlocked though.

If doing an axle upgrade, the MOPAR JK option is a no brainer....but, you WILL need to change the REAR diff gears too, as the MOPAR front D44's are of course geared for 4.10's to match the Rubi rear D44's, etc.

AND, as long as you're changing the rear gears...well, might as well do BOTH ends with the diff gear ratio you REALLY want, etc.



Just

Empty

Every

Pocket

 

There is no reason not to get the 44! I just installed my rubi axle under my X and love it. Alot of people are using a ARB switch instead of buying the factory harness and switch panel...which saves alittle money

 

Teej is right on target. The high-pinion 30 is nearly as strong as a low pinion 44. Many a high pinion 30 was salvaged from the Chrokees as a stronger front axle upgrade to the YJ and TJ's. The only reason I would swap my HP D30 would be to go with an axle that provided lockout hubs. This is why the Rubi D44 is not an option I am considering.
Full time front locker and snow. I've run full time front lockers for years in my old YJ. We get plenty of snow and more ice than most. This is rarely an issue. Only in certain off camber, off road, situations did it ever become an issue. Careful driving let me navigate out of any situation caused by the front locker. The benefits of the front locker far out weigh any drawbacks. You will not even know the front locker exists until you engage 4wd.
I've run both lock-rites and Detroits in front. The aussie locker will behave similarly to either

 

Thanks for the response guys. I think I'll keep my eyes open for a used 44 and slap an aussie in there for the time being. I have 4.10's already so could get away with only doing the front.

 

What about the option of keeping the D30, reinforcing the C's with gussets, upgrading the shafts, and adding an ARB locker? Would this not be stronger than a Rubi 44 with the exception of the Ring and Pinion for near the same price? I am also in the boat of trying to decide between upgrading my d30, or replacing it with a Rubi 44.

 

Yes, you can do all of this to your d30 but the 44 just makes more sense!! Plus when you are talking about your jeep its alot cooler to say "Yeah I have 44's front and rear" instead of "Yeah I've got a dana 30 & 44"....just something to think about.