When I recently did all the work to the front end of my Jeep I noticed when I pulled the axle shafts out that the u joints were completely shot on the driver side. I was able to source some near brand new take offs from another vehicle. I got them home and went to install without really thinking much else about it and when I went to put the three bolts in that hold the wheel bearing on I noticed that the flanges of the bolts interfered with the yoke portion of the shaft. I was able to throw the bolts on the lathe and just take off about .040" of the total diameter of the flange and everything clears just fine now. When comparing the two it's obvious that these joints are larger than the stock Sahara joints. They splined into the carrier just fine and everything else seems to match up but the u joint portion is definitely larger. I'm just wondering what did I actually get?

 

I think they got thicker yokes in 2013 or so. Maybe I am all wet tho.

 

The yokes were redesigned but I don't recall the year. The new style yoke is accompanied by slightly smaller diameter wheel bearing retaining bolts to clear the yoke.

I was thinking the change was 11/ 12 but it could be 13.

 

Yes the yokes got beefier in 13' and up which cause some clearance issues with install of the new Teraflex ball joints in some cases also.

 

I was in the axle doing gears, ball joints, and a cut and turn caster correction when I noticed it. Seemed to be easy enough to make some clearance on the bolts for it and nothing else binds up so I guess I'm good.

 

So does the new design also take the same axle ujoint as the Rubi?

 

About two years ago my axles were replaced at the dealer. I noticed that they were bigger. They told me the new versions are beefier. But they installed them so I don't know what else was done to make it fit.

I'd like to know which u-joints fit because I carry a brand new spare in my tool box. Hopefully, it's the right one

 

I cant tell if its bigger or if its just the joints that are. I hope its bigger all the way around.

 

My Buddy has a 12 with the bigger axles, but we weren't sure if they decided to go with Rubi U joints.