Hello everyone I’m new here so bare with me , I have a 2008 rubicon new complete front axle installed by Jeep 16 months ago 4500.00 front wheels locked up while four wheeling and broke front drive shaft wheels will turn in opposite direction while on jacks but locked on the ground any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

trying to envision what happened here. I think the terminology "locked up" might be confusing since we're talking about an axle with lockers. Do you mean the front wheels kinda seized, wouldn't turn, TC kept turning that DS and it twisted and snapped? or, do you mean the differential locker was turned on and the DS simply broke randomly? With the wheels in the air they are turning opposite directions as you'd expect with an open diff (locker not actuated), but on the ground you're saying the tires don't turn at all or that on the ground the locker is acting as though it's engaged??

 

Welcome to JK Forum, new install MOPAR 16 months ago.. Who did the install and do you know the terms of the warranty?

 

The front wheels just locked up which in turn broke the front drive shaft so even with the drive shaft broken front wheels will not turn going forwards or backwards with it in the locked position or unlocked position.

 

Out of warranty because they used performance parts which only come with 6 month warranty from Jeep.

 

Yup, that is something you're gonna have to open that diff up, likely pull the carrier out and see what's going on. i can't quite fathom how they turn while tires are in the air but not on the ground. that doesn't make sense to me. I presume this is out of warranty period otherwise you wouldn't be asking.

I'd start by draining the gear oil and removing the cover and getting eyes on things.

 

If the driveshaft broke but the front wheels turn when off the ground it sounds like ring and pinion are locked up. With the wheels off the ground the differential would still allow the tires to rotate as long as the locker itself isn’t engaged (similar to how the rear wheels will rotate even in park/gear). Definitely time to open it up, I’m wondering if a bolt or something came loose and has either lodged between the ring gear or carrier and the housing, or between the ring and pinion itself.

Sucks about the warranty, sometimes you’re better off going with an independent shop that will stand behind their work.