NevadaZielmeister

Is is true that if you run an ARB locker, you would also have to install onboard air? Would there be an electronic alternative to the ARB locker then?

I admit, those ARB lockers are nice.

Bleachbone

Thats exactly what I was thinking, a nice D44 housing up front is all I need for my current setup, but I know I will be going bigger/more powerful in the next couple years. So Id rather not drop 4-5k on a good D44 that will just be replaced when I upgrade the rest of the rig. A Currie Rock Jock is a good choice of a D60 housing correct? Probably paired with 35 spline and a detroit locker

SoK66

Just reading through this, based upon where you are and what you plan to do with the rig you don't need a D60, particularly in front. D60s are a MAJOR weight gain and only worth it if you plan some very serious wheeling, a major weight gain from powertrain upgrades, armor, etc. and 40" tires. You MIGHT want to consider 60s once you have the build spec'd out, which at this point I don't see in your comments. The stock rear D44 uses an 8.8" ring gear, a pinion the size of a D60, as well as D60 wheel bearings, and can be upfgraded via an ARB swap to 35 spline rear shafts, same as a D60. You can truss it for some insurance, although you won't read many posts about them bending. Ceartainly not like the fronts. You can swap in a built Dynatrac PR44 (ARB, Reids, RCVs, etc.) for about 5K, or just source a stock D44 out of Rubi and beef it up and I'd bet that's all you'll ever need up front. Even with scrapyard tons, installed properly with enough power increase to make them liveable, big axle swaps are big money. 99.5% of the time the average Jeeper running even lower extreme trails won't need 'em. If you plan on a diet of Johnson Valley & Pritchett Canyon, you're planning on joining a different league.

Bleachbone

Thats the thing, as of right now I really do not have a lot of cash to put towards my Jeep. And I know it sounds weird to say "Oh I dont have much to spend on my rig, I need 60's" but my whole goal is to try to install as many parts early on that I will keep for the life of my Jeep. Some stuff I cant go right to the "end game" hence why as of now I only have 35's and a 2" inch lift. But as of right now I do have the fund for at least a front 60, and a rear in the near future. And since 37-40 inch tires as well as more power from the engine are also part of the plan, I feel like the extra weight and $$$ will be worth it when I decide to step up to a setup with more driveline stress. If the general consencus is that I will be ok with a PR44 up front for 37s+ then that is what I will go with, but I really would like to plan for the future and get it right the first time.

nthinuf

Also remember to look at width measurements and bolt patterns on the d60's. You could be adding new rims with a different pattern and different backspacing, and/or a set of wheel adapters on one end.

I got my PR44 fairly early on, before all these new aftermarket options became available, and the electronics were still being figured out on junkyard axles. It is a great axle for my needs, and at the time, was a great upgrade to my bent stock housing. But, with the lower prices you can find on d60's these days, it may make a lot more sense to just skip the 44. I would...

Bleachbone

The width of the D60 Im looking at is an inch or 2 wider than what I have, but thats no issue. I did look into the whole pattern problem, will probably go with spacers as I dont see any 5 on 5 patterns available. And hopefully I will be happy enough with having a 60 in the future to offset the massive black hole that is about to appear in my wallet.

Maertz

An axle is unsprung weight wich isnt as bad as people make it sound unless your mudding maybe. Also if you diy you'll save a ton. Both my d60s cost less than a pr44...a d60 can have much much larger bearings, pinions and ring gears than a d44. But sure some basic ones may be similarly sized. Youll also go full float wich helps shaft flanges. D60 u joints (dif side and axle shaft side) can be larger than a d44. More hp and tires are hell on gears and u joints.. Why keep a small gear/joints if you think youll need it. In the end only you know how you wheel though

Bleachbone

Then it sounds like I'm gonna just have to say goodbye to my Jeep fund and go with 60's. Thanks guys!

Sahara Lee

D44 and D30 use the same axle tubes and C's. The pumpkin on a D44 is larger to accommodate larger gears. If gear life is not an issue, I would stay with D30 and add sleeves and gussets.


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Bleachbone

The problem is Ive already bent my front 30, dont really want to buy another one. I was planning to sleeve/truss/gusset it but I had already bent it.