I already know that the rubi version has 32 spline shafts and the on has 30 spline.

What I dont understand is that replacement axle shafts for the rubi versions are sold as left and right items (i.e. separate part numbers), but the non rubi version axle shafts are sold as interchangeable for left or right side (i.e. one part number)?

Why would that be?

 

The rubi shafts are different lengths. The non rubi D44 shafts are the same length.

 

reason im asking this is if i upgrade my non rubi D44 with an ARB air locker and chrom-moly shafts, I can either go with 30 spline, 32 spline or 35 spline.

I would like to only carry one spare rear axle shaft when wheeling not a left and a right....

 

In this scenario, you will only need one rear shaft as a spare. If you put the ARB with 35 spline shafts...you'll still have a Non-Rubi axle and the shafts will be the same length.

 

why would the rubi version be different lengths? I thought on the spline count was different between the two versions?

also what about the 35 spline kits? are they also different lengths left and right?

 

So it seems my best bet is to upgrade to an ARB locker with 35 spline shafts......that way I would only need to carry on spare shaft on the trail if the worst case happened....

 

The exact reason they are different lenghts...I don't know. But I know that they are, for a fact, different lenghts. Got a rubi rear axle, had the shafts out, replaced with chromo, etc....

If you have a reg D44 and go with the ARB and 35 spline shafts, you will want to order the non rubi shafts. This is a great option. No need to buy a rubi D44 just to upgrade to the ARB and chromos

If you already had a Rubi D44 and installed an ARB you would order the non-rubi 35 spline shafts.

 

You would have a damn strong rear end, that's for sure. The ARB with 35 spline Chromos would be stronger than a stock rubi D44 wiht 32 spline chromos.

As for worst case...that would be breaking 2 shafts when you only had one spare.

 

im thinking the difference in shaft lengths is because of the electric locking ring gear carrier? Thats the only thing I can think of.....

 

I think it's because the Rubi housing is machined a little differently to accept the locker, and that puts one of the differential side gears in a slightly different location.