If I wanted to go to a stronger axle shaft with a different spline count do I have to change my ARB lockers?

 

Yes.

You have the 30sp RD117 now? 35sp shafts will use RD147, or rubicon housings will use RD157 I think.

 

Thanks. That's what I thought. so I guess the next best thing I can do is get the strongest axle shafts I can get that match what I have. Any opinions on what will be the strongest?

 

Ten Factory. Not for strength necessarily, since the metal used should be similar, but for warranty and customer support and availability. They will cover any bend/break, even flanges. Other mfg's apparently like to tell people to pound sand, depending on where/how it was damaged. (if you check on G2 also, verify that the warranty is indeed the same as tenfactory, and get it in writing. We keep seeing contradictory reports...)

If you want stronger, there are several options that get mentioned occasionally. But I don't know if any would be available in a JK 30 spline. Probably just custom mades?

 

You can get ahold of ARB and order the parts needed to change over to 35 spline count. Save you a ton of money on a new locker, and regear.

 

Is spline count directly related to shaft diameter?

 

I believe it is. The more splines the thicker, and stronger the shaft is. There are different materials that change the strength though.

 

Hadn't heard of this before, cool idea. Not much info to be found so far though, other than a listing for a $1400 kit. Happen to have more insight on the conversion itself?

 

I deleted the email, and info from ARB. But the gears for the conversion are about $500 from ARB. Swap the side gears in the locker, and replace the shafts with 35 splines shafts. Should be it.