Is there a structural difference in a Rubicon D44 and a Sahara D44?

I'm looking for a D44 to put under a jk sport with an ARB locker and didn't know if one was a better platform than the other to start with. The Sahara model is cheaper.

Huck

 

I'm no expert but all the Sahara's I've seen have Dana 30's in the front.

 

I think the rubicons have thicker axle shafts with higher spline count, also different gearing.

 

The Rubicon is only model with a D44 front. There is structural differences in the housings I don't know the difference but why else would they would they have Rubicon 44 specific aftermarket lockers.

 

I was referring to the rear axle. My plan is new gears a new ARB and new shafts. My concern is outer wall thickness, and structural setup.

Huck

 

The tube thickness is the same on both versions. The carier mounts and spine counts are different.

If you plan on going to an ARB anyways then buy the non-rubi version and install the 35 spline ARB. The is sold through Quadratec as the "Super 44 kit".

 

That is kinda what I was thinking..

Thanks,
Huck

 

There is a difference between the rear Rubi D44 and the Sport/Sahara D44 housings. The standard ARB will not fit in a Rubi housing. They do make a special ARB unit for a Rubi axle. My advice is to stick with the Sport/Sahara axle.

FWIW I put an ARB with 35 spline shafts in my D44

 

How do you like it. I'm looking at $2200 or better by the time I buy the axle $500 the super 44 kit $1500 and gears $200. Maybe I should just save up and get a D60 for the rear. But I only plan on running 35 or 37s.

Huck

 

Last I looked, a PR60 rear ~$4200, the TF D60 rear is ~$3600

I was on a bit of a budget for the rear and so went with the 35 spline shafts. They performed well at Moab. No problems so far, what more can you ask of an axle shaft?

It's really solid when locked. Short of a D60 I think this is the way to go.