Just to be clear, I have no reason to believe that anything Dynatrac makes is not some of the best, if not the best, products in their class. I don't own any of it, mostly because of economics, but I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it if the budget allowed.

 

I have a Dynatrac front axle and I like it a lot! With regard to pricing, most of the comments on the Forums suggest that we want American made products. American made products and labor just cost more since we Americans like good wages. Comparing a made from scratch axle to a take out axle will always cost a lot more so it's all in what we're willing to do in terms of labor and research labor & research. There are definitely some good experienced opinions in this thread.

 

OP, since you're not starting with a Rubicon I'd definitely choose the ARB option over the others. Factor in a future ARB for the rear, with both ends 35 spline. If you plan to stick with 35s forever (you won't, but stay with me) go 4.56, or even stay with your 4.10s. If you plan a jump to 37s (you will) then do 4.88s now and be done with it. There's a saying "bleed once, cry once" where Jeep build costs are concerned. Get the best you can afford now, rather than the inevitable do-over. If I've learned anything in 20+ years of dealing with Jeep builds, every time I rationalize something less than what I know is the best I always go back and do it over once the tires hit the rocks. JMHO, of course.

As for Dynatrac, there are some ther options in terms of manufacturers out there, but if you choose a PR44 you won't be disappointed.

 

The real issue is not with the housing as there is little difference in prices between a PR 44 and a PR 60, the actual increases costs of an axle are in the other components of the axle. To me if you are needing the upgraded housing you likely need stronger hubs, shafts, and larger brakes which if you add to the PR44 you will be in the PR60 price point. Those needing a stronger front axle should also be looking at a wider front axle to gain the needed space for the taller, wider tires. In a PR44 swap the wider width would at least take some of the stress off the hubs vs running adapters to gain the clearance. Most people don't think if this when doing a swap and buy a factory width housing instead of having Dynatrac build one 3"-4" wider.

 

Thanks for the input on warranty expectations. That’s good information for us. We appreciate direct customer feedback.

I’m glad someone asked about this. Warranty is a great topic. There is a difference between warrantees, and the terms mean different things to different people. My interpretation is that Warranty is to protect our customers against manufacturers defects (ours, or our suppliers), and provides Dynatrac with an obligation to take care of the customers that put their trust in us.

A few years ago, the leadership of a large business in our industry (whose name I will not disclose), actually told me to my face, that they offer a lifetime warranty to get people to buy their products. Most of their products are imported from China, India, and the Pacific Rim countries. The materials and jobs they create are NOT from the USA. He encouraged me to do the same. Needless to say, Dynatrac will not take that advice.

They also told me that even though a large percentage of their products fail, they still make more money because the cost of imported parts is low enough that they can give away 2-3 free parts for every one they sell, and still make money. Truly US-made goods do not allow that kind of sloppy quality. It costs too much to make things in America, so you have to do it right the first time.

They also told me that they routinely wiggle out of the warranty by claiming the part was abused, not valid because the original sales receipt was lost, the claim was not by the original purchaser, or the person sold the vehicle before the part failed, or the purchaser died before the part failed.

Lifetime and extended warranties are a numbers game. Not an indication of product quality or performance.

I have also heard an earful from many folks over the years that became Dynatrac customers after getting a belly full of “opportunities” to exercise our competitor’s lifetime warranties. One should consider the collateral costs of a part failure that are not covered in a warranty. Such as ruined vacations, towing, other parts that are damaged as a result, and your time and hassle to get it fixed.

I am supremely confident that Dynatrac’s warranty is the best in the business. The reason is that we really honor it. We will repair or replace our products whether it’s our fault, your fault, or nobody’s fault. We make parts with American materials and American labor. We create quality workmanship using our neighbors and fellow taxpayers to get the job done better than anybody else. We expect the same from our suppliers too.

Dynatrac routinely extends our warranty if there is in fact a defect in our part that is not the customer’s fault. It’s our responsibility to keep our customers satisfied, and recommending us to their friends.

 

Exactly this. Dynatrac, I don't any of your products and not saying that I won't in the future, but the price and warranty is the biggest factor in my decision.

If you truly think your product is "the best" then why is there not a better warranty to back up that claim? I mean if its the best, then no one would really have to use this warranty to replace parts. But they know if something were to happen, it will still be replaced instead of now having to spend the money all over again.

Why should I buy your shafts over RCVs? Warranty? Quality?

 

My two cents and I'm no expert. I'm in the same boat as OP...mostly highway, DD, wheeling with trails and Offroad park few hours north.

I got tired of the 3.73s and my 35s. I also began yearning for 37s since my flat fenders and 3.5" lift yielded what I think, is too much space in the fender well.

I ended up getting 4.56's, ARBs front/rear, Synergy ball joints, truss, and gussets all installed for around $4k. Financially, and for my needs, it made more sense. As others have mentioned, I may never even see the need for a PR.

So far, knock on wood, it's held up great.

 

Interesting that a person in leadership would say that to a competitor.

So it makes me wonder what your thoughts say about other US companies that offer lifetime warranties on their products...like Warn.

 

some of Warn's products are made in China.

 

Dynatrac isn't far off from reality. Let's take RCV for example. If you twist the splines, they won't replace it until it's over 30 degrees of twist. Problem is that to know you twisted it, you removed it and then it won't go back in.

As for Warn, they only warranty electrical for one year. Any guess as to what typically fails in a winch?

I know people who had warranties denied on rear shafts for running "large tires." Or how about Yukon? They rarely warranty gears or lockers. If you're out spinning big tires and blow a ring gear or locker, you abused it. Denied.

The issue here is people buying the axle shafts are probably running tires that are too large and rigs that are too heavy. It's a semi float D44. Flanges bend no matter what the design. Why should Dynatrac be on the hook indefinitely because people make bad decisions?