Hey there. I just purchased a jk and wanted to know if it's possible to upgrade the front diff to the Rubicon OE dana 44 with locker? Like a idiot I bid on one on Ebay before I researched if it's even possible. I was unable to find one locally on craigs list so when I found this one on ebay I thought I should jump on it. Being new to jeeping I have no idea how much work is involved to swap the diff or if there will be any linkage issues/drive line issues. Thanks any info would help.

 

Yes. I assume you already have a JK with a dana 30 sitting in it.

Since you are new and did not volunteer the info.... the ring and pinion ratios have to be the same in front and rear. If the 44 you are biding on came out of a JK it has 4.10 from the factory.

To run the locker all you need is 12 volts (positive and negative) going to the locker from a switch inside of the cab. If the ring and pinions match it is only a matter of bolting up the new one takes a guy with mechanical skills an hour or so.

 

Ok thanks, it does have a 3o in the front end. I'm not sure what the gear ratio is. How do I calculate that? The diff I'm looking at has had some weld repair to it. Will someone let me know if it looks worth it. If not I'll repratc my bid. Here's the post.

The Item # is 190447959863.


Thanks. J

 

It has 4:10 gears in it from what I can tell but you would need new axle shafts because they are not included. By the way your not supposed to post direct links to EBay.

 

Should I delete the link? Thanks for the info on the axles. I'll start looking for them.

 

Depends on what options you have on your JK. If you got the manual you would typically have a 3.21 gear ratio, for an automatic you would have 3.72. Don't take this to the bank cause it also depends on model year as some 07 had 4.10 gear ratios depending on options and such. Best thing you could do is look at the window build sheet if you have it.

 

Mods I'm sure will delete or you can. I would upgrade to chromolly axles if you do any wheeling.

 

I was assuming you had 4:10 in the rear. If not you would need new gears in the rear axle. The new front should bolt right up then all you need is new axle shafts and run a switch and power to the locker

 

Ok thanks for the info. Does the diff on E bay look ok. what are some of the things I need to look for? And what kind of price should I expect to pay?

 

I would go by the guys feedback. If it's good then your probably ok. Remember shafts are gonna probably cost you 500- 700 and the cost of installation if your not doing it yourself .So for under a grand you'll have a locked 44. To me that's reasonable.