Managed to twist my front driver's axle shafts, both inner and outer, into oblivion. Going to try to get it covered under warranty but I'm not sure how warm of a reception I'll receive. If they don't cover it I guess I'm looking at either RCV or Ten Factory upgrades. RCV are about twice the price, are they intended only for the more hardcore amongst us or is there a reason to drop the extra quid?

Thanks in advance...and oblig. pic:

 

IMO it would be worth it for you if you broke the OEM whats stopping you breaking the stock replacements RCV are said to be as strong as dana60 joints and they don't bind with the stock steering system at full turn and if you ever wanted to go bigger tires (37"s) you would have to worry dana60 strength in a dana44 pakage . so i would say yeah their worth it dana 40 stock vs rcv dana60 vs rcv

here are the stats make your own choice (also these charts are from rcv so remember they are going to be a little bias

 

i seriously doubt they will cover it. Nice break though!

 

Go with RCV, it is stout. Got mine from northridge4x4.

 

I don't think there is ever a "good" break, but....

To the OP -> can you describe the conditions at the time of the break? I see snow, obviously, but were you climbing or churning through deep snow and hit something? Most axle breaks are due to shock load, e.g. front wheel spinning free in the air and coming down/gaining traction all at once. I'm just interested, maybe others can learn from the little mishap?

Thanks,

UD

 

It looks a lot worse than it really is. This really is an easy fix and I highly recommend you learn to pull your own shafts (I realize how bad that sounds). This is definitely a valuable skill to have on any trail run.

There's a ton of locker install write-ups that show you how to get your front axle shafts out, follow those instructions and you'll be set. It shouldn't cost you more than $200.00 to fix. I’d also recommend picking up a SBS plug from Off-Road Evolutions just incase you run into this problem again.

 

I've replaced my personal broken shafts about 3 times since I've had the JK. Replaced another hundred on other vehicles on the trail.

IMO, go with OEM units or Chromoly. You're strengthening the hell out of the shaft, but now your R&P is the fuse and that will go before the shaft does. I rather replace broken shafts than R&P. I'm a firm believer in using Spicer OEM shafts and having them be the fuse rather than the carrier/R&P. My opinions and beliefs.

 

LOL!! 100% what he said

 

Excuse my newbie, green horn, ignorance, but, can you drive off the trail if you snap an axle? Is their a temp fix? Something I should carry with me when I am wheeling just in case. OP, keep us up to date on what the dealer says. Thanks all

 

Wow Dimitri, now you can walk around feeling accomplished.
The Jeep 'Guru' says so.


And to the above poster. Yes you can drive off the trail in 2wd. Plug the axle with a rag to prevent as much fluid as you can from leaking out or buy an SBS plug from ORE.