How imperative is it to reinforce the stock Rubicon 44 front housing? I've read that this is a weak link. I have an '08 Unlimited which I just lifted (AEV lift) and I am running 35s. The jeep has been to Moab in stock form and sees regular trail use, but not abuse. I have a '68 Jeepster with Dana 60s and 37s for hard-core trail use.

So, do I spend the effort to yank the housing and install a reinforcement kit or roll it as is and avoid abusing it?

 

With 35s you better get Sleeves and Gussets ASAP.

 

I will agree with the Gussetts, but not the sleeves. He stated he does not abuse it and doesn't take it on hardcore trails. You really gotta be going after it to break an axle housing. The Bending of the Knuckle would be alot easier to do. So, I would agree on the gussetts. That will be my next mod on mine before the gears. Did my buddies last week.

 

I agree with this a 100% I don't see the need for sleeves.

 

Thanks guys! I figured that was the case. Time to break out the welder. Whose gussets are preferred, or are they all the same?

 

If your in the neighborhood, you might as well do the sleeves as they are not that expensive.

 

Not to hi-jack.....but what is involved to install the sleeves?

Can it be welded up with the housing left in the jeep, axles and hubs pulled?

 

You pull the axle shafts, drill holes on the tubes, clean out the debris, slide in the sleeves, and then plug weld the holes you drilled earlier. Removing the axle makes it easier to drill the holes, but I would not say it's required.

 

Any idea of how many (holes/plug welds) and where? Could they all be done down the front edge of the housing?

 

For strength, you want to spread out the welds so they are all over the tubes, some in the top, some on bottom, and some on the sides. Here is a good thread on sleeve install.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...highlight=nemo