I'm running a 2009 Wrangler X with 3 and 1/2 inches of lift and 35x12 and 1/2 inch tires on 17 inch rims. Unfortunately, as I start to consider more serious off roading I'm starting to worry about the reliabilty of my axles. At this point in time I can't afford to upgrade to 44s or 60s (don't want to spend more than 2 grand total), so I'm wondering what can be done to strengthen my axles. Any advice is appreciated.

 

Rubi44 front take-off
Re-gear to match the rear
C Gussets
Sleeves if you have enough left over

Leave the rear alone for now.

Add alloys at some future date.

 

If you can't find a used D44 there are a bunch of things you can do to strengthen your axle. Sleeves and C gussets are always a good place to start. You can go with external or internal sleeves. Chromolly axle shafts are a bit more expensive but worth the money. Then you have axle trusses and probably more that I don't know about.

 

Sleeves, gussets and Chromolly axles--at least that's what I've done. But, if I were in your shoes I'd be more worried about running that much lift with stock driveshafts (at least I didn't find any mods to that in your profile). And that also implies adjustable control arms. If you put that much lift because you plan to run even larger tires (you certainly didn't need it for 35s), then maybe you'd be better off looking at the Rubi take-off, as someone has already suggested. But, it all depends upon what you mean by "serious off-roading". I've done a lot in my Jeep, most of it before buttressing up the front axle. But, then, I'm not out there chasing folks like WOL through some of the really radical stuff ...

 

Mark those pics look fun as hell!

Unfortunately for me, I will not be doing anything that extreme until my JK is no longer my daily driver work vehicle. As soon as that happens (I get a new work vehicle), I'm going to start trying stuff like that, and turning the JK into a monster.

 

Thank you all for the advice, and thanks to Mark for the awesome pictures. Could anyone perhaps point me to the exact products they would recommend? As to driveshafts I am considering new ones very soon.

 

I also have an 09 unlimited with a D30 sleeved, gusseted, and chromoly axles. Additionally I have the Tera flex 4" long arm kit, JE Reel long travel drive shafts and the PSC extreme steering kit. I eventually want to upgrade to a dynatrac PR44 or 60 but not until I grenade my D30.
Question: is it worth installing Reid knuckles on my D30, I like the fact that there stronger and decrease the vulnerability of the tie rod by moving it up 1 1/2"

 

Hey, I am currently on track to make a road trip from Chicago to Missoula, Montana.... would you recommend me purchasing new diff gears? i was thinking 4.88's to give me a little bit more power and a little better fuel economy. Let know what you recommend me doing/purchasing with only 600 to spend(rough estimate)

 

I don't know if you buy a whole lot with Reid kncuckles on a D30; but, they will move over to the PR44 so it makes some sense if that is where you are going.

 

ive been up against the wall with this decision too. i decided to build up my d30 with the super 30 kit and pray for the best. im still new to wheeling and dont anticipate me doing the crazy stuff yet! but will someday, i already have ORE sleeve, gusset kit with an aussie locker and 37's. been to some places and my 30 held up, im careful on the gas cuz im not trying to trash my jeep. ill keep the forum updated when i do the super 30 kit when i get it done