Any reason I shouldn't consider the complete axle Dynatrac Pro Rock 44 as an option to replace my Dana 30 front? I realize there is a significant price on this option (~$4K), but it doesn't look that bad compared to other options unless I'm way off on my estimates. I am trying to avoid spending money more than one time on the front upgrade.

Stick w/ the Dana 30 ~$3K: gusset enforcement and truss, chromoly shafts, gears, locker, gear/locker labor etc.

Rubcion D44 ~$4K: axle, axle shafts, gusset/truss, gears, labor

I am leaning toward selling the D30 for $400/$500 and go w/ the Dynatrac D44. I'd be in the hole for an additional $500 on the front, but have peace of mind. Any thoughts?

 

if you only want to do it once and are going to spend ~4k then you might want to look @ dana 60s. No downsides except price.

 

This is for the front application and I think 60s are overkill for my needs. I run 35" and will never go to anything more than 37". Even that is not likely. Not to mention the all in price for a front D60 approachs $6K-$8K quickly. I would consider it in the rear later down the line but can't ever see needing more than a D44 in the front.

 

All I got to say is overkill is something that's a good thing in the drivetrain department.

 

If money is no object maybe. Why doesn't everyone just forget upgrading the D30 and D44 and run D60s? Two main reasons: needs and costs. Do I really need a D60 front if I am sticking with 35" tires and stock engine in a daily driver that gets a fair amount of moderate offroad use of medium difficulty? The D60 isn't an option for me.

 

here is a new rubi 44 stripped, maybe you could build it cheaper then that dana axle

jeepsareus.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=JAU&Product_Co de=17174aaaa&Category_Code=7WM

 

Because the price difference between upgrading a D30 and buying a fully prepped D60 is staggering. If you're thinking about the fully prepped AFTERMARKET D44, then the D60 should be in the back of your mind. You can upgrade a D30 for around 1K and make it STOUT. You said yourself that the D44 you were lookin at is 4K. What's the price difference between the D44 and D60? 1500 bucks maybe?

 

Thanks for the info. Doesn't the Mopar 44 front have the same issues with the tube weakness? I think it has the same tubes as the 30 and wouldn't be much stronger. I could be wrong, but I'm not sure I'd gain much at all going to the Rubi 44 in the front.

 

The dyantrac D60 front is in the neighborhood of $8K so twice the price. If I want to strengthen the front Dana 30 and add lockers/regear I am estimating the following costs.

Gusset/Truss/Welding labor - $400
Chromoly axle shafts (inner/outer) - $700
Gear overhaul/labor - $600
ARB locker/labor to wire up and install compressor- $1000

That is $2700 and I stll have the weaker R&P, axle shafts, etc. due to the size limitation of the D30.

I could spend $4K on the Dynatrac, sell the 30, stock axle shafts, etc. and be pretty close on costs. Probably still spend $300-$500 more on the Dynatrac but it appears to give me more options and strength.

 

That's right. It does have the same size tubes. The D60 doesn't though.