I see the regular rubicon has "heavy duty axels" but the recon has "updated dana 44" any one know what the difference is. Some say they the axels form the new JL but that hasn't been released?
Also my understanding is that the recon rides 1.5 inches higher. IF this is true could I sneak 315 70 17 in there with out a lift ? maybe just wheel spacers?

 

The only thing different is the D44 housing upgrade to the Mopar D44HD which has the heavier J8 axle tubes. All else is the same as the previous Rubi D44.

 

I stopped by a dealer but they didn't have any on the lot to look at. Advertising says bigger tubes, stronger C's and a heavy duty diff cover.

 

Straight from Jeep's site.