What u-joint for Dana 44 front axle? Do you carry spares with you on the trail?
JK Junkie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,440
Likes: 0
From: CT
So would I. If someone thinks they might, though (I've seen it happen), one of these could prove useful ... http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/pr...lD-Vise/Towing
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Big Bear California
In preparing for my next desert trip, I considered getting a spare U-joint to have, just in case.
I was at the dealer for the heated mirror safety recall for my '12 JKUR, so stopped at the parts counter and when the less-than-helpful clerk entered my VIN number, he came up with 2 different part numbers and couldn't tell me which one was the one I wanted.
After searching on-line for several minutes, I see that there are lots of conflicting posts about whether the U-joint is the same or different for Dana 30 vs 44. For a '12 Rubicon, does anyone have a part number for 3rd party suppliers? Can you confirm that they are different for the 44 for this year vehicle?
Also, I came across the following post from 2007 from the Quadratech advisor:
"Dont worry about carrying spare U joints, when the joint breaks It's going to take out the entire shaft as all the ones I've seen break so far have toasted the ears on the outer stubb and inner shaft. I'd suggest getting complete shaft assemblies from your local dealer and carrying them with you."
Do you agree with this advice? No point in buying and carrying a $60-100 part if it won't do me any good to attempt a trail repair.
I was at the dealer for the heated mirror safety recall for my '12 JKUR, so stopped at the parts counter and when the less-than-helpful clerk entered my VIN number, he came up with 2 different part numbers and couldn't tell me which one was the one I wanted.
After searching on-line for several minutes, I see that there are lots of conflicting posts about whether the U-joint is the same or different for Dana 30 vs 44. For a '12 Rubicon, does anyone have a part number for 3rd party suppliers? Can you confirm that they are different for the 44 for this year vehicle?
Also, I came across the following post from 2007 from the Quadratech advisor:
"Dont worry about carrying spare U joints, when the joint breaks It's going to take out the entire shaft as all the ones I've seen break so far have toasted the ears on the outer stubb and inner shaft. I'd suggest getting complete shaft assemblies from your local dealer and carrying them with you."
Do you agree with this advice? No point in buying and carrying a $60-100 part if it won't do me any good to attempt a trail repair.
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,068
Likes: 116
From: Bunnlevel, NC
Not COMPLETELY sure, but I think there is a difference in the size of the u-joints used. I think like 2012 or so they went a bit larger. The ears on the axle shafts increased in size too (as in beefier)... I THINK.. I say this because a friend tried to install 2012 Rubicon D44 front shafts on his 2010 Rubicon and the ears rubbed the bolts that hold the wheel bearing assembly on. When we pulled the shafts back out and laid them next to his old ones, they looked visibly beefier. This included the u-joints. Not scientific, so perhaps this was an odd case?
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: California
Not COMPLETELY sure, but I think there is a difference in the size of the u-joints used. I think like 2012 or so they went a bit larger. The ears on the axle shafts increased in size too (as in beefier)... I THINK.. I say this because a friend tried to install 2012 Rubicon D44 front shafts on his 2010 Rubicon and the ears rubbed the bolts that hold the wheel bearing assembly on. When we pulled the shafts back out and laid them next to his old ones, they looked visibly beefier. This included the u-joints. Not scientific, so perhaps this was an odd case?
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane, Australia
Which brand of U-joint to buy?
I'm currently investigating the various options for replacing my JK Rubicon front axle U-joints.
I can either buy the Mopar Unis - part #68145053AA
or Dana Spicer H/D - Part #5-7166X
or USA Alloy Rubicon U-joints
Q - Is the Mopar part just a repackage Dana Spicer #5-7166X uni or is this Spicer part an even stronger version?
Q - Does anyone know who manufactures the Mopar u-joint?
Q - And has anyone tried the USA Alloy brand of H/D U-joint as it's a bit cheaper. I have used their brand before in other components such as Ball Joints and been very happy but is it as strong as the Dana Spicer which seems to get the best feed back maybe because they're more common.
Which brand should I buy?
I can either buy the Mopar Unis - part #68145053AA
or Dana Spicer H/D - Part #5-7166X
or USA Alloy Rubicon U-joints
Q - Is the Mopar part just a repackage Dana Spicer #5-7166X uni or is this Spicer part an even stronger version?
Q - Does anyone know who manufactures the Mopar u-joint?
Q - And has anyone tried the USA Alloy brand of H/D U-joint as it's a bit cheaper. I have used their brand before in other components such as Ball Joints and been very happy but is it as strong as the Dana Spicer which seems to get the best feed back maybe because they're more common.
Which brand should I buy?
