Upgrade Dana 30/35 or swap in Rubicon Dana 44s?

[ELKiller]

Debating which direction would be better for about 6k…

Regear my Dana 30/35 to 4.56 or 4.88, with the super 35 set up on the rear, Eaton e-lockers front and rear… OR

Swap axles for some Dana 44’s geared at 4.10, with the factory Rubicon lockers, AND add a rubicon transfer case.

I can do either for about the same money. Will be running a 33x10.50 tire on high elevation (up to 12k and a little more) mountain trails. What’s your pick and why?

 

[LaZ8787]

Having an X myself, I've always been slightly jealous of the Rubicon setup, and honestly wish I had known more about what I wanted when I bought. But given the option of a freshly built Super 35 with new components and fresh lockers vs someone else's used setup ... I'd opt for fresh. But maybe that's just me?

 

[Lou]

30/35.

 

[ColoJeep]

Debating which direction would be better for about 6k…

Regear my Dana 30/35 to 4.56 or 4.88, with the super 35 set up on the rear, Eaton e-lockers front and rear… OR

Swap axles for some Dana 44’s geared at 4.10, with the factory Rubicon lockers, AND add a rubicon transfer case.

I can do either for about the same money. Will be running a 33x10.50 tire on high elevation (up to 12k and a little more) mountain trails. What’s your pick and why?

I would lean towards a Dana 44 Rear with the ratio of your choosing and Eaton E-lockers front and rear . You likely could add alloy rear axles and be in cost range. I have used this setup in my TJ since 2013 . it works well . The Rubi axles are Okay , but can have limited slip and locker issues . I feel they are over rated and harder to get parts for. I hope your search goes well.

 

[Apparition]

If you plan on going bigger than 35” tires 60’s.

If not, upgrade what you have.

44’s are rarely the answer, unless the question is 35’s and 5.38’s.

 

[ELKiller]

Thanks guys! Sounds like most would favor the rebuilt option. All new parts and seals, vs. used with no known history… makes sense.

 

[That'll Buff]

I was in your exact position over the summer and only did the Rubicon 44 swap because the ones I found were already upgraded mostly how I wanted them for roughly the same price as doing the upgrades to my 30/35 setup without the cost of labor (don't trust myself to do gears yet). If the axles I found were not an option I would have upgraded the 30/35 with new parts, or at the very least held out for a rear 44 then did the upgrades.