Should I truss both front & rear Dana 44 axles?

[LulusGP]

Hi Y'all, I need some input please. My 2016 Rubicon is becoming more of a toy as I love to rock crawl! Its a 2016 JKU Rubi with 38's and metal cloak 4.5" lift and what Im needing to know is- should I weld on a truss to just the front axle or front and rear? And what brand do you recommend? We are getting ready to go to MOAB soon, so just trying to prepare.
C-gussets go on this weekend. Thank you!

 

[Speartip]

Hi Y'all, I need some input please. My 2016 Rubicon is becoming more of a toy as I love to rock crawl! Its a 2016 JKU Rubi with 38's and metal cloak 4.5" lift and what Im needing to know is- should I weld on a truss to just the front axle or front and rear? And what brand do you recommend? We are getting ready to go to MOAB soon, so just trying to prepare.
C-gussets go on this weekend. Thank you!

I can't comment personally on trussing as never
done one myself .
If you go on Utube
JK Gear & Gadgets .
Jake did a few videos on just
that subject .
Jake is legit .
If you scroll threw his channel videos
should be able to find them . Couple
years old but very informative.

 

[Dirty Dog]

If you're running 38's and doing hard core rocks, you might want to consider skipping the trusses and swapping to Dana 60's.
If you're sticking with the D44's, it IS possible to keep them alive. I'd truss both ends and upgrade the axle shafts.

 

[Chris]

If you're running 38's and doing hard core rocks, you might want to consider skipping the trusses and swapping to Dana 60's.

Ding, ding, ding!

This is the correct answer. To run 38s and any sort of off-roading you're going to want Dana 60s.

 

[JeepJeezy]

Dana 60's are the way to go for 38's and rocks. If you're not ready for them, I would truss both 44's. I've bent 2 different rear 44's before. I have a Rough Country truss welded on my front. It's nice and thick.

 

[Dirty Dog]

Ding, ding, ding!

This is the correct answer. To run 38s and any sort of off-roading you're going to want Dana 60s.

I agree with you that this is the best answer (unless you want to install portal axles...). It's also true that not all options are available to all people at all times.

It is possible to keep a D44 alive with big tires. I did it with a 383 Chevy stroker powered YJ. Locked. With 40's. But it does require extra awareness and limit how much power you dare apply.

One thing I did, though, I do not think can be done with the D44's in the JK. The D44 I used had manual hubs, which meant I could install hub fuses. Which kept anything more vital from breaking. They're super cheap and you can replace one on the trail with just an Allen wrench. Without those, I suspect I'd have been swapping axles shafts on the trail.

 

[Chris]

I agree with you that this is the best answer (unless you want to install portal axles...). It's also true that not all options are available to all people at all times.

It is possible to keep a D44 alive with big tires. I did it with a 383 Chevy stroker powered YJ. Locked. With 40's. But it does require extra awareness and limit how much power you dare apply.

One thing I did, though, I do not think can be done with the D44's in the JK. The D44 I used had manual hubs, which meant I could install hub fuses. Which kept anything more vital from breaking. They're super cheap and you can replace one on the trail with just an Allen wrench. Without those, I suspect I'd have been swapping axles shafts on the trail.

Oh yeah, you can make it work with the Dana 44 but the moment you start driving like a moron you're going to break things. As with so many situations when it comes to off-roading, a lot of it boils down to the driver.

 

[macleanflood]

I trussed and sleeved my Dana 30 on my TJ.

To do it right you're going to have to completely strip the housing...heat it up to 350 degrees...weld the truss on in small controlled passes to prevent warping...and then wrap it in a fiberglass blanket and control temperature so it cools slowly.

I'd highly recommend Barnes for trusses. Matt's Offroad and Fabrats YouTube channels have 10 percent off codes.

I think I would leave your axles alone...if anything get new shafts. If you're set on running 38s send your 44s and if they break or bend go for 60s.

Also consider this...a truss will limit your up travel. If you install a truss you're going to need to pull your springs and fully articulate the axles and adjust your bump stops.

-Mac