Dana 44 front & rear tubes DIFFERENT?

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Davidinaz21

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Hey guys I'm just wondering if this is normal. I just got this jeep and I noticed that the rear tubing on the axel is larger than the tubing on the front axel. Is this right? The original sticker for the Jeep says Dana 44 axels front and rear. I just thought they would be the same diameter. Please let me know. Thanks.
 

tjZ06

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Hey guys I'm just wondering if this is normal. I just got this jeep and I noticed that the rear tubing on the axel is larger than the tubing on the front axel. Is this right? The original sticker for the Jeep says Dana 44 axels front and rear. I just thought they would be the same diameter. Please let me know. Thanks.
There is a TON of data out there on Jeep axles... but it might help us help you if you told us little details like what year it is, what model (especially if it's a Rubicon), and even sub-model (for example, a JK Rubicon Recon has different axle tube wall-thickness, though the outside diameter is the same). If your "sticker" said D44s front and rear, it should be a TJ (including LJ), JK or JL, or JT Rubicon, and certain Max Tow JL/Ts.

-TJ
 

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In the TJ/TJU Rubicon that had "Dana 44" front axles they've had a hybrid axle of sorts. It's a D44 center section but everything outboard of that is D30. It's kind of weird.
 

MazeVX

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In the TJ/TJU Rubicon that had "Dana 44" front axles they've had a hybrid axle of sorts. It's a D44 center section but everything outboard of that is D30. It's kind of weird.
Still the same with a JK D44, tube and outer C's are the same, brakets are the same, only the housing and internals are different. For example, my 2012 D30 has even the D44 U-Joints but different spline axle shafts, don't ask how we found out...

There is plenty of variety with jeep front axles.
 
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Davidinaz21

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Thanks for all the quick responses. Again, this was just something I noticed when I was underneath looking around. It is a 2015 Rubicon, JKU. MazeVX, I'm sure it's a good story on how you found out. LOL. As far as the insides and all the other details, I'm hoping I don't find out that info by accident! Again, thanks guys.
 
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USStrongman

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Yes, if you reagear or need to repair, do your research and order for your specific rig, year, model, sub model. Even D44 LSD's and lockers can change everything in the front. Rears are a lot more straight forward.
 
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Dilldog

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Not surprising, larger tubes would allow for more wall thickness and bigger bearings thus increasing weight bearing ability.
 

Downs

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The enginerds probably figured the D30 parts were largely adequate for factory Jeeps but they wanted to larger ring gear to support increased torque from the 4:1 in the Rubicons. No sense in weighing down the vehicle with extra weight and effect your CAFE standards more than you need to.
 
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