Axle Shaft Upgrades For The Jeep Gladiator & Wrangler!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Do you have a good axle shaft failure story? Leave a comment with your story and I’ll figure out a cool giveaway for you guys!

[@snowmeowoutdoors802]

Had a Burnout contest on last day of school in the front of the building, my friends and I welder spider gears in my 77 C10 to "win" said contest. Axle shaft snapped while doing donuts, so the wheel & axle came out of axle tube then hopped the curb and went through the high school sign. 😂

[@aidanmcdonald2695]

I had a head on collision in my JL on the highway. It snapped my entire front axle housing and bent my rear axle.(not to mention a tone of other damage)

[@ryoc2138]

A have a depressing story that may be caused by a vent flange. My JT sport S w/ max tow started bouncing 2 years ago with about 600 pounds of gear on it. Since then it's had OEM shocks, Rubicon shocks, Falcon 3.3s, Clayton ride right kit, air bags, Icon triple rate rear springs, KOs(severely cupped and worn out @ 25k miles), Hellwig rear sway bar, Falken Wildpeaks(2 sets, 1st worn out at 20k miles), dealership replaced driveshaft and axle shafts, swapped wheels and tires(4 times), all weight was removed from bed of truck, 200 pounds put back...all this(spent about $7k) and nothing has made even the slightest improvement, except taking the weight off. It helped, but it still bounces like crazy at 40 mph and on concrete roads. Any ideas? Could a bent flange be causing this? How easy would that be to spot if the dealership swapped the axle shafts and they were looking for something bent?(but says they didn't find anything) Oh and another crazy thing....lower tire pressures make the bounce unbearable...I have to run 40 psi just to stand driving the truck.

[@Bennett-xo6iu]

I like the old school lockouts yeah you have to get out to unlock them or lock them but i like not having my front end turning all the time going down the road...

[@chrisE815]

You get 2wd low too!

[@TealOxAdv]

Oldie but a goodie.

[@matthewgawne8544]

My JLUR is currently in the shop getting 5.13's, Yukon chromoly front and rear axleshafts, diff covers, skids, KMC XD229's, 37" Milestar Patagonia's, and a few other things. Can't wait to get it back! Your video is making it even harder to wait, lol

[@andrewn3618]

Literally just ordered mine and running almost the same setup on my JT. Glad to see you putting this out there. There’s a lot of guys running 37s on the stock JT axles, myself included, and the extra peace of mind is nice! Also in VA too if you ever want to do a follower group run or something this summer!

[@nicholasbaldwin1674]

Broke 3 front axles in my 91 XJ (D30), was on a college budget at the time so I just kept pulling junk yard axles and replacing them. I could have put the money upfront on chromey axles but I kept saying I wouldn't wheel as hard and wouldn't break another one LOL. I just made sure to always bring all the tools required to replace an axle on the trail and every time I was able to swap them out and make it back to work/school on Monday #dailydriverwheeler

[@tommywainst7171]

Great video ben. I’m still running factory shafts. I’ve broken a rear, but luckily I got another factory replacement for free. Looking to upgrade asap

[@donlum9128]

I have had RCV frt axles on my 07 JK for 280k miles. Rebuilt once. Added better grease fittings. By next month will have 400k miles. Running tera 44 frt and Tera 60 rear.

[@guidok3762]

Great upgrade, love the way you are building the Gladiator to a much stronger truck for Offroad use! Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱❤️🇺🇸✌️💪

[@bsideadventures2180]

I remember when yall were wheeling 2 years ago good guys

[@richierich1169]

Hello, I'm just getting into this jeep stuff, and I'm learning. I have messed with almost every part of a vehicle except a differential. First, thank you for a very informative video. I really hope you or someone out here can help me with one question. I have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Sport. A non rubicon. I'm rebuilding the rear differential. Which is a Dana 44. When I took the cover plate off, It was a horrible mess. The DS shims were sticking downward about an inch to two inches. I should have mentioned, the DS shims was 8 very thin shims. The PS shims was 1 thick one and one very thin shim. I don't know much about a diff. But I know that can't be right. Which brings me to my question. The DS Axel shaft was right up against the spider gear rod. Once again, I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that's not right. So my question is. Do you know the correct length of both axel shafts for a 2012 Wrangler Sahara rear Dana 44 non rubicon?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Both rear shafts are the same length on the non rubicons

[@danieldodd2264]

Ive broken an D44 outer shaft at Potts Mountain, VA. I was at full turn, video is definitely right. I wish I had RCVs but for now I have chromoly.

[@joshuamahan3403]

I would grab some limit straps, those rear brake hoses look tight

[@los2731]

Have you run 40s with these beefed up axels yet?

[@VictorVectorJKU]

Great video Ben, as always! I appreciate the explanation of the RCV vs U-Joints and the potential with binding. Also good tips on the rear axles shafts, I wouldn’t think to make sure all those components come pressed on from the supplier versus having to take it to a shop! Keep it up and can’t wait to see the JL back on all fours!

[@austingraham6826]

Love off-road elements they have helped me with 1000 questions I’ve had over the course of my build the coolest thing is he will help you even if your not buying a single thing at the time just walk in and ask and he won’t even hesitate to help. I normally buy some swag not going to lie after I use up some of his time. But I wanted the hat anyways lol.

[@barelymadeit]

Ive talked to a few shops that have told me theyve seen stock jt rear axle strip ring gears in the dif and that the stock rears are actually crazy strong.

[@YAABUGGN]

When I had my LJ I actually dealt with Eric and he was awesome. Got me hooked up with the LED TruckLites with heating elements (back when they were like in beta testing). Off-road Elements sure is a solid “go-to” for any add on for these jeeps.

[@Logan-de3xx]

Great video, I like seeing both one for the gears and one for the axles. I’m not sure what gears work best in a MANUAL with 37’s, I feel like 4.88 would be good for me. I really wish we had more shops and kore enthusiasts up in Canada. Definitely jealous of you guys down south!

[@jeepnpipesdoherty2958]

Dude i miss yoh doing this jn you're driveway. Youre badass and you can do it.

[@joshuagonzalez4020]

Hi I just watched your video on the axle shafts and wanted to ask it’s been 4 years since you put them on how are they holding up and are you happy with them? Looking to purchase these for my JT rubicon, if you recommend I don’t really take my JT off roading but I have a 4.5 in lift and running 38s with upgraded 5.13 Yukon gears and a Adams driveshaft. Are you happy with the front axle shafts and what is the part number for the one you purchased, as I see them have multiple options to choose from

[@joebotics]

hey man... would you go 40 inch tires with those RCVs Front and Yukons Rears ???? thanks!

[@trail_tracker]

Great video as usual. Can I run 39” KO2s given they are usually the lightest on these RCVs? I know they say you can go up to 43” but I am not going to do that.

[@TireSmokin1]

Your videos are great! keep up the good work! But if there is one change I could ask for it would be... when someone else is talking away from the cameras mic, could you please boost the volume in post when your adding the graphics? That would be great! Some of us are watching KZbin on a TV and adjusting volume wildly up and down is not healthy for the speakers. I think I have a tweeter crackling now. Thanks again for another great video.

[@stephenwitham]

I appreciate that you showed how to remove the rears. I've got RCV fronts on my JK, but rears I haven't done anything with - I know I want Chromoly, it's just sort of lower on the list of build importance for me.

[@ricksantiago4422]

What tire size are you running? I’m doing my front axels too and want to run 38” along with upgraded drive shaft and ball joints, steering and brakes. But piece by piece ... until I feel confident about putting 38” on

[@adamaldinger6960]

Love all the information about the RVC shafts. Another great video.

[@JeepGearGadgets]

I wish I had been out there in Johnson Valley when you broke a u joint on the one tons! lol between these upgrades and the LJ axle swap, hopefully neither of us will be breaking any axle shafts on our upcoming trips :)

[@atom631]

on the rear shafts, do you grease the splines before putting it into the axle housing? also, did you add any lubrication to the axle seal?

[@luisan027]

Great video! I ordered the 1 pc RCV front axle before seen this video for my 2018 JLU, now I’m considering to get those Rear Yukon Axles as well after listening the reasons you mentioned, I have 38’s tires, 5.13 gears are coming too.

[@tbornman89]

Been definitely looking at doing a truss for my JK.

[@matty86suk]

So happy Jeep went back to 1987 Jeep YJ CAD technology...

[@ProudPapaKY]

Thank you for posting the install. It was a great video! Do you hear any clicking with the RCV axle shafts?

[@trail_tracker]

From 2024, JLs will bave full float rears i believe so i am assuming they will be stronger than the previous years?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yes. However I don’t think every model will get the full float axle. Only rubicons or certain spec wranglers.

[@paulbaker2680]

Looking for an update on the RCV's. How are they doing and are you still good with retaining the FAD or do you wish you would have gone one piece. I am looking at RCV's for my Gladiator Rubicon with factory 44's with 4.88's, running 38's and a Hemi 5.7. Unfortunately I spend 90% of the time on the highway so I am undecided on the 2 piece or 1 piece axle shafts. Thanks for the great videos and i need to swing by some time when I am going thru Oklahoma to Texas from Kansas.

[@dc5631]

I'm worried now I ordered to He one piece shaft I hope its awesome

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The one piece is a very good choice as well!

[@richardmiller3808]

My 2021 Willys JLU came stock with rvc front axles

[@troybilt6752]

So did the new FAD collar come with the RCV axel shafts or is that a separate purchase? Thank you for your time.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yes it came with it. They also sell a single shaft kit which deletes the fad.

[@Frimsure]

definitely looks solid now

[@FrenchHawk878]

How you manage your payload and gvwr with all these mods? I would imagine your mods could lower the ratings so my question is how do you manage making sure you stay under? With all the upgrade you have to be adding some weight. You and her in the vehicle probably 350 alone.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I don’t plan on towing stuff. Maybe 3K max. The gears help a bunch. In the end I don’t care too much about payload ratings and GVWR as bad as it sounds for me to say that.

[@glllll1279]

What’s up man. Do you think this setup you have right now would handle XD Machete Crawl Beadlocks and 37s?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Oh hell yeah!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

And be able to beat on it

[@glllll1279]

Oh alright thanks man I don’t really know much about building jeeps but I’m trying to get a Gladiator soon so I’ll just ask you if I have any questions

[@TXswampdonkey]

I have broke everything but axles shafts. I have grenaded a 14bolt carrier to the point it killed the housing. Oh chrome molly is actually not a harder material it just allows for more twist before it breaks.

[@chrisurfer83]

Does the FAD play well with a lunch box locker?

[@Fit4Life921]

Do you run the stock driveshaft? I'm probably going to upgrade to adams 1350 driveshaft -- with upgraded front driveshaft would you be as concerned about the issues of driveshaft vibrations @ say 6.5 degrees caster?

[@troybilt6752]

With the FAD does it require anything special for breaking in new front gears? Do I need to be in 4wd for break in period? Thank you for your time.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It’s a little harder for the front to get broken in since these don’t spin in 2wd with the fad. You’ll need to find a straight road, or some dirt/gravel roads to drive in 4wd for 5-10 min to do an initial heat cycle, then do that a few more times, then you will be good to go!

[@KM-my9zy]

I was curious. I saw you guys hammering the end of axle shaft to install the boot in. Does it not increase the risk of damaging the seals inside the pumpkin?

[@polarbear5232]

Hi. Do you know what is the Yukon tone ring part number? Help much appreciated

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I’m not sure. Sorry

[@polarbear5232]

@@JKGearandGadgets any other recommendations?

[@barbozarafael6803]

hi man thanks for all these video very nice I love it !! In your opinion, by changing the axle, does it upgrade the tow capacity. I have a 2021 willys gladiator with tow package. I would like to convert it to the max tow package. is it possible just by changing the axle front and rear and the cool engine fan from a 600w to a 850 w ??

[@RobSteel117]

that aluminum knuckle will break, especially on the driver side. Suggest upgrade to steel knuckles, either factory, Reid Racing, or my favorite which is Rock Jock High Steer Knuckles

[@yogi5835]

East Coast Gear Supply is now making 35 spline chrome molly shafts for dana 44 in the JL Wrangler and JT Gladiator.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The only issue is that you’ll need a 35 spline locker as well

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The only issue is that you’ll need a 35 spline locker as well

[@yogi5835]

Yea that’s the only bad thing and it will only fit the ARB Air Locker right now, but someone wanting to upgrade so they can run 40s or 42s, they could with out the expensive axle swap. Do the trusses, 35 spline rcv’s front and 35 spline out back with the ARB locker. The problem with the stock locker out back is there is no stock replacement right now. But anyways great videos and I enjoy watching them. Keep up the good work.

[@chrisabbenda]

I’m curious, why would someone replace the axle shaft in the Dana 44 and not just upgrade the entire axle? Got my first Rubicon and still learning a lot!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Axle shaft upgrades are a lot cheaper than moving up to Dana 60s which is usually a minimum of a $13k upgrade, without including new lug wheels, custom steering, new driveshafts, etc.

[@whatdoyourequire]

Are you still running stock driveshafts front and rear?

[@mauriciofierro9750]

Is there any after market full float 8lug big rotors conversion kit for the JLs? Teraflex has one for the JKs. But havent seen anything with 8lugs for the JLs

[@tonydeleo1447]

Where did you get the 7 slots fad skid? I’ve only seen is shipping from Australia. Could you please provide a link? I’d appreciate it. Thanks.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It’s now all on Barnes4WD.com

[@polarbear5232]

Hey Ben! Great video! I have a question. When I click on the Amazon link for the axle shafts. It says that it will not fit a gladiator 2021. Is that true?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It’s probably listed as a JL part, but they are the same front acle

[@anthonynespoli117]

Great video. I see a lot of work into that fro t axle. Are you going 40s.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Possibly in the future!

[@BAT1908]

If you're thinking of using Teraflex BJ. The Teraflex ball joints will not work with the RCV or 1410 Ujoint axles. The Zero fitting are way to tall.

[@austinpyatt]

First trail after gears and lockers were installed i turtled the Jeep and was full driver lock trying to back over a boulder and snapped all 4 ears of my stock front axle shaft

[@alex_truckingtv1263]

For a pavement queen would you only recommend doing the back ? i want to regear my mojave cause im doing 37 im thinking chromale axelshaft in the rear but i was wondering if i should also get the front if im not planning on doing big flexing offroad just basic dirt road for the hunting season im new to this :)

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The factory shafts will be able to do what you need them to do

[@brooktech7869]

The new Dana 44 is great up to 37 inch tires and the axles are fine. The only real move is to go to DANA 60 instead of doing all this work on the new Axles imho they are thick. They dont have the same issues JK dana 44 had except that FAD is for sure a weakpoint.

[@jamesmerkel9442]

The way to pre bend the face flange is if it is bigger width like 15" of hard core steel u can clamp on & pre bend w/press 15" width circle way easier than small circle then cut down to size.

[@rusty302]

Nice work man. Where did you get that 7 Slot Customs FAD skid plate? I haven't been able to find it on their website.

[@MrSrtman18]

Is this your shop or your work. If its yours, how big is it.

[@jeremy8715]

I'm one of them!!! 10:44

[@jakehartberger453]

Does this impact stock lockers or sway bar function in any way?

[@leavesthe9984]

Been waiting for this video!! Thanks

[@justemptiedeverypocket9520]

So what was the total cost of parts

[@p4th0s_]

Ben, I know this is quite some time ago, but did you notice the thickness of the wall on the HD M210 axle? Is it actually about .400 wall(it's said to be 10mm on the xtreme recon/mojave/tow packages)? I've never seen it in person. I thought I saw a glimpse of it when you were sliding the 2nd piece out, and it looked alot thicker.

[@maccook1692]

Hey Ben, I know this is an old video so might not get a reply. I know you said gears first, but I've been wheeling my JT on stock axles for 2years now on 37s. Wouldn't regearing put me at risk for breaking the stock shafts more? So on a tight budget shafts first than gears?

[@jeremy8715]

FAD = No!! Good choice on the RCV.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I’m hoping this new style electric unit will hold up over time. The older CADs were trash, so hopefully Jeep made some improvements lol. We will see!

[@jeremy8715]

@@JKGearandGadgets You have more faith then I would.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The main reason I say that is because there are a ton of people with JLs that have 50-60k miles with no FAD issues so far

[@danarteritano1340]

Hmm, I'm debating upgrade my JK or get a Gladiator?

[@ds-zd9qz]

get a real jeep

[@ms.karihart2983]

Awesome job. very informative

[@jlmckinneyibew126]

Just a question, you suggest the two piece over the one piece still, or do you wish you had gone with the one piece,

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I like the 2 piece. Allows you to run more caster for daily driving since the driveshaft won’t spin in 2wd.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

If you are building a hardcore wheeling rig, then the 1 piece will fit your needs

[@jlmckinneyibew126]

Thanks for the reply,I’m getting ready to order a set as soon as my replacement card comes in and I thought I’d ask since you had them for a lil bit now , I think I’ll just stick two piece for now , less stress for the everyday running , thinks again

[@the-bu3lb]

Would the pro rock 44 and these rcvs be ok on 40s or would u still stay on the 37s now that u upgraded

[@michaelhalstead64]

Benjamin. I do have 1 question... on axle shafts, specifically the rear. When you're comparing different chromoly shafts, is all chromoly the same? for example, you did the Yukon, likely because you also did the Yukon gears. I'm looking at a set of Dana chromoly shafts that come fully assembled. There is basically no info on strength comparisons, so as long as they are chormoly, are they a good option? Thanks dude. Good video. Thanks for the useful info for those that aren't planning on dropping 15K on a D60 upgrade. Stay safe.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Pretty much! Most will be a 4340 chromoly. I was looking into the Dana spicer chromoly shafts but they were back ordered a while back.

[@michaelhalstead64]

JK Gear and Gadgets gotcha. Ok. When I was looking the Yukon’s cost a bit more, partially because the Dana’s were on sale. I just wanted to make sure there wasn’t a benefit or one was stronger. I do remember everyone saying the Dana’s were on back order. Thanks dude.

[@lonewulf0328]

So is the U-joint the reason I cant turn in 4WD without doing the repeated hopping? RCV's eliminate that?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Well you will still get some type of hop if you are turning sharp on pavement or dry rock. Just the nature of the 4wd. However the rcvs will cut it down tremendously

[@mohnster4000]

You sticking with the Fox shocks?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Changing them up soon!

[@Strizzle81]

@@JKGearandGadgets How do you like the Fox 2.0 shocks? Fox claims to have softened them up for the JL compared to the JK. They are aimed more at daily drivers and only light offroading.

[@jeremy8715]

How much is the difference in length? 14:21

[@JKGearandGadgets]

On the rubicons it’s around 2”. Most sport or standard axles will be the same length on each side. Rubicons are different length due to the style of the locker

[@Andrew-gu1zr]

One more question. The 300m vs the regular RCVs. What’s the difference? Strength?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yes. Material strength. 300m is the big boy stuff, v8 power, rock bouncing etc

[@FranciscoHugoGarcia]

how does having two piece drive shaft provide “more caster angle build in” ?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

By having a disconnecting axle shaft, it allows the driveshaft to not spin when in 2wd. So you don’t have to worry about pinion angle vibrations at highway speeds. So you can dial in more caster with control arms. I said it allows you to add more caster without typical pinion angle side effects

[@ac372]

is this strong enough to run 40s on a JT and actually wheel it hard? Or 37s the limit for this? all other things aside

[@davidozburn1155]

How come they don't use cv joints on drive shafts?

[@tcr73903]

LOL I am installing these axles right now. Any reason why you did not install the RCV axle tube seals? I am stuck on the tube seals as they are not going in very well? A horrible fit and and insanely hard getting pressed in, unless I am doing something wrong. Just curious if this is a reason you did not install them?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I am not a fan of outer axle seals. They usually end up just trapping moisture and dirt inside the tubes anyways. As for the fit, I’m not too sure. Are you installing them on a JL or Jt?

[@tcr73903]

@@JKGearandGadgets Me either after trying to install them. They are somewhat garbage and overpriced, they are actual RCV ones but wanted to try them. I ordered a set from RCV together and they did not come. Called them and they said backordered, they then shipped out a pair that was clearly a return from another customer with used open packaging. Looks like the previous owner of these was not happy with them either. I am going to try them out and see how it goes. I wish I would have watched your video beforehand (day short LOL). Your videos are great! keep up the good work! I edited this as I banged it and will see how it goes.

[@OverlandCitrus]

Nice just added those axels to my Rig

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Good choice 🤘

[@waynedinges4152]

Are any of y’all having noise issues with your recent axles

[@joecassara1870]

Are you just upgrading the Dana 44 or are those heavier?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

These are the factory 44s.

[@nathanmay9509]

Question about the rear axles. I spoke with RCV about new rear axles for JT Rubicon and they suggested the RAP-JL-32 (JL Rubicon 32 spline) should work, but have not confirmed. Do you have any insight to confirm or deny? Thanks.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yes the JL rear shafts will work

[@Secondgen392hemi]

Are old parts available for sale?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

What are you looking for?

[@marcoss4563]

bigger brakes ?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The factory brakes are already very big and work well compared to older jeeps

[@thebunkerhillboys]

Pretty awesome Upgrade !!! Do you think it’s mandatory if you go up to 37’s ?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Not mandatory. A lot of it depends on the offroading you plan on doing. If you want to get into off-roading a lot then I would highly suggest them

[@thebunkerhillboys]

JK Gear and Gadgets Thanks for the Info We have A Gladiator and a JL and watching you guys has helped us with a ton of stuff! We are a Family of Four also ( boy 7 , Girl 3 ) and we love watching videos that help us with Jeeping as a Family! Thanks again !! We will be watching !

[@Andrew-gu1zr]

Do they make a clicking noise when you’re turning?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

If they start clicking then they need more grease

[@maddmaxx6705]

what brand of FAD skid plate do you use?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

7slotcustoms!

[@rickyaleman5920]

What bumper is that?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Barnes4wd Pritchett Canyon bumper. They do offer a channel discount code, jkgg or jeepgear will get you a discount!

[@GULIVERSOFFROAD]

just like the c.a.d on the old dana 30

[@cole33333333]

pinion guard?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

They can be a good upgrade. im just not the biggest fan of them, they bolt on and typically reduce ground clearance.

[@rangethetrail]

man, those rear brake lines look like they are LIMITING STRAPS at full droop!!! maybe longer ones will be on the short-list of stuff to do next? ;) love the content! (i'm like your wife - i H-A-T-E bleeding brakes.) as well as anything that has to do with fluids or leaks...

[@austincorbiniv]

Iwould do the truss if you plan not do bigger tires. Need to save the housing so everything else is worth it.

[@VictorVectorJKU]

More axles!!!

[@colinstreets1611]

6:33 - that's what she said

[@MrSrtman18]

Let the dude drink his miller lite

[@richflynn1550]

So will a 37" tire fit in the stock spare location?

[@mattbrew11]

Rich Flynn most, not all.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It can “fit” but hits the trackbar. I showed it in my lift kit install video. Clayton is working on making a rear trackbar that will fit with a full size 37”

[@richflynn1550]

What about if you put on the Rock Krawler Pro-X in the rear because it eliminates the track bar?

[@boldrbangr9834]

Great info! Thanks.....for helping me spend all my $$$$ 😜