My Old Axles Have Taken Some Serious Abuse! It's Time for an Upgrade

Over the last few years the stock dana 44 axles on my 2015 Jeep Rubicon have hit some serious trails, carried the weights of tons of overlanding gear, managed the load of some larger wheels and tires and now have over 100k miles on them. While I have done a few upgrades to make them stonger like c-gussets, chromoly axles shafts, Dynatrac ball joints, and more, they are now showing signs of failure and I've had to make a few repairs. In this video I head over to Dynatrac to upgrade my front axles to the new ProRock 44.
Dynatrac ProRock 44: bit.ly/dynatracprorock44
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[@doug6885]

Small correction shipmate - you don't adjust toe with the track bar.

[@TrailRecon]

100% Correct... I misspoke! You adjust the toe with the tie rod! Thank you!

[@doug6885]

@@TrailRecon It's easy to get excited with a new front axle. :)

[@12Bravojeepstuff]

@@doug6885 tell me about it I've got almost 220k on my stock YJ axles and with a V8. I would be crazy excited to get some Dynotracs installed by the company itself. Love your JK.

[@errhka]

Steve! He's such a nice dude! Spent hours talking at the dynatrac event about axles, differentials, and just life stuff in general. So many great people work at dynatrac

[@TrailRecon]

Great guy and super knowledgable!

[@GoatOffroad]

I’m about to upgrade my front axle! And add some ARB lockers! Love playing on my Jeep! And you inspire me to get it done! ❤️🐞

[@hughwolfe1176]

Brad thank you so much for sharing your upgrade/maintenance experience. Lots of questions answered, and some I didn’t know I had. Also thank Jim as well as the Dynatrac crew for visualizing the process... Any time your wanting to add a factory video I’m all in.

[@Jufullback35]

Your videos are TOP Notch!! You are great to watch and learn from! Keep doing your thing!!

[@geoffersongeofferies477]

May be one of your best videos. Very thorough and extremely informative. I could listen to you and Jim go on for a whole afternoon. Great job Brad.

[@maxingham9139]

Thanks for sharing Brad. Peace of mind is a good thing too!

[@therewasblood]

that owner seems very legit and transparent. Ill think of these first when upgrading. Great Vid. !

[@appleguy1986]

Great video, Brad! Thanks for sharing your Dynatrac in-house experience with us all.

[@pch-395]

Great video, and thank you for supporting a great company and a great guy. Dynatrac is awesome!

[@fwschnaar3179]

Great Up-Grade Brad....My Dream Front Axle.... Some day when the $$$$ are there! 😃

[@troyli31]

It is good to know some of the issues concerning axles. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@N8FLY]

Awesome video Brad! The information helps us all know our Jeeps a little better each time. You and Marco are the inspiration for the gradual transformation of my 2016 JKU Rubicon into an Overlanding vehicle. Thank you!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much!

[@wyattoneable]

Excellent information. You had great access to the facility and asked the right questions. That's a great upgrade.

[@joshwpatton]

Great upgrade. Love my ProRock! Now I just need to get one for the rear.

[@stevetabor4447]

Crazy was sitting here reading about different axles etc perfect timing on the video awesome axle choice love this technical stuff on gearing etc congratulations on the sweet upgrade she looks good as always be safe

[@apexpredator_jku]

Love my PR44! I did 35 spline RCVs, ARB lockers, 5.13 gears, Reid knucks and I've had zero issues, everything you'd want out of a standard D44 BUT...3 years down the line, I regret not going with a 60 or at the very least, 44/60 hybrid which Dynatrac offers as well. Reason being. If I knew back then that my needs and rig were going to evolve like they have I wouldn't find myself in a situation where I have to upgrade my upgrade. Back when I first got my PR44 I would've sworn with my hand on a bible that I'd never need to go bigger than 37s...I'm sure we all know how the story goes from there. With that being said, PR44 is still the best in it's class, bar none.

[@TrailRecon]

I said I'd never go larger than 35's and here I am running 38's and considering 40's! I hear you!

[@doug1274]

It's difficult to know how your build will evolve 3 years down the road. BUT, you'll be able to sell the 3 year old PR44 easily and recoup much of the cost of the 60.

[@apexpredator_jku]

@@TrailRecon in this day and time, 40s are the new 35. It isn't necessarily a matter of having to go bigger because that's what's trendy but when you have rigs running 43" stickies, they are changing the topography of the trails. You damn near need to run 40s out of necessity because everyone else running big rubber is excavating the dirt and rearranging the lay of the land

[@ApparitionLJ]

TrailRecon tell us more about those 38’s please

[@ericjennings5041]

Very informative thanks Brad and Steve

[@jaymarten6988]

Oh my I am just learning so much and in an enjoyable way, this is addictive viewing thanks Brad the editing and film making is about as good as it gets too. Thanks for inspirational TrailRecon.

[@dougharlow6037]

Brad, great video. I think Jim at Dynatrac puts out the best axles out there. Good choice. Thanks

[@someone-mc4wy]

Your awesome my guy! Incredibly humble and motivating. My wife and I truly appreciate your content. Good stuff!

[@TrailRecon]

I appreciate that!

[@nachovalenti]

Thanks for this useful and informative video Brad and of course,congrats for your new axel.👍

[@chuckzechman1497]

Nice walk thru. I'm sure you'll be happy with the Dynatrac. I'm still running a stock Dana 30 on my 2016 JKUS, but at some point I want to change the gearing and switch to a 44 in the front. That will hopefully be a Dynatrac. Jim seems like a great guy. He was on stage at the Friday night raffle at EJS back in April and he gave away one of his 44's (the first ticket they drew wasn't there, so they had to draw a second ticket- his loss). Safe Travels and God Bless!

[@kblaine123]

Its so COOL to witness the evolution of one man with a passion.......your attention to detail and delivery of content is in many ways beyond most professionally done pieces, thanks for sharing and wish you continued success.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! It's been a blast wheeling and building this Jeep over the years.

[@WavyJay10]

Awesome channel. You were the CMC at Parris island back in 2011 when I worked at NH Beaufort. Good to see!

[@4WheelingBrian]

Absolutely love my Pro Rock 44 front. It has done everything I want it too. I CAN explore with confidence. Great choice! You'll love it! I've definitely used it on hard trails, just changed the fluid and everything is perfect. Really looking forward to pro float 60 rear axle someday.

[@alanporter]

Great video Brad! Really enjoyed listening to you and Jim talk about this stuff. 👍

[@TrailRecon]

Jim has so much knowledge, it's great to pick his brain!

[@jsoverland]

The precision of the Ring and Pinion installation was pretty impressive!

[@steveblankenship5474]

Great video. Not only is it great to see made in the USA but also California as well. The explanation for the death wobble was excellent. I was on a freeway when an XJ right next to me got the death wobble.

[@oldmanjeepingandbiking9621]

Have a 2016 2 door sport JK for my wife. We also upgraded, but to a Currie built 44. As with the Dynatrac, it is much beefier all around. We also left the rear housing alone, but swapped in the ARB 35 spline Locker and some 35 spline shafts. We had already Broken a stock rear 30 spline shaft and both front shafts on 34 inch tires. This new combo has been able to hold up to hard wheeling and 35 inch tires and I am no stranger to the gas pedal.

[@DanaBottomley]

Nice! They are building a pro rock 44 for my TJ right now. Pretty excited to get it installed.

[@rickmarquart3277]

Great video! Jim really knows his stuff 👍🏼

[@Venom-kq5xz]

I was thinking you were going to say a Dana 60, but I’d only go up to the pro rock 44 also but that would be a huge upgrade for my JLU sports s. Awesome video! It’s been awhile since I’ve watch a video. Really have been wanting to watch another video talking about the pro rock 44. Thank you for the awesome video Brad!

[@mrtopcat2]

I'm glad I watched this. Previously I watched a video of "Wayalife" of a similar install at Dynatrac as well and because his axle seemed to be installed unpainted or rattle can painted at best, I questioned the quality. But your axle seems to be coated pretty nicely, so all thumbs up!

[@takayama1638]

No I love that Hecho en USA. Man, I just also love well made stuff! Nice. Wow Brad, those old boys do good work! Love it.

[@syarif_rc_channel]

his work is very neat and precise, his tools are also very proper. I like to see it

[@WTFSoCal]

Congrats my friend, that is a sweet setup! Burly for sure ! take care!

[@pscarollo]

I've had dynatrac's ProRock 60s front and rear for about 10 years. Never a problem...

[@derek6947]

Seems like a good time to replace the brakes.

[@johnd4489]

Great video Brad, nice to see you only replaced the housing and didnt just throw new parts at it. Making the process more affordable.👍

[@TrailRecon]

I think this is a very practical route for most folks. Thank you!

[@Ashokmerfey]

You're juz awesum Brad... Love from INDIA .... i like mostly you and Marko on frame esp when its cookin time ... You expplain things in a very crisp & clear way ... Keep doing it Buddy ... One of the best Channel for Overlanding on JEEP ...

[@nickjennings3500]

Cracking vlog Brad. Very informative. Thanks.

[@andreipretorius92]

Great and informative video. Really like the axle. Enjoy the Jeep

[@stanleyfurash7929]

Awesome what I really love about your upgrades is you don't do crazy stuff in your upgrades. You maintain a normalcy which transfers to affordable. Also Jim comes across as very rational even though he builds some insane axles as well.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Jim is a great guy, I really enjoyed our conversations off camera.

[@jeepinbanditrider]

"Affordable" 🤣🤣🤣

[@cisco_morales9294]

I love watching your videos. Watching them makes me want a jeep even more. Thank you

[@jnightrod]

Awesome video. I’ve actually been waiting on Black Friday to catch a good deal on an axle to replace the front. I was bouncing back and forth between dana ultimate 44 and a PR 44. Think I’m going to go the PR 44 route. It was crazy to see this video before Black Friday to help steer my direction to Dynatrac. Thanks.

[@TrailRecon]

I hope you can catch a great deal!

[@RubiconUnlimited]

Congrats on the upgrade! Thanks for all the info 🍻

[@beachboy4928]

Congrats MC!

[@mikehatcher5369]

Awesome video. Many thanks to owner of Dynatracs

[@bobbymuy989]

Awsome brad I'm so jelly!

[@wardperozuk2782]

Looks like a great upgrade. I also like how you are using some of your existing parts keeping it realistic. How long did you run the wheel spacers?

[@nitrofox1354]

It’s nice to have these videos, where I can actually learn how things work, thanks Brad!!

[@TrailRecon]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@tomd1939]

Don't mean to steer people away, but "wayalife" has amazing videos about dynatrac axles. They also have some in depth videos that might answer some questions

[@larrybriggs2920]

Hey Brad, thanks for the great video. Your work is awesome. I need to go thru my LC axles right now. I drained the front and it looked like silver metallic paint. Something seems to be up with that. 🤑

[@jeffbehringer1262]

Great video as always.

[@mikethorson142]

Nicely done!... thanks for your videos

[@spadgett3015]

Always love you videos Brad. One thing, it is not “chomping” at the bit. It is actually “champing” at the bit.

[@JasonDischer]

I actually beat you to an upgrade! lol Just went to the PR44 a few weeks ago. Went with RCV's , Reid racing knuckles, and HD ball joints while I was doing it, along with finally re-gearing to 4.88s. Feeling extremely confident now as supposed to always worrying. Good stuff

[@mattcogdell9788]

I highly doubt these axles have any real abuse to them. This is the most tame/calm off road channel on KZbin.

[@TrailRecon]

You have missed some videos over the years like this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH7ciXSpfpyZg5Y

[@LANDCRUISERLIFE]

@@TrailRecon wheeling/rock crawling once and awhile is hardly abuse (well, unless your an idiot and don't know how to drive offroad). Draily driving in 3rd world countries is more of an abuse on these rigs... After all, I am sure that's why you call yourself a overlander and not a rock crawler..

[@kevinhood9781]

​@@LANDCRUISERLIFE give the guy a brake bro, those axles arnt that strong for a 5000+ rig

[@cbob7423]

he said in the video he's had to repair them because they're getting damaged. the stress of big tires will do that especially off road

[@Pantaro2007]

great video lots of good knowledge!

[@taylo795]

I was hoping to see a d60 going in but my dreams were crushed when you started tearing down your stock d44.

[@johnbrockjr9464]

I saw you & Marco at SEMA in the Dynatrac booth it was fairly obvious what company you were going with for the upgrade.

[@missakkechichian347]

Amazing video and information thank you

[@timking2194]

Great video great axle

[@craftsmancollaborative]

Great video. Thanks for the info!

[@360VRStudios]

Thanks Doc, Good VIdeo

[@murphtahoe1]

Nice upgrade Brad! Great catch on the broken u-joint. So much better done at a shop or home rather than on the trail! I see a rear Dana 60 upgrade video in the future for Trail Recon. Have a great Thanksgiving with friends and family Brad.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I'm so glad we found the u-joint before I was in the middle of nowhere.

[@gen2-x364]

Very nice upgrade!

[@deaniliff1964]

Howdy Brad, Always a pleasure watching, learning and being entertained by a well spoken and down to earth wheeler.. I'm a new owner of a 100k mile 2015 JKU Rubicon. Had the stock tires for the first 100k..road use only.. Tossed on the 37's and wondering your opinion on upgrading the axels, or will the dana 44's last a. while wheeling just the same as you do.. Was it worth upgrading the components on the 44, or put that cash to a new axel?? If you had to do it again?? Have a great day..

[@ronaldcobbley9668]

Good thing to know to how to maintain your jeep

[@scottk.8494]

Cool video! I'd also like to install gears one day.

[@davidfreeman7750]

the rear axle does as much work as the front also most of the weight is on the rear , Whats the betting it has problems now thanks for all the knowledge and brilliant videos take care have fun from the UK

[@Sdibble2000]

Very nice upgrade! Do you have a video descibing the switch to the patagonias? What size?

[@matthewhatton3637]

I just ditched my d35 and now I need to truss my front axle so if I drop off a lip I don't bend it🤙

[@donmontalvo1]

Axle weight difference, guessing the custom differential covers are heavier than stock? Great video!

[@wtjohnso]

Thanks Brad. I read the comments on the 'rear' axle and saw that you may upgrade later. I'm curious what you may select? Doesn't look like Dynatrac has a D44 rear axle assembly, would you go to a D60 rear?

[@gilbertarnold8666]

Great video thank you!

[@67wildwolf]

Hey Brad when yeah doing the rear axle upgrade? Seems front and rear at 100,000 miles should both be in need of upgrading.I love my pro rock 44 on my JL and I am planing on upgrading the back to in a few months to a 60.

[@easternzone7869]

Great videos Brad! Many positive takeaways... only one non-positive and that’s the dent in the wallet. At least the dent is for a good cause.

[@kevinwyatt9771]

Have you seen the Iveco daily 4x4. Gearing allows 100:1 ratio

[@moabwheeling]

My wife just experienced death wobble about a week ago in her JK . It scared to crap out of her . So I sent it to 4 Wheel Parts and they found that the ball joints upper and lower plus the steering stabilizer were shot. So we had them replace all of them plus the stabilizer and $1,100.00 later it drives better than when it was new according to my wife . No more death wobble. 4 Wheel Parts said on a scale of one to ten , ten being totally shot her ball joints were at a twelve . I'm so happy they found the problem and fixed it .

[@jeepwrecognizejeep1391]

Steering Stabilizer has nothing to do with death wobble...if anything it just masks it. Technically, you don't even need one.

[@moabwheeling]

@@jeepwrecognizejeep1391 I agree with you . Just had them change it because it was leaking. I forgot to mention they also changed the drag link because it was totally frozen. Wouldn't even budge with heat applied.

[@devonpagani5653]

Just another veteran here, I freaking love your videos bro!!

[@undergroundexplorersoverland]

I wish you would have asked Jim why they don't put a drain plug in the ProRock 44. I didn't think of it before I got mine and was really annoyed to discover its absence.

[@besomebody100]

Hey Brad, do you have a video on your suspension? I can't find anything. thanks!

[@kamfar6418]

O boy thought differential swap is just bolt on thing, would love to see a video explaining toe, camber n other tech stuff to b looked into. Best daynatrak swap video. We have saying that goes like this. Holding sea in a jar.

[@rubicon_north675]

I should add that to my Christmas list too :)

[@mikehoffman3690]

We opted to upgrade to a Tera44 from the stock Dana30. Regeared from 3.21 to 4.56. It is a vast improvement.

[@mikehoffman3690]

We have great experience with Teraflex products. Kinda brand loyal.

[@RossMelby]

@@mikehoffman3690 Agreed. I have there rear tire carrier and that thing is stout and has help up for 5+ years with 35's bouncing around. Not huge tires, but a good product none the less.

[@zmotorsports62]

Great upgrade Brad. I ran my OEM D44 with gussets and 5.38 gears since new in 2011 and had about 65k on it when I bought a blank ProRock 44 housing about 4 years ago. I upgraded to the ProRock44 knowing that I would be stepping to 37's eventually and we repurposed the OEM D44 into my son's 2004 WJ project last year. I caught a LOT of slack from people about how my ProRock 44 won't hold up now with my 425 HP LS engine but now with over 13k miles on the new power train and 4.56:1 geared ProRock with 37" tires it works perfect. I don't overland but my JKUR is heavy @ 6k pounds due to the tools and supplies that I carry but I don't feel I need one-ton axles to do what I do. I feel as long as you drive reasonably and don't flog on your Jeep the ProRock 44 is more than adequate but I'm in the minority in that thinking. My JKUR is my daily driver that has just over 100k miles on the clock and we flat tow it behind our 40' coach to various Jeep rallies and gatherings and I can either drive it or tow it with confidence. Again, great upgrade and enjoy the video. Mike

[@TrailRecon]

Great to hear your 44 is holding up... I'll be that LS is fun to drive!

[@zmotorsports62]

It sure is Brad, although I drive it like a baby carriage. Off-road I feel like it’s cheating and it’s so mild and docile for daily driving it’s like driving a Denali.

[@jeepwrecognizejeep1391]

It's great that a PR44 has held up and I hope it lasts the lifespan of your rig but it's still not something I recommend to someone if they were considering doing an LS swap. That's a lot of torque and stress your putting on a 8.5" ring gear.

[@zmotorsports62]

Jeep Wrecognize Jeep thanks but this is far from my first rodeo dealing with HP and axles. I drive accordingly and know how hard to push it and when to back off. If I drove it hard or flogged on it that would be a different story.

[@mithrandir1313]

New camera? Video quality looks GREAT!

[@ttjeepjl5146]

great video

[@arthurcebolao]

Anything in mind for the rear axle? Great job btw. Kudos from Brazil.

[@capt.stubing5604]

You guys talked about excessive wheel offset. What do you consider excessive?

[@chuckgilly]

I see you have Steersmarts "Yeti" drag link and tie rod, good stuff. Next upgrade, some Reid racing knuckles and some RCV axles ??? From Russia, with LOVE......

[@Teddy_bear155]

Mad Jeff Goldblum vibes from this guy. I dig it.

[@toddgibbs1321]

I am surprised you didn’t just go to the pro-rock 60. I would hate to have to spend money to upgrade again later.

[@Tanner731]

that JK axle set would be perfect for the XJ

[@JeproksOffroad]

You should transform your jk to a complete rock crawler like titan. You already have an overland rig now you gonna have a rock crawler! Nice video brad

[@abllester]

When are you upgrading the rear

[@fredwolf327]

Another great video Brad, great job. I am planning to upgrade to the Prorock 44 as well in the near future. I am running full 37's. I will be using the gearing and Chromoly axles that I have now. My question is, what have you done for beefing up the steering box, pump ect. I currently have upgraded my Brakes and installed the 1 Ton Drag link and Tie rod but no flip kit or knuckles those are the stock components. Thanks

[@jeepwrecognizejeep1391]

PSC is the only option as far as beefing up steering box. There's options for tapping stock steering gear but it just makes your sector shaft more prone to failure. PSC Big Bore w/ ram assist is the way to go.

[@e-pill]

nice. thx for the video.

[@strangesoundzzz]

Hour and a half to Orange County. Thanks for reminding me of California driving. LOL!