When Should You Upgrade Your Axles? - Coffee One-Take

[@mikepierson3097]

I love listening to Jim talk. He’s so causal about his knowledge and it just flows. He seems like a great person to hang with.

[@RottDawg]

I have a ProRock 44 with RCVs upfront and a ProRock 62 in the rear... The 44 has been bulletproof... the 62 has given me nothing but problems. The first failure, it took me a week to get back on the trail the first time while Dynatrac figured out what they were going to do. This time, it's been three weeks and my rig is still sitting here trying to figure out what Dynatrac is going to do. I bought the Dynatracs because I wanted something dependable and with a warranty. 5 months for them to deliver and 6 months for them to break twice. I know Kevin, Brit and Brad swear by them, but all I do is swear at them.

[@superduper1917]

You should upgrade your axles after you pay off your $50,000 dollar Jeep. That way you can afford to put on $15,000 more dollars worth of axles that the damn Jeep shoud have come with from the factory! Love the Channel, Love these axles. Maybe Jeep should get them from you before they stick in our arses without lubrication or dinner first ;-)

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Or just buy a used Jeep and add the new diffs and suspension. There are a million mall crawlers out there. Find one in a low-rust state and go pick it up.

[@cosmicsea.9169]

I'm curious as to what Jim would say about adding a truss to an axle housing vs complete upgrade. Pros Cons that sort of thing.

[@AngelRodriguez111]

If you watch the video when Brad upgraded to a front Pro44, Jim said no to the truss as it causes too much warping most of the time and it doesn't really add much strength in the places you need it.

[@zachwhite2323]

He sells axles not trusses, by I’m sure that doesn’t effect his opinion at all…

[@immelting9834]

For every truss sold by a manufacturer ; is one less axle Jim won't sell.

[@datsun4x]

@@AngelRodriguez111 he's correct for what 90% of us them for. I've seen a bent dynatrac, but it was from a hard hit, not just regular trail running. Trusses do add strength, but really the best use case for them is when custom 4 link mounts are required, hard-core crawling or racing that need the extra reinforcement

[@megarafjogos]

​@@AngelRodriguez111 just look at weaker axles. A simple truss can transform a samurai thin weak axle housing into a tank capable of handling jumps and big tyres. They work, and they work very well. Sure, you may bend the axle if you are not careful when welding, but it is what it is, if done right, it can turn an old dana 44 in a pro44 beating axle.

[@Donnut123]

"You can have Dana 60 shafts in the Pro Rock 44" Brad 's eyes lit up at that!

[@510_jk5]

I could listen to Jim all day! Love it when you have him on. You and Jim should start an off road podcast! Jim has the voice for it and so much knowledge!

[@MrSportsphoto]

I swear, every time I watch a TrailRecon video, it costs me money! 🤔

[@KansasSlim64]

Yep. 😬

[@zachwhite2323]

Is anyone surprised that the guy that sells axles is recommending upgrading your stock 44 on 35’s (which are now a stock size available) to his product? A. You are still under warranty so even if you do something dumb and bend an axle who cares? B. Extra unsprung weight is not your friend, especially when it isn’t needed.

[@80KG_Costco_Chicken]

🤣🤣🤣🤣Let me know if the dealer will replace your axle under warranty when you bent them.

[@teagud3189]

Hands down the best interview. Would like to hear more of what Jim has to say

[@slowcountryboy476]

ahh yes, high pinion low pinion, now I know the pros/cons. And the bell curve was mentioned. I cannot think what it does not apply to. This was a good confabulation.

[@iVisual.sambonkowski]

Hi Mate, American and its Allied forces won WWII, both in Europe and the pacific, driving on Jeep Willys. they drove it in the thick jungles of SE Asia, the endless deserts of North Africa, the high mountains and stony rivers of Western Europe. They could have chosen any tire size. They choose 32”. It had 32” tires. The American crushed the Nazies and the Japanese Emperial armies riding a Jeep with 32” tires. Surely if it was good enough for them, it should be good enough for you while you play around with your Jeep, unless of course the massive tires size is designed to compensate for something else…

[@recon20671]

Lots of knowledge. 2008 jeep jk with bent housing. Purchasing 44/60. Thanks.

[@RobDTom]

Axels? Like Axel Rose? 😂

[@CDMA07]

Thank you, thank you TrailRecon !!! I'm currently at this stage. I want to upgrade my Rubicon to 37s, but we have some hard trails here in East TN. WindRock with break some stuff!! ...ergo I want to do this upgrade right. This is a great video to learn from and make an informed decision.......which I now know I need to save more money! lol . Congrats to TrailRecon on 454k subscribers!

[@furrycutethings2124]

Ran into Jim on the trail this weekend, very cool to see the Dynatrac rig getting dirty with Jim behind the wheel.

[@Outforajoyride]

Not raining on anyone parade, but truss your axles, add C gussets and chromoly and save $1000s of dollars. Most folks (and i use the term lightly) will never wheel hard enough to need 1 tons. Ive seen XJs on trussed stock axles wheel harder than folks on 1 tons and not break anything, and drive it home. To each their own and more power to ya. Cheers!

[@ghernandez6457]

Same I wheel with a group of XJs and crawler yotas running trussed 44s and 37s and they run circles around many 4dr JKs and JLs with 40s out there because of their short wheelbase and driver skills. I am currently running 38s on RCVS and chromolied rear with my JLUR on 4.88 gears. I have almost rolled over once bouncing off an obstacle fully locked, done high speed desert trails etc. And my axles are fine. Getting 40s tomorrow just added a front and rear truss and C gussets.

[@CJLane-62]

I just want to upgrade my D35,and D30 to a set of D44's,as my 03 4.0L TJ is my daily driver and my offroader,will be pulling some type of Offroad teardrop trailer on mainly Forrest roads maintained and Non Maintained!

[@a_brit_in_tx9603]

When I change my Spotify play list

[@nachovalenti]

Jim is the man! Great to listen their experiences and his knowledge. Thanks Brad for another great video.

[@motomason]

Why worry about labor? Do it yourself feels better when it’s complete!

[@machine2747]

Just installed my first set of Dynatrac axles in my JT Rubicon. The XD 60 in the rear and ProRock 44 in the front. Went with ARBs and 5:13s. The axles are absolute quality. Every where you look on them the fit and finish are off the chart. Got the 1480 front outer joints and they really dwarf the factory outers. My set also came with the rebuildable ball joints. There's a reason these guys are the industry leader. Quality!

[@ralphguillen20]

This was very helpful, thank you ✌🏽prorock 44 has been on my list. My Yukon chromoly axle shafts, evo cgussets, 4:88 revolution gears and ARB air lockers have been holding up on my little Dana30 on 37s but I’m aware, it’s not if, it’s when 😕 @lockandcrawl

[@jordantrujillo293]

Haha damn that’s brave, I’m debating if I want to do that in the mean time while I build my one ton axles 🤣

[@badgerpa9]

Are you talking about figure skating? An Axel is a figure skating jump, an axle is on your vehicle. You always need to upgrade and perfect your figure skating axel or you are not getting better.

[@darrenboone681]

I didn't bend my housing I broke it Dana 30. 35" tires second time out on those tires went to ultimate 44 that's what my budget can handle. so far happy

[@entergynso]

AXLE. Axel was a fast talking Police Officer from Detroit, lol.

[@310to703]

this was awesome great convo with so much knowledge Jim is the best! my favorite Coffee One-Take yet!!!!!

[@jeremy8715]

I “upgraded” to HP D30 & D44 from LP D30 & D35. I’m on 35x12.5R15.

[@horaciolopez7721]

Believe me that’s still better than nothing. Good luck to you sir and best wishes.

[@alexanderweaver7066]

Wow! What a wealth of knowledge and expertise! I picked up so much information and I'll have to watch this again to let it soak into my limited space brain. More videos like this one, Brad!

[@kevinross5360]

From Australia , Jim knows a thing or two about Axels. good one take

[@kenworth278660]

Best coffee one take ever

[@jimotten6206]

Thx that was great, learned a lot. Please do one on IFS

[@fwschnaar3179]

Jim’s Awesome… Could watch him over and over again with his Knowledge of the places in the Desert 👍☕️

[@stevetabor4447]

Great informative video Jim is such a awesome humbled man so much knowledge good stuff brad 👍👍👍👍

[@phillipcraggs6202]

I just, like literally, just did this last week. I wanted to run 37's on my 2018 JLU Sport. But the stock Dana 30/35 axles were not going to cut it. Unfortunately, Dynatrac stuff takes longer to get up here in Canada. So a Dana Spicer 44 Ultimate in the front and Dana Spicer 44 in the rear, 4:88 gearing, E-lockers front and rear, Yukon drive shafts and a 4 inch Rubicon Express lift with Fox shocks. I'm still in the break-in period. can't wait to get out on the trails with this thing. Great vid as always. looking forward to seeing the JK out on the rocks.

[@RottDawg]

I strongly urge you to not use an e-locker in the rear...

[@bquade70]

Oh that's gonna be sweet! Lake Havasu 🌞 Az

[@zachwhite2323]

@@RottDawg why?

[@RottDawg]

@@zachwhite2323 I've had mine for 6 months and the one in the front, no issue... the one in the rear has been nothing but problems. Talked to a friend with a ton more experience here than myself and he just said he didn't think they hold up to what the ARB or OX lockers do. I'm just trying to stop someone from making the same mistake I did.

[@zachwhite2323]

@@RottDawg the factory lockers in rubicons, broncos, and Toyotas are electric. I'd argue there are far more e lockers on the trails than any other type at this point. The cable locker like ox is say is fool proof. Arbs are super durable, but the air lines aren't. I might be biased as an electrician, but I'd much rather trouble shoot and repair a simple 12v circuit than an air leak.

[@davidcooper3957]

I have the pro rock 60s unfortunately I had to replace the aluminum knuckles to steel thankfully under dynatrac warranty. I went with the pro rocks due to the engine and transmission upgrade LT1 6.2 and a ten speed. Awesome upgrade. Great channel please keep it going

[@jeffontwo8636]

Lots of good information here. And the 60 IRS in the background looks badass!

[@michellonergan8517]

It is not rocket science1- what is the weight of your truck 2- what is the horsepower and torque of your engine and 3- finally what is the weight of one of your wheel to figure the stress put on one axle when a wheel is spinning and stop instantly, 4-And what is your lowest crawl ratio then you can have a good idea what type of diff you need.

[@asylumjk]

Awesome video! I’m looking to pull the trigger on a Dynatrac 44 soon & this answered a ton of questions! Thanks y’all!

[@Billrovid]

This is a 20k upgrade. Its not such an easy thing to do. You can get a whole new Jeep for 40k.

[@jakeweber9787]

You're right, but by the time you get your rig to the point that this upgrade is warranted, it's worth it.

[@dairshine]

@@jakeweber9787 you really don’t need to buy 20k axles, this video is somewhat informative, but it’s also just a sales pitch. With a good truss and some nice rcvs you can pretty much get away with a lot on stock axles. You could even buy swap kits for some Dana 60s and truss them and you’d still be at like a 1/4 of the price of these.

[@jakeweber9787]

@@dairshine You really don't need to buy anything. And no, trusses and rcvs do not equal the capability of 60s. They are useful for running 37s or less. Anything more than that and you will eventually need stronger axles. I have currently outclassed my highly modified D44s and am in the market for 60s. No amount of bandaids on a 44 will fix that.

[@quinnmortensen1415]

Great video. I have one of their axles in the rear of my YJ, and it works great. I also have it trussed, due to my driving style.

[@BorisW150]

Upgrade your axles when they become axels!

[@lloydrage]

Awesome episode. I always enjoy listening to Jim’s knowledge. Great job Brad

[@PrincessTS01]

10 inches of rain in death valley mountains expected tonight & tomorrow

[@landon94]

Hey brad, I’ve looked for the answer to this question on a lot of forums and can’t seem to find a straight answer so I was hoping you’d know. It’s my understanding that when adding the eco diesel to any trim it automatically upgrades to the Dana 44s. My question is are the dana 44s that are added with diesel option the same width as the dana 44s on a regular rubicon?

[@WheelinMatt]

Yes they are

[@kbalcerzak]

Great video.... alot of knowledge. Jim@Dynatrac why dont you make a 44 rear axles?

[@FRWD_FXLRST]

Exactly.

[@3vetman]

Brad, this was a great, informative interview! Thank you for this.

[@jonnyfsilvers]

The random ring tone 😂 👍🏼

[@romandevengenzo4267]

So many useful insights here, thanks guys!

[@sspence65]

I have a Willys Diesel Gladiator, no lockers. Putting an Alu-cab canopy camper on the back. Want to upgrade from the 32's to 37 with a Terraflex 2.5" full kit. I want lockers, and proper gearing for the 37" tires. The diesel has gobs of torque, but want that automatic to shift at the right points. Overlanding, not crawling. Advice?

[@mikekosar6135]

Uuhh…. When you break em’…???

[@lloydrage]

Starting coffee now. Let’s go

[@dannybowen3550]

What front end would you run the hemi

[@andrewdecavia7553]

Moved to Georgetown 2 years ago. Now looking at a JKUR, likely doing Teraflex CT3, HD tie rods & track bar on 35”s. Aside from a skid or diff cover is it worth swapping to chrome moly axle shafts or upgrading the JKUR axles to hit the Rubicon?

[@apexpredator_jku]

I'd imagine if one doesn't know how to spell "Axles" then you probably don't need to upgrade. Lol...sorry, couldn't help myself.

[@80KG_Costco_Chicken]

I know Jim said it was hard for your Jeep to weight over 8K lbs.But my buddy just weighted his 5.7 V8 JK AEV brute truck (so JKU converted truck), with all the camping equipments and off-road equipments, which include RTT, fridge, bed rack, tools, water tank etc, his truck weighted at 7980 lbs. And that was without any passengers. When you add all the armors and all those equipments, the weight adds fast!

[@brianb6603]

New to me conversation, Excellent as usual!!! Jim is an amazing fount of knowledge. This is the best axel conversation I have heard.

[@edwardodejesus967]

Traded my renegade in for a 2018 Wrangler sport JL, it doesn't have the fancy disconnect but everyone knows that 😅 but could I get it installed right? 🤔

[@jerrymestas1231]

I have an old rust bucket 91 YJ Wrangler 4.0 Runs great, my axles are stuck, I have 33's on it now. What is the next step of size wise that you can recommend.

[@jeepcrux3497]

If you guys enjoyed this interview, check out literally every other off-road channel that spend 20 grand on axles. He is great but man I would love to find and off-road channel that films trails. Anyone know of a good one?

[@Sniperssx]

I use UD44 do you thing enghou

[@VoyagerOverland]

Of course, by my strategy, the best time to upgrade an axle is shortly after breaking one.... mmm? Maybe I should rethink this one... Great video as always!

[@martinshea6967]

Jim is absolute gold and his ringtone was the icing on the cake. I also knocked on wood just as you did Brad, hilarious. Aaannnddd I am absolutely available this winter for a Death Valley trip......just sayin.

[@brianfrazier9571]

Brad, I've gleaned a ton of useful information from this video. Are you running the front factory locker and axles in the ProRock 44, or did you upgrade to a new locker and 35 spline axles?

[@FortuneRed55]

Axles*

[@corksauve4949]

Question, how did you mount your rear falcon shocks? Normally there mounted on the inside of the bracket with a spacer placed. I ask because we have the same setup.

[@ruggedindsoup2135]

I really like their axles, but axle prices are getting a bit out of control. The more basic packages are in the thousands. The higher end ones, especially fancy Dana 60’s are as much as a car. Out of control.

[@purleybaker]

Super knowledgeable and able to communicate, and an Andy Griffith Show fan. It doesn't get better.

[@JarradShaw]

I know so little about the Dana 44, gearing and axles. I want a easy way to learn without getting confused. And so many people around me get so worried about me lifting and subtle tire increase will lead to horrible added lifting and things I just don’t know. I hope you interview other folks who can help us like me understand

[@Dk20Silver]

The holy trinity of jeep and axle all arround knowledge video. took me 2 years to gather the knowledge in this video but to finally be able to hear it from Jim just confirmed my info and graded it an A+. Greatest educational and informational video by far out there from the father of all AXLES. thank you for this video. i expected waylife to do this but you wont the race.

[@joshwatts6287]

Excellent Video!!!

[@jimzimmerman5852]

Thanks Brad. Have watched this video 2 times and done a lot of research. Just ordered the 44/60 combo. 6 month wait time though. 😫

[@scrappyjackalope9558]

Another huge factor I did not hear you talk about(although I could have missed it) is are you someone who is going to be driving to and from these much harder trails with that rig.. It is completely different to have a marginal front axle when you are going to be towing it home. But when you have a 16hr drive home from moab or a 10hr drive from Fordyce that means a lot. Yes there is a huge expense going up to eight lug but me personally if I was planning on truly hard trails and planned to drive to them in my rig I would have indeed bit the bullet and upgraded to the heavier front axle running 40's. Either way though your rig looks sharp and happy to see videos with it again

[@TexanUSMC8089]

A lot of the information we get from people and online are from some shadetree mechanic that was told that by his cousins best friend. LOL This was a great video straight from an incredible source. Thank you.

[@arttaylor1509]

Maybe we'll see you somewhere in January. Don't think we would be making the same runs cause we do it different.

[@silentjde]

You should go to Cerro Gordo if you are going to Death Valley and check out that ghost town living guy.

[@ksdurham]

Great video/content. Jim seems like a best friend who you can trust and also happens to be super smart and practical, which helps with the trust part.

[@ericm.moffre6521]

Brad- Can I add a PR44 on my Sahara as a standalone and add a PR60 down the line? Or will there be an issue with that?

[@ej9147]

Great video as usual, Brad. Well done! ps, check your PO box, ;)

[@terraforge_motorsports]

Give me a Prorock 44 with locking Hubs with 8x6.5 lugs!

[@jakeweber9787]

Also, we're about to buy new axles and Dynatrac has been super helpful in helping us decide which set to get.

[@dannybowen3550]

What about 80

[@chrislarsen1033]

Jim is the man. I watched him reverse over a tight high angle obstacle.

[@markcargile]

Love listening to Jim, that man is a serious axle guru. Big thanks to both of you for this infovid!

[@traviseggl3794]

So, why can't they use a high pinion ring gear in the back with the pinion on the opposite side of the ring gear so it is pushing on the strong side?

[@randallwoods9104]

Very informative interview. Thank you for answering all of my questions.

[@bootmender]

Very informative video 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🤗

[@hamzamberu6207]

what normally happens with all the new items that are replaced by the 'upgrades'...

[@ReConGrpTx]

I'm running the Dynatrac Trail Leader kit in my JK (ProRock 44 front, 35 spline cro-mo rear axles for factory 44 housing, + matched gears & lockers on both ends). Have been very happy with it so far, but I think it's time to look at a 60 for the rear. This video has been a fantastic source of info! 🙂

[@TrailRecon]

Glad to be helpful!

[@LordRocco777]

This only reassured me that my new ultimate 60s sitting in my garage were worth the investment 🙌🏽

[@andymckane7271]

Most helpful video! Thank you both very much!!

[@pontiacwolf]

I didn’t finish this whole video. The only reason is because of the abundant amount of commercials. KZbin recently has doubled if not tripled their commercial output. I really hope that you guys as content creators on KZbin are being paid extra. Right now commercials are near 200% more than a normal show that would play on satellite or cable. Then anytime that you need to pause your video. Once you start playing it again another commercial appears. If you search you can even find people that have developed complete chat forms based on KZbin and their continued adding of commercials. Like I said I have seen every single one of your videos. Sometimes more than once. I have reached out to other KZbin channels to find out if they are exploring other avenues to play their videos. Since you started the E3 group. You guys should look into doing something like that. KZbin is getting worse by the minute. I will continue to watch your videos until the commercials exceed the time that your videos are. Then I will shut it off. I apologize again I love watching you keep up the good work. Hopefully your talent isn’t wasted by the over exceedingly greediness of KZbin

[@charlesb4267]

I hear others talk about ads but I never see them and yes I played this video all the way through. I have Adblock installed on firefox and I can only assume that is what is somehow keeping the ads from coming up. Look into something like that as I HATE ads just like yourself. It does however prevent some things from coming up on websites as it blocks a variety of things so its a give and take.

[@sonnicman]

Jim’s awesome. Such a wealth of information and so much fun to hang out with!

[@nicholasbaldwin1674]

WHEN.... you win the lotto... until then the bank said no.

[@waijhou9529]

Great video - GREAT INFORMATION !!!

[@rocklanderoffroad]

As Im about to upgrade axles, this was great timing.

[@sayedhashimi22]

The look he gave him when he was called a beginner. LOL

[@mhaskinsin]

My pro rock 44 and 60 have been on order for a few weeks already.

[@gearlist]

Great conversation and good to see Jim making another appearance!

[@bobbysmith7528]

So informative. Jim such a cool dude.

[@porkrindrob]

great video, appreciate the schooling!