Aftermarket Technical Axle housing discussion

[ECHO]

So there are a several great choices currently on the market or in design stages for upgrading your JK axles, either keeping your 30, stepping up to a 44 or scraping what you have and starting over with 60's or even bigger.

I thought I start this thread so everyone that has done the switch or upgrade can share the facts with other members who are condsidering the same move. I am doing some serious shopping at the moment and will be pulling the trigger before Freak Fest, so I have been doing some research.. That just makes me dangerous at this point.. not educated, by any means.. haha


So what I am hoping for this thread is to get first hand experiances, what set-up you have and why you went that route.. What I have found is that it can get VERY expensive real quick by Dream shopping and htting the buttons for axle options, then I came back to reality and started to think about the type/style of wheeling I do? Do I need to have RCV's? Do a need a full on Locker? Do I need to spend $500.00 bucks for ball joints? Well; being a realist, Yes would be great to have on all of those questions, but; The option to upgrade later is just as good... More importantly, I need to get rid of the D30 (Before it shells) and step up to a 44.

So. This is what I have currently:


The Jeep 2008 - 2-door - 3.8 - 6spd - 3" lift - Centerforce Clutch - running 37's

The axle in question: Stock Axle - Dana30 - Detroit Trutrac - G2 5.13 gears - "C" Gussets

What I want: TERA44 or PR44 - with Detroit Truetrac - 5.13's (of course) - Synergy Ball Joints - Alloy USA axle shafts (or simular)

I know there is only about a $200.00 difference between the TERA and the PR with my desired setup, and BOTH would do very well for my style of wheeling.. Reading over the spec's for the last couple of days, I have found that both have ALOT of things i like and only a couple that make them different... tough choice for me anyways...


One thing I noticed was the Tube thickness... from stock to the different manuafacturers, as well and tube diameter... some use thickness for strength, some use diameter and thickness for strength...

Here a chart thats shows what I am talking about:



So looking at the TERA 44 - Likes: About 136% stronger then stock, Drain plug for easy fluid change, extended flanges to get rid of stock weak points, built in caster
Dislikes: Not as thick of a tube wall as the Duratrac

Looking at the Duratrac PR44 Likes: Everything that I liked about the TERA + thicker tube wall & higher ground clearance, the only dislike is the lack of a drain plug....



So I would like to hear from those of you who have had these or other axle replacements so this thread can be a good learning source for those who might be looking to change axles in the future.