I'm currently investigating the various options for replacing my JK Rubicon front axle U-joints or as we call them here in Oz "Unis". The Rubicon has a larger and stronger uni joint fitted to their Dana 44 axles than the Dana 30 which is used on other models.
I can either buy the Mopar Unis - part #68145053AA
or Dana Spicer H/D - Part #5-7166X
or USA Alloy Rubicon U-joints
My question is is the Mopar part just a repackage Dana Spicer #5-7166X uni or is this Spicer part an even stronger version?
And has anyone tried the USA Alloy brand as it's a bit cheaper. I have used their brand before in other components such as Ball Joints and been very happy but is it as strong as the Dana Spicer & Mopar which seems to get the best feed back maybe because they're more common.
Which brand should I buy?
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The vast majority of failed U joints I've seen, where due to lack of lubrication / rust / crud in the bearing caps or the retaining clips coming off leading to consequential damage..
I can't actually remember a truly broken uni cross piece due to pure torque.
I'd suggest that Mopar don't make U joints.... they just buy others and mark them up so IMO a waste of money. Toss a coin on the others ( I use the Dana Spicers without issues... ).
The most important improvement to U joints IMHO is go to full circle circlips rather than the infamous Jeep C clips that do bad things, but axle modification or aftermarket axles are required.
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It seemed like a good idea at the time........
I assume you have to remove the axles to change the Unis, if indeed that is the case, I'd be fitting RCV axles which come with their own enclosed better protected unis which are also much stronger that the OME set up. I have them on my JKUR and they are fantastic.......well worth the dollars.
Yes you have to remove the axles...... and as for RCV's no way.
Expensive, high maintenance, poorly sealed, lousy "warranty" and very breakable. I've only removed a few aftermarket bits that I've bought but I was VERY happy to see the RCV's gone. An expensive mistake.
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It seemed like a good idea at the time........
That's interesting feed back about RCV axle, good & bad feed back. I think I'll stay with the Unis set up then as I do a lot off serious 4wding and don't want a failure. My unis have given up yet but I'm just getting ready to buy spares before they start to get too much play.
Yep pulling an axle out on a Wrangler is easy and so is changing the Unis as I've done uni swaps many a time before on other vehicles & drive shafts but;
which brand to use?
and is a Mopar a Dana Spicer uni?
No answers to my questions yet.
__________________
Enjoy life, just get out there and do it!
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JK Rubicon axle U-joints, which brand to buy?
