Sport axles to ?????

[Ironheartdad]

I have a 18 sport and want to run 37s and need to upgrade axles I know! If I get factory rubicon axles do I have to change my metalcloak steering upgrade to rubicon instead of the sport ones I bought? I’m thinking factory rubi axles but might get another option. It’s my daily and want the capability to not worry about it if I go somewhere and, wheel and then drive home. What are you experiences and/or suggestions? Thanks !!!!!

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[mwilk012]

Yes, the Rubicon axles are too wide for that tie rod.

 

[Philly_]

@mwilk012 is correct, the wider Rubicon axles will require a different tie-rod.

As far as the best axle upgrade for you, factory Rubicon axles will probably be your most budget friendly option, and on the plus side come with lockers.

From a daily driver standpoint, it's nice to have the FAD to eliminate potential driveshaft vibrations depending on how much caster you run, but that is also the weak point in the front axle. While you have them out, might be a good time to consider trussing, as the axles will need to be pulled for this anyways. Artec seems to be the go-to for this and the trusses themselves aren't too pricey. Just make sure you find a reputable shop that knows what they're doing.

Also, if you really want to beef them up, it's a great time to install chromoly axle shafts (RCV seems to be the preferred choice up front), HD knuckles (most go with Reid Racing) and some HD rebuildable balljoints - Metalcloak released some recently that look pretty sweet, but Dynatrac is the popular choice.

EDIT: All of these upgrades add up FAST, so to keep cost more reasonable, I would go for the front/rear truss before installing the axles, and then slowly upgrade everything else as it broke or wore out. Should hold up well to moderate wheeling if you're easy on the skinny pedal.

 

[grimmjeeper]

Yes, the Rubicon axles are too wide for that tie rod.

You need a longer drag link too.

 

[Ironheartdad]

So your saying upgrade my sport axle and see what all I can get out of it ? That might be a possibility as well!

 

[grimmjeeper]

What do you plan to do with the Jeep? What kinds of trails will you run? Will you commute on a regular basis? Any long road trips?

 

[Ironheartdad]

Yes I will have longer trips and I want to eventually tackle the rubicon trail at some point. Mild wheeling I would say. Would I just have to upgrade drag link and tie rod? What about the rest of suspension? Metalcloak GameChanger. I never thought I would need to change my axles but the thought and decision to go up in tire size it just seems right.

 

[Gregj]

Find a set of Rubicon axles and swap out the tie rod and drag link. That’s what I have on my 18 Sport and it is my daily. Just got back from a wheeling trip to Colorado and Utah over 3k miles in total.

For reference I ran 35’s on that trip but have 37’s on now.

Gregj

 

[Philly_]

So your saying upgrade my sport axle and see what all I can get out of it ? That might be a possibility as well!

What I meant was to still swap to Rubicon take-offs, but before you actually bolt them up, have them trussed. All the other upgrades can be done later without removing the axle, and this will save time and cost in labor.

You don’t have to truss them, but it will do a lot for their durability and you won’t have to worry about bending at the FAD anymore.

 

[Maverick909]

no issues. with the Rubicon's and 37's. I upgraded my sport axles to Rubicon's. The big expense isn't the tie-rod. If you have an adjustable tie rod with your lift kit you should be fine with just getting the drag link. brakes are interchangeable. Truss isnt a must. I have finish a few level7 trails with my now rubicon axles. with 4.88 gears and 37's.

 

[grimmjeeper]

Yeah, I would agree with Rubicon axles. They require a different tie rod and drag link because of added width. The rest is optional.

I would recommend a truss on the front to keep the FAD section from bending and adding strength to keep the gears from shedding teeth. Inner C gussets are a good upgrade as weĺl. If you truss, be sure to add some bump stop in the front to keep it from hitting.

Another good upgrade is a heavy duty diff cover. And, of course, axle shafts. Better ball joints while it's apart is a good idea. Swapping to steel knuckles gives you more strength as well and is easy when doing ball joints.

 

[Ironheartdad]

Ok awesome, so if rubi axles are the way to go l.lm just trying to see what I actually need to swap out from lift and HD steering kit!

 

[longfiredragon]

Sorry if this is a little of topic, but, I have to ask.

What is the biggest tire you can run on a sport without doing any of these mentioned upgrades?

Thanks

 

[grimmjeeper]

Ok awesome, so if rubi axles are the way to go l.lm just trying to see what I actually need to swap out from lift and HD steering kit!

Lift kit should be the same parts. Just the steering parts (tie rod and drag link) need to change.

 

[Ironheartdad]

Okay awesome I will definitely keep that in mind

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