Why Does A Full-Float Axle Matter So Much?

[CarbonSteel]

This says that it's a Class IV: https://www.allmoparparts.com/sku/82215648.html

Then that explains why the towing rating is so much higher on the Gladiator--far less to do with the axle versus load capacity/distribution on the frame.

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[grimmjeeper]

I suspect that the Gladiator rear axle already had thicker and/or bigger tubes to handle more weight than the Wrangler. But that is just a guess on my part.

Quick search tells me that JL axles have 7mm tube walls (close to 1/4") and JT axles have 10mm (close to 3/8").

So the JT will be rated to carry more weight.

 

[stumblinhorse]

Quick search tells me that JL axles have 7mm tube walls (close to 1/4") and JT axles have 10mm (close to 3/8").

So the JT will be rated to carry more weight.

I think 10mm came in rubi xr’s in 2022, 392s had them in 2021.

 

[Ratbert]

Then that explains why the towing rating is so much higher on the Gladiator--far less to do with the axle versus load capacity/distribution on the frame.

Load capacity is limited by the weakest point in the system. I'm thinking that all of those pieces are part of it.

 

[wibornz]

It’s seems like everyone is an expert on axles and towing all of the sudden. The argument was always about suspension and it’s off-road capabilities now it’s about the axles. People chime in that have little to no experience and now it’s the semi vs full float debate all because of Stallantis marketing in the name of competition. These vehicles underperform in every category except climbing rocks and we’ll never get a straight answer from them for liability reasons.

Yup, everything that makes the Jeep Wrangler great at off roading and climbing rocks, makes it mediocre at best for towing.

 

[troverman]

The Gladiator does have a Class IV hitch, but the hitch is not the limiting factor. You could bolt or weld on just about any class of hitch to any vehicle. Jeep chose a lighter hitch on the Wrangler because apparently something else limits it, and there was no point adding a beefier hitch. That said, the JT hitch is nothing special and doesn't appear particularly heavy duty.

I think its the chassis. The JL rear chassis is pretty different than the JT, especially the part that goes up and over the rear axle. The JT axle mimics the RAM 1500 and 2500 rear frame design, although scaled down, with the frame rails bowing outward right at the rear axle, and the portion that goes up and over appears to be thicker. But then again, there is considerably more overhanging frame past the rear axle, which acts as a lever when towing a trailer...and there are several examples of broken JT frames while towing trailers...

 

[roaniecowpony]

Full float vs a conventional flanged axle (so called semi-float) has nothing to do with it's strength or bearing size. It's a design, not a size specification. Full float designs have a failure mode, for a broken axle shaft, that has the ability to retain the wheel and support the load, in the event of an axle shaft breaking. A Dana 44 with full floating design, may or may not be stronger than a conventional D44 in the ability to deliver power to the wheel. What it does have is the ability to retain the wheel in the event of shearing the axle shaft. If you have a locking differential, you can keep rolling with single wheel drive. The side with the broken axle will still support the load and rotate.

For the towing case, a full floating axle is only an advantage if you break an axle shaft (not the tube of the housing). It's like a parachute. It only matters if things turn to shit. Anyone ever break an axle in a D44 JL while towing?

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