5. Dynatrac Pro-SeriesDana 80Upside: Will stand up to anything. Absolutely anything.Downside: Hangs down low and probably isn't for anything under a 40-inch tire.Good in: Any fullsize Jeep with huge tires or even a Jeep tow rig.Avoid if: You like worrying about your axles or you're running 35-inch or smaller tires.
6. Scout Rear Dana 44Upside: It's the right width for the Jeep, and the 5-on-5 1/2-inch bolt pattern is what any true Jeep should have.
Downside: They are hard to find, don't have the best brakes, and you'll still have to weld on spring perches and shock mounts.
Good in: Any Jeep going to a 5-on-5 1/2-inch bolt pattern which will see no larger than 35s and moderate wheeling.
Avoid if: The person selling you the axle is a Scout fanatic. You'll still have to do some work to get this in, not to mention gears and whatnot, so it isn't worth top dollar.
7. Currie-Built Front and Rear 9-Inch housings With True Hi9 Third MembersUpside: Well built, high-clearance housings, shafts, and brakes that will bolt into your Jeep with third members that will take the new bigger than 35-inch tire standard.
Downside: No scrounging around in junkyards with your tools. Possible driveshaft interference with underbody components from the ultra high-pinion.
Good in: Jeeps with up to 38-inch tires that want the ultimate in driveshaft clearance without going to a portal axle.
Avoid if: Custom, non-junkyard availability scares you.
8. Any Dana 60, 70, or 80 RearUpside: For tops in gearing and brute strength, these axles have it. Good gear selection and good locker selection are among the many benefits.
Downside: They hang low, they won't bolt into your Jeep, and you will end up running eight-lug wheels for any of these axles that are worthwhile.
Good in: Any Jeep with big tires, hot engine, or driver with a heavy-stupid pedal foot.
Avoid if: You are on the fence about going above a 35-inch tire. With 35s or less, the pumpkins are anchors.
9. Any Ford 9-inch RearendUpside: Ridiculous gearing options available, cheap to narrow, easy-to-find 5-on-5 1/2-inch bolt pattern, and easy to setup third member-type design.
Downside: Stamped steel housing needs beefing and skidplating if you plan on bashing it, and low-pinion design is problematic in rocks.
Good in: The weekend warrior-type Jeep that doesn't see massive rocks but wants a stout axle on a budget.
Avoid if: You aren't handy. This axle is a handy man's dream with all the widgets and do-dads for it. Also, changing and checking of fluid levels is rough.
10. Spidertrax Spider-9 Front AxleUpside: Built to your specs with a 9-inch centersection and Dana 60 outers, it's a great combination of clearance and axleshaft strength.
Downside: Basically, the only downside is the dent it will put in your bank account.
Good in: Anything.
Avoid if: You don't want killer clearance with ridiculous strength.