Vehicle progression is what this hobby is all about. If it weren't for our thirst for the next best thing and need for bulletproof parts, we'd still have two-piece axleshafts and carburetors, and our Jeeps would be stuck and broken on the side of the trail. And while the modern Jeep has greeted us with a host of electronic nannies, a barrage of sensors, and lube-for-life transmissions, they have also given us some of the toughest OEM parts ever produced.
In 2003, the highly anticipated Jeep Wrangler Rubicon rolled onto the scene with Dana 44 axles equipped with selectable air lockers. Though the TJ Dana 44s had advantages over the anemic Dana 30 and 35, it wasn't until the 2007 release of the Jeep Wrangler JK that the Dana 44 as we knew it was all but reinvented.
Fitted with thicker axle tubes, a larger 8.8-inch ring gear, bigger disc brakes, and a new electronic locker, the next-generation Dana 44s arrived from the factory unlike any other 1/4-ton axle to hit the market. While a bolt-in version of the Dana 44 axle is currently available for the '07-present JK Wrangler, the Mopar Performance division wanted to offer this same axle upgrade to those with the '97-'06 TJ Wrangler.
Since the suspension geometry and width (among other things) are different between the two Jeeps, a JK-to-TJ conversion axle was created. This bolt-in axle upgrade for the '97-'06 Wrangler receives all the benefits of a JK axle and a host of other upgrades over the factory TJ axles. Designed to accept your factory steering linkage, suspension components, and even brake lines, the stock-width TJ axle upgrade even retains your factory 5-on-4.5-inch wheel bolt pattern.
To get a closer look at the next generation Dana 44s designed for the TJ we cruised over to the Mopar Performance dealer and axle builder Dynatrac to get the 411. Stay tuned next month as we see what it takes to bolt these Mopar Dana 44s into our '97 Wrangler and head to the dirt for a little performance evaluation.
TJ Next-Gen Dana 44 Front Axle Specs
Mopar PN# P5155256
High-pinion front Dana 44 housing
Electronic selectable locker
4.10 gears
12-inch disc brakes (compatible with most 15-inch aftermarket wheels)
2.75-inch x 0.375-wall DOM tube assemblies
3/16-inch-thick suspension brackets
Next-generation 1350 axle joints and shafts
5-on-4.5 wheel bolt pattern
Stock TJ width
Compatible with stock TJ steering linkages
1310 yoke
TJ Next-Gen Dana 44 Front Axle Specs
Mopar PN# P5155256
High-pinion front Dana 44 housing
Electronic selectable locker
4.10 gears
12-inch disc brakes (compatible with most 15-inch aftermarket wheels)
2.75-inch x 0.375-wall DOM tube assemblies
3/16-inch-thick suspension brackets
Next-generation 1350 axle joints and shafts
5-on-4.5 wheel bolt pattern
Stock TJ width
Compatible with stock TJ steering linkages
1310 yoke
While there are many similarities...
While there are many similarities between the Jeep Wrangler TJ and new JK, the stock axle brackets and dimensions differ substantially between the two. The JK-to-TJ conversion axle is engineered using the '97-06 factory axle specifications and is fitted with an upgraded suspension bracket kit comprised of 3/16-inch laser-cut steel. This ensures that each Mopar Dana 44 axle bolts in without a hitch.
Fitted inside both differentials...
Fitted inside both differentials you'll find a set of 4.10 gears and Mopar selectable electronic lockers. While the 4.10:1 ratio is standard on all next-gen Dana 44 axles, you can request a differential ratio change if the axle is purchased through Dynatrac.
When the engineers at Mopar...
When the engineers at Mopar opted to redesign the Dana 44 axle, one of the many things that they focused on was the longevity and strength of the axle components. While we think it will take some heavy wheeling and a bit of stress to break one of the next-gen 44 front shafts, if it does happen, you can pull it out and drive home safely. This is due to the new unit bearing that no longer uses the axle nut and stub shaft to hold the assembly together. And though we would be anxious to get our rig fixed in a hurry, it's nice to know that you're safe cruising without it if you're in a pinch.
The front next-gen Dana 44...
The front next-gen Dana 44 axle is equipped with thicker diameter axleshafts with heavy-duty 1350 U-joints, a serious improvement over the older 760 U-joints. Couple this with 32-spline rear shafts and you have a strong and reliable axle set that's well suited for larger tires, even behind a mild V-8.
Designed to support the heavy...
Designed to support the heavy weight and power of the new 4-door JK, both front and rear next-gen Dana 44 axles received a healthy list of internal and external upgrades. Thus a bigger bearing set, a thicker pinion shaft, and a larger 8.8-inch ring gear all made their way into the factory build sheet.
Each next-generation Dana...
Each next-generation Dana 44 axle is a completely assembled unit that can be purchased individually or as a set. Another added bonus of the ready-to-bolt-in axles is that you can pick up the set from any Chrysler, Jeep, or Mopar dealer without paying freight.
Stopping power for the new...
Stopping power for the new axles comes in the form of 12-inch front and 12.5-inch rear disc brakes. Each is setup for the 5-on-4.5-inch stock TJ wheel bolt pattern. Supplied with each axle is a new set of calipers that are said to clear most 15-inch aftermarket wheels. We'll test this next month as we install the axle set and show you what it takes to make those all-important items like your TJ's e-brake system adapt.
Since the front differential...
Since the front differential is a high-pinion unit, you'll gain added ground clearance and increased strength of the reverse rotation gear set. In the yoke department, a set of 1310 U-bolt-style yokes is standard and designed to accept most TJ driveshafts.