Ask The Expert- F&R Axle Shafts during a Re-Gear?

Tubesoc

Jeep Newb
I plan to have CloakWorks perform a re-gear on my 2021 JLU Rubicon in the late spring. I'm back and forth on whether I want to go ahead and upgrade the axle shafts at the same time.

I'm running 37's and pretty much "Cloaked" with the exception of skid plates and bumpers, but I plan on moving forward with that in the summer. All that to say that I anticpate the Jeep getting heavier throughout the year. I'm 70% on road, 30% off road, and when I'm off road I enjoy rock crawling and knowing my Jeep can handle just about anything, even if it's driver may not. But, I'm not trying to build something that needs to be trailered. I'm 99% certain I've setteld on 4.88 gears.

I've heard nothing but great things abut RCV axle shafts, and they seem to be the defacto standard amongst the pros. However, the price is making me consider alternateves. Enter the chromoly set from Dana. They seem to be a good alternative, with good reviews, and come in at about a third the price.

My questions for the expert... Is replacing the axle shafts at the same time as a re-gear advisable? Are the chromoly axle shafts from Dana a good alternative to the RCV axle shafts in terms of reliablibity and strength? If the RCVs are 100% better than OE, are Dana's 50% better? 60%?

Thanks Will for your advise.
 

Cloaked Willys

Jeep Fanatic
Personally I would do the RCV fronts and some upgraded ball joints while they are in there. The ball joints are a known weak point on the JL's and will need replacement sooner than later. Currently the Dynatrac ones are the way to go and use a retaining clip on the top to ensure they can not get pulled out the bottom. RCV shafts are a lot stronger design than a conventional u-joint when turning. This is when most u-joints snap because of the way they load.
 

Tubesoc

Jeep Newb
Personally I would do the RCV fronts and some upgraded ball joints while they are in there. The ball joints are a known weak point on the JL's and will need replacement sooner than later. Currently the Dynatrac ones are the way to go and use a retaining clip on the top to ensure they can not get pulled out the bottom. RCV shafts are a lot stronger design than a conventional u-joint when turning. This is when most u-joints snap because of the way they load.
Great. So if I'm trying to stay within budget, maybe forgo the rear axle shafts and instead upgrade the front ball joints along with a set of RCVs. Any known weak points in the rear I should beef up while they have everything apart?
 

Down_Time

Jeep Newb
I agree that the RCV strength is outstanding. I ended up going with the chromoly shafts that were part of the dynatrac kit when I ordered my prorock44 however due to price, and the concept of "fusable" link. It may be an outdated thought process with the quality we see in the aftermarket today, but I have always thought it easier and more cost effective to replace an axle shaft than what could break in the diff. This is basically a way of saying the RCVs are a bit too strong for me. Don't want to change your mind on it, just give you something else to think about. Good luck as either way I am sure it will be a fun project.
 
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