Stock 44 front with UD60 rear

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A+J ‘12 JKUR

New member
Would it be okay to run a full-float 60 with a stock Rubicon front 44?

I’ve got a ’12 JKUR with a 3.5 inch lift and 35s and I’m looking to upgrade axles. Realistically, I’d like to do both, but it would be easier to start with one and then do the other later. Other than the obvious downsides (different lug patterns and having to match gears), I know the front 44 would definitely be the weak link.

My thought is: would it be realistic to put a UD60 in the rear, regear and beef up the Rubicon front 44 for 12–18 months, and then do the front later? Goal would be to run 40s if I go down this route. I know PSC steering and other mods are part of the conversation, but for now I just want to figure out if this axle setup is doable as a step in the process.

Has anyone here run something similar?
 
I've run something similar but the other way around. PR60 up front and factory 44 in the rear. I got the PR60 with 5x5.5 bolt pattern and being that the front axle was wider, I was able to run wheel adapters in the rear which not only allowed me to run the same wheels front and back but it also helped to even things up.

That said, this really is stupid way to go. If your end goal is to run 40's, I would just run them on your factory axles, save up and then buy what you need WHEN you actually need it. Your factory axles will not just self destruct running 40's or at least, not unless you're a moron and go crazy on the skinny pedal all the time.
 
I personally think you are wasting your time and money. You will have to run spacers up front unless you don't mind the width difference and you will have to run two different lug wheels. I'll also add that your JK already has a true 44 in the rear. Even on the Rubicon, the front axle from the differential out, it's all the same as a D30. I would recommend doing all at the same time.
 
Disciple Off Road said:
I personally think you are wasting your time and money. You will have to run spacers up front unless you don't mind the width difference and you will have to run two different lug wheels. I'll also add that your JK already has a true 44 in the rear. Even on the Rubicon, the front axle from the differential out, it's all the same as a D30. I would recommend doing all at the same time.
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So would it make sense to do a UD60 upfront first and run the stock rear until I can do the rear UD60?
 
wayoflife said:
I've run something similar but the other way around. PR60 up front and factory 44 in the rear. I got the PR60 with 5x5.5 bolt pattern and being that the front axle was wider, I was able to run wheel adapters in the rear which not only allowed me to run the same wheels front and back but it also helped to even things up.

That said, this really is stupid way to go. If your end goal is to run 40's, I would just run them on your factory axles, save up and then buy what you need WHEN you actually need it. Your factory axles will not just self destruct running 40's or at least, not unless you're a moron and go crazy on the skinny pedal all the time.
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My concern with running 40s on stock axles is wasting money on both the stock axles with regearing and what not when I’m hoping to do 60/60s anyway. That’s why I could live with different axle widths and lug patterns to get to the 60/60 axle set we really want. Does that make sense?
 
TrailHunter said:
You said 12-18 months... why not just save for a year and do it all at the same time. Not like you can't have fun for a year on your current setup.
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Being in our mid twenties idk how realistic it would be for us to spend 20k-30k in one big chunk. It’s easier for us to be financially irresponsible in multiple steps honestly. I know that might sound stupid but breaking it up over time would work better for us.
 
A+J ‘12 JKUR said:
So would it make sense to do a UD60 upfront first and run the stock rear until I can do the rear UD60?
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You would still need to buy 2 wheels with 8 lug and then 2 wheels with 5x5 and buy wheel spacers to make it work and of course, you would still need to regear your rear end being that you can only get a UD60 in a 4.88 or 5.38. Of course, 5.38 is the ratio that you would really need for 40's and that is just retarded in a 44 being that the pinion is so small. Not to mention, all the money you'd waste for a whole lot of nothing.
A+J ‘12 JKUR said:
My concern with running 40s on stock axles is wasting money on both the stock axles with regearing and what not when I’m hoping to do 60/60s anyway. That’s why I could live with different axle widths and lug patterns to get to the 60/60 axle set we really want. Does that make sense?
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No, none of it makes sense and based on personal experience. If it were me with what I know now, I wouldn't run 40's until I were actually ready to do it right. Use the time to save up for it and just run 37's or 38's which the later is pretty damn close to what you're wanting and you can still have a ton of fun with. If you're ready to upgrade sooner, sell the wheels and tires and even your current axles to help fund your 60's. Doing it the way you're imagining IS the waste of money.
 
A+J ‘12 JKUR said:
Being in our mid twenties idk how realistic it would be for us to spend 20k-30k in one big chunk. It’s easier for us to be financially irresponsible in multiple steps honestly. I know that might sound stupid but breaking it up over time would work better for us.
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The only thing that sounds stupid is "needing" 40" tires. Coming from a guy who owns 2 Jeeps with 40" tires and bigger, I can tell you that they are totally UNNECESSARY. 37's are about as perfect a tire size for just about anything you can wheel across the United States and I have seen and done it. Being that you're in NJ, I can almost guarantee you that you really don't need 40's.

I've been doing this Jeep thing about a decade longer than you've been alive and can tell you that DRIVER SKILL will trump tire size any day of the week.
 
A+J ‘12 JKUR said:
Being in our mid twenties idk how realistic it would be for us to spend 20k-30k in one big chunk. It’s easier for us to be financially irresponsible in multiple steps honestly. I know that might sound stupid but breaking it up over time would work better for us.
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That sounds rather absurd. People who are unable to spend their money wisely are at all ages.

If you follow the "irresponsible in multiple steps" throughout life, you will be vastly less well off than people who practiced self-restraint and did some longer term planning.

None of the things you are planning to do are necessary in order to have fun and enjoy actual adventure.
 
A+J ‘12 JKUR said:
Being in our mid twenties idk how realistic it would be for us to spend 20k-30k in one big chunk. It’s easier for us to be financially irresponsible in multiple steps honestly. I know that might sound stupid but breaking it up over time would work better for us.
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I’m in my 20s too and to be honest with you that would be my last thought right now despite how much I’d love a setup like that. Buy a house bro before it’s absolutely impossible for people our age. My Jeep on 35s gets me everywhere I want to go.
 
Think everyone has covered it all but also want to add, people forget what other costs come with upgrading axles and 40’s. You will need new steering for the wider axles, PSC for the 40’s, new front and rear 1350 drivelines, probably new/corrected suspension for the 40’s and of course the new wheels. I’d adds up quickly.

Everyone’s just trying to give you wise advice and really, to save you A TON of money in the end. It’s something that really needs to be done all at one and to be set up properly!
 
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