FAREWELL to FAD

wayoflife

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
I know this may be old news for a lot of you but I just confirmed rumors that I've been hearing about FAD and it being phased out. As of 2024, all wide track axle Jeep JL Wrangler and JT Gladiator will no longer have FAD. Only narrow track axle models will still have FAD. I should note that wide track axles will still have 2 piece shafts but the FAD unit will no longer be present and just a block off plate will be installed on the housing, just like you see on a 392.

Anyway, I thought this would be information that some of you might want to know about.
 
WJCO said:
So weird. Must be cost related. Stellantis not doing well. They hyped it up when it first came out though. Oh well, big gulps.
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HighwayTrout said:
And the penny pinching begins! Let’s see what else is consolidated or put on the chopping block.
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Yes, I confirmed it was done for cost savings. Apparently, the fuel economy could only be measured in only 10ths and the parts savings was considerable. I was also told that had the change come just a bit sooner, the axle housing would have been a solid tube with a one piece instead of the cast for FAD remaining and 2 piece shafts for even greater savings.

I have to say, I wasn't too thrilled about FAD when it first came out but I have since learned to like it. I'll actually kind of miss it for the benefits it provided, especially when it comes to front drive line vibrations and running more positive caster. Oh well. Of course, all this in the name of pushing products that nobody wants and at prices nobody can afford :rolleyes:
 
It seems that the expected fleet fuel economy improvement due to eliminating the automatic transmission option in the 6-cylinder model (the 2.0L would then be the popular choice) eliminates the need for FAD.
 
That explained why I have seen some none 392 models with the block off plate recently. I was really confused
 
Hmmm, so that would mean if one upgraded to say 60's, their Rubicon axle WITH FAD might be worth a few pennies more to newer owners.
 
wayoflife said:
Yes, I confirmed it was done for cost savings. Apparently, the fuel economy could only be measured in only 10ths and the parts savings was considerable. I was also told that had the change come just a bit sooner, the axle housing would have been a solid tube with a one piece instead of the cast for FAD remaining and 2 piece shafts for even greater savings.

I have to say, I wasn't too thrilled about FAD when it first came out but I have since learned to like it. I'll actually kind of miss it for the benefits it provided, especially when it comes to front drive line vibrations and running more positive caster. Oh well. Of course, all this in the name of pushing products that nobody wants and at prices nobody can afford :rolleyes:
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Yeah, I went out of my way to retain FAD when I installed chromoly axles. I bought the Dana axles with oversize yokes and U-joints, but they were supposed to just eliminate FAD by a fixed collar. I machined the pilot end to accomodate a bronze bushing and bought a RCV inner shaft and collar. It's all 4340 and has much larger U-joints. FAD still works. Been to the Rubicon twice, Moab, Big Bear, AZ, etc. Still works great with my 37s and 3.5" lift.
 
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