Max Tow to Rubicon Axle Swap. What do I need to know?

[Gunnuts]

Hey Guys,
I'm looking at swapping out my max tow axles for rubicon axles. They are complete. I ordered the locker harness and already installed the auxiliary switch bank to actuate the lockers. Has anyone done this yet? What do I need to know? Is this a straight bolt on job? What issues will I have? Thanks for the help.

Sponsored

 

[PDiddy]

I thought the rubicon and max tow axles were the same, minus the lockers.

 

[Gunnuts]

I thought the rubicon and max tow axles were the same, minus the lockers.

So do I. Just want to catch any hiccups before I go ahead with it.

 

[PDiddy]

So do I. Just want to catch any hiccups before I go ahead with it.

So why are you swapping them out if they are the same? For the lockers? Is that cheaper than adding lockers?

 

[Gunnuts]

So why are you swapping them out if they are the same? For the lockers? Is that cheaper than adding lockers?

Yes. I want lockers. If Eaton or someone came out with an e-locker it would probably be around 1k per axle for the locker. All in, I'm cheaper doing the swap.

 

[PDiddy]

Ok, now it all makes sense. That seems like a good way to do it economically. Sorry I can’t help you with your questions. Good luck.

Maybe check the jeep JL forum. There are some differences with the rear axle but I think most of the swap would be the same. Someone there has probably done it.

 

[Blade1668]

My SWAG is it should be fairly straightforward remove brakes (and axle sensors) with out opening lines or disconnecting other stuff, hang them out of way unbolt and swap in. Re mount brakes check, install and connect locker stuff. I'd want to keep the Max-Tow brakes, and stock axle wiring. Less stuff to have to "flash" into the computer systems.
I was hoping to do the same thing with a set of take off Rubicon axles, but a little short on the $ at the time.

 

[Gunnuts]

My SWAG is it should be fairly straightforward remove brakes (and axle sensors) with out opening lines or disconnecting other stuff, hang them out of way unbolt and swap in. Re mount brakes check, install and connect locker stuff. I'd want to keep the Max-Tow brakes, and stock axle wiring. Less stuff to have to "flash" into the computer systems.
I was hoping to do the same thing with a set of take off Rubicon axles, but a little short on the $ at the time.

HAHAHA I'm short too but what do you do when you catch a deal close by....
I'll keep the brakes and wiring in place. I'll pull my rotors off and put them on the rubicon axles. I think the breaks area the same between them though. Anyway, I've never swapped out axles and was more concerned that after I hook everything back up I have steering issues. I guess I'll see when the swap is done. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Andrew05LJR]

There honestly shouldn’t be much to this. Same axles minus the guts of the pumpkin. So as mentioned, tie you brake calipers out of the way, drop everything install other axle and remount. Steering should be identical.

 

[Blade1668]

HAHAHA I'm short too but what do you do when you catch a deal close by....
I'll keep the brakes and wiring in place. I'll pull my rotors off and put them on the rubicon axles. I think the breaks area the same between them though. Anyway, I've never swapped out axles and was more concerned that after I hook everything back up I have steering issues. I guess I'll see when the swap is done. Thanks for the advice.

Rear axles are really simple in my past experience with same vehicle axles I swapped out XJ D35 for XJ D44 but did brakes too and few other things.. 4:56 gears, Trac-Loc extended brake lines and parking brake cables. Swapping out MJ front axle with XJ front D30 non disconnect re used all thay could be with out changes. I was going to install a 242 full time T-case in my MJ before I moved to AL.
But... That's from before all the nanny stuff.

 

[Gunnuts]

Rear axles are really simple in my past experience with same vehicle axles I swapped out XJ D35 for XJ D44 but did brakes too and few other things.. 4:56 gears, Trac-Loc extended brake lines and parking brake cables. Swapping out MJ front axle with XJ front D30 non disconnect re used all thay could be with out changes. I was going to install a 242 full time T-case in my MJ before I moved to AL.
But... That's from before all the nanny stuff.

Sounds like a bit more work haha. I'm guessing this is going to be pretty straight forward.

 

[Benbean66]

Sounds like a fun project. Let us know how it turns out. I have a Sport, and lockers would be awesome to have, and still retain the towing capacity and all OEM components.

 

[Blade1668]

Sounds like a bit more work haha. I'm guessing this is going to be pretty straight forward.

Well do let us know if it is, I'm hoping to get a line on a set when I can for the same thing. Only be hooking up the lockers on Aux switch's. I'll do "manual" sway bar disconnects JKS or something like that.

 

[Gunnuts]

Sounds like a fun project. Let us know how it turns out. I have a Sport, and lockers would be awesome to have, and still retain the towing capacity and all OEM components.

It would be a lot more fun if I was doing it in a heated shop than a slab under an open pavilion haha. Oh the driveway mechanic life. Will do. The LED headlights showed up today and the AEV snorkel shows up tomorrow. Gonna have a long couple of weekends.

 

[Gunnuts]

Well do let us know if it is, I'm hoping to get a line on a set when I can for the same thing. Only be hooking up the lockers on Aux switch's. I'll do "manual" sway bar disconnects JKS or something like that.

Yup....I got the same plan.

Sponsored