Can I install a front axle with wide track ?

[Serge23]

Hello I got a 2020 gladiator. I’m currently looking for a front axle. Mine is a 3.73 non-wide track non locking, I have found a 3.73 wide track non-locking axle what issues would
I have if install this axle?

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[Rusty PW]

Keeping the same rims on front and rear. The front tires will be farther out than the rear. And if you have aftermarket rims on. You will get more poke on the front.

 

[Serge23]

But other then that there would be no issues ? Also could I install a front axle from a wrangler ?

 

[jebiruph]

But other then that there would be no issues ? Also could I install a front axle from a wrangler ?

Wrangler axles don't come with 3.73 gears.

 

[High Alextude]

Wrangler axles don't come with 3.73 gears.

edit: misread, carry on

 

[Hootbro]

Tie rod link, drag link and steering damper attach bracket are different. Basically from the steering pitman arm down is going to be dimensionally different on a wide track axle.

I would not recommend putting a wide axle up front without also doing the rear axle.

I am surprise you are having a hard time finding a narrow 3.73 axle. I assume you are looking at salvage take offs? That axle is more prolific than the wide track axles.

 

[Serge23]

Yes I’ve checked eBay and they don’t have any and also LKQ and they also don’t have any currently.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Exactly, that's a Gladiator not a Wrangler.

So you just supported what Jerry said? Was that the aim?

I am surprise you are having a hard time finding a narrow 3.73 axle. I assume you are looking at salvage take offs? That axle is more prolific than the wide track axles.

I've looked around the sale section of this forum in the past and found them for sale here.
Any Sport (non-max tow) or any Overland will have that setup.

I personally think the poke of a wide axle up front compared to the tires sitting under the fenders on the rear would look a bit odd.
JTs with the wide axles also have different fender flares to keep the tires in the fender area so it would be sort of odd looking to those who know the differences.

All that begs the question - why is a replacement front axle assembly needed?
Is it damaged beyond repair? Is it something insurance would cover?
Or an off-road mishap you need to hide from wife and financial advisor?
Not too often entire axles "need" to be replaced - generally it's more a "want" situation.
If it's due to damage - is there a path to repair what you have?

The JT axles are also heavier than the Wrangler axles. That's one of the things that got people all confused early on.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Wrangler axles don't come with 3.73 gears.

They do.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jl-jlu-wrangler-axle-gear-ratios-3-45-3-73-4-10.1441/

 

[Serge23]

It’s got some damage,

 

[ShadowsPapa]

They do.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jl-jlu-wrangler-axle-gear-ratios-3-45-3-73-4-10.1441/

That was posted in 2017, before JT production and at the beginning of JL production - and said "from internal sources" - so were any actually produced?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It’s got some damage,

Axle housing itself, or knuckle? (steering knuckle can be replaced)
Just a busted ball joint, or down to the core axle housing?

Can't tell from the pic if it's just the knuckle, ball joints, or the whole housing.

 

[Serge23]

Axle housing itself, or knuckle? (steering knuckle can be replaced)
Just a busted ball joint, or down to the core axle housing?

Can't tell from the pic if it's just the knuckle, ball joints, or the whole housing.

Got hit axle house is broken don’t know what else bent so that’s why I’m looking for a axle more complete the better

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

That was posted in 2017, before JT production and at the beginning of JL production - and said "from internal sources" - so were any actually produced?

Here is a window sticker from a 2020 with 3.73.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Here is a window sticker from a 2020 with 3.73.

That works. Just that we all know what's said on documents doesn't always make it to production due to last minute changes.
Still, the ratio may be the same, but the axle itself isn't the same HD axle as Gladiator gets.
I'd not put a Wrangler axle under my Gladiator. (regardless of ratio)

And there are web sites where you can do nation-wide searches for parts, or a few phone calls..... There are wrecked Gladiators out there. It's not hard to find all sorts of parts from engines, to transmissions, doors, and other parts from wrecked Gladiators. I found a few parts in less than 5 minutes - including manual transmission, doors, electronics and other stuff. So if they are selling those parts - you know there's axles out there.

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