Dana 44/60 Hybrid Axles

[21JTRUBI]

Does anyone have experience running a Dana 44/60 hybrid Axle on a Gladiator?
Looks substantially stronger than the stock axle with the Fad and probably less expensive than doing the truss, gear change, Reid knuckles and RCV upgrades. Can also sell the stock Rubicon axle to offset some of the cost.

Any experience or insight would be appreciated

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[LostWoods]

I'd assume that's the old D44 design that is not compatible with the current gen but any time I hear hybrid like this, it just means thicker tubes and axle shafts with the rest being the parts from the smaller unit.

Aside from the FAD, these axles are basically as tough as the standard Dynatrac D44 in the JK days. Thicker shafts and a truss for the FAD is really all you need and should be far cheaper than new axles.

 

[Hootbro]

Exodus 4x4 talks about the Currie Semi-Float D60 axles in the video below at 7:48. Seems to be a good value compromise of having the D60 gear set with a beefed up shafts and retaining the standard 5 x 5 bolt pattern. The whole video is worth a watch in my opinion.

 

[21JTRUBI]

Exodus 4x4 talks about the Currie Semi-Float D60 axles in the video below at 7:48. Seems to be a good value compromise of having the D60 gear set with a beefed up shafts and retaining the standard 5 x 5 bolt pattern. The whole video is worth a watch in my opinion.

Thanks informative video.
Looks like both Currie and fusion have similar offerings

I know 2 folks with Gladiators that have broken the front at the fad, one on 37’s with stock Rubicon axles and one on 38’s that was trussed. Just a little nervous about the stock axles and I could really use a regear for my 37’s.

 

[rharr]

all these tricks for swapping parts to make the axle stronger, but what happens when you break something in the middle of no where and all you have a is a autozone 10 miles away? My point is having aftermarket parts/hybrid stuff is good for getting more strength with what you have until it breaks and you need something right now. Then it's 7 days to get shipped....

There is a beauty in just swapping out axles from a from a common 3/4 ton truck and being able to walk into any auto parts store and likely have what you need on a shelf.

just food for thought.

 

[Hootbro]

all these tricks for swapping parts to make the axle stronger, but what happens when you break something in the middle of no where and all you have a is a autozone 10 miles away? My point is having aftermarket parts/hybrid stuff is good for getting more strength with what you have until it breaks and you need something right now. Then it's 7 days to get shipped....

There is a beauty in just swapping out axles from a from a common 3/4 ton truck and being able to walk into any auto parts store and likely have what you need on a shelf.

just food for thought.

Other than maybe a seal or a bearing, no AutoZone is going to be carrying any major 3/4 ton axle subassemblies on the shelf.

 

[21JTRUBI]

After talking to dynatrac, Currie, Fusion and Exodus I think I’ll just keep saving for a set of 60’s.
The hybrid axles for the Gladiator only end up about $1,000 - $1,500 less by the time you add HD steering components and Reid racing knuckles.
Leaning towards a set of 70” wide 60’s from Currie or Fusion. Probably get 20” wheels since I’ll have to get 8 lugs and run 40x13.50 Maxxis RAZR MT’s.

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