Upgraded to 39 inch BFG KM3. Axle strength questions.

[JT Steve]

Hello Gladiator forum! I wanted to get some good advice. I would consider myself “green” to the off-roading world. Your input is appreciated!

I have a 2020 Gladiator Rubicon, with a Metalcloak 3.5 inch game-changer lift. I went from 35 inch BFG 35 inch KO2 to 39 inch BFG KM3.

Re-gearing to 5.13’s will happen next, however, I do have some concerns with axel strength. From what research I’ve done, a truss on front/ rear, RCV axel shafts, could help. But would it really make a difference?

I appreciate your responses!

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[Gladiscraper]

FWIW we are going the exact same route with ours, 3.5 GC and 39” KM3’s. I’m probably going with the Currie HD60’s, as they are more cost effective than building up the 44’s and upgrading later.

Wonder what others have experience with as well. We’d like to do some light wheeling on stock axles for a while.

 

[bastage]

Your axle upgrades will be a bit cheaper then mine because I have a max tow so I had to buy lockers too.. But to do over again I would not of trussed & re-geared my stock axles. I am into them over 11k including install of everything. For a few grand more I could of bought Dana 60's. The other thing to consider with that is the need to get new wheels with the new bolt pattern if you go that route. Realistically you would be about 2k less for the lockers that I had to spend, but my rear axle shafts are stronger since I got the dutchman 35 spline upgrade at the same time. RCV's were going to take like 4+ months from when I did everything so I didnt do the 35 spline front upgrade. Will get RCV's eventually though.
If you have the money to spend I would just go with 60's & you can flip your 44's for a pretty decent return.

 

[rballman]

Hello Gladiator forum! I wanted to get some good advice. I would consider myself “green” to the off-roading world. Your input is appreciated!

I have a 2020 Gladiator Rubicon, with a Metalcloak 3.5 inch game-changer lift. I went from 35 inch BFG 35 inch KO2 to 39 inch BFG KM3.

Re-gearing to 5.13’s will happen next, however, I do have some concerns with axel strength. From what research I’ve done, a truss on front/ rear, RCV axel shafts, could help. But would it really make a difference?

I appreciate your responses!

what are your rim specs?

 

[PDiddy]

I have nothing to add except your truck looks totally badass.

 

[JT Steve]

Your axle upgrades will be a bit cheaper then mine because I have a max tow so I had to buy lockers too.. But to do over again I would not of trussed & re-geared my stock axles. I am into them over 11k including install of everything. For a few grand more I could of bought Dana 60's. The other thing to consider with that is the need to get new wheels with the new bolt pattern if you go that route. Realistically you would be about 2k less for the lockers that I had to spend, but my rear axle shafts are stronger since I got the dutchman 35 spline upgrade at the same time. RCV's were going to take like 4+ months from when I did everything so I didnt do the 35 spline front upgrade. Will get RCV's eventually though.
If you have the money to spend I would just go with 60's & you can flip your 44's for a pretty decent return.

Thank you for taking the time to reply!

 

[JT Steve]

I have nothing to add except your truck looks totally badass.

Thanks sir! I love it haha

 

[JT Steve]

17x 8.5

what are your rim specs?

 

[cmb396]

Honest question, since the km3 really only measure around 37.5 (so I’ve read); and weigh the same as nitto/Toyo 37s, is an axel upgrade needed?
Not sure how hard you wheel? I have 37 km3 and am going to go 39” soon being that they run small.
I have a JTR, and have watched my buddy beat the piss out of his tow max on 38” Patagonia’s with no issues.

 

[JT Steve]

Honest question, since the km3 really only measure around 37.5 (so I’ve read); and weigh the same as nitto/Toyo 37s, is an axel upgrade needed?
Not sure how hard you wheel? I have 37 km3 and am going to go 39” soon being that they run small.
I have a JTR, and have watched my buddy beat the piss out of his tow max on 38” Patagonia’s with no issues.

Hey what’s up! I do wheel it fairly often on rocks and steep inclines. It’s a pretty beefy tire and I could imagine not having control of the skinny pedal while doing “difficult” trails could cause some issues.

I think if you have good throttle control and aren’t hauling ass through trails you will be good!

 

[kevman65]

If you're going to strengthen the axle, swap out the cast aluminum knuckles for cast iron or cast steel.
Also invest in the heavy duty ball joints for said knuckles.

 

[cmb396]

Hey what’s up! I do wheel it fairly often on rocks and steep inclines. It’s a pretty beefy tire and I could imagine not having control of the skinny pedal while doing “difficult” trails could cause some issues.

I think if you have good throttle control and aren’t hauling ass through trails you will be good!

Good points! I live in the east, so trails are tight, and sadly more mud than anything. We have found some decent rocky trails and less mud, but nothing is ever high speed.

 

[FLUndertaker]

What’s the overall height on your jeep? Just curious if 39 or 40” would fit in my garage.

 

[JT Steve]

What’s the overall height on your jeep? Just curious if 39 or 40” would fit in my garage.

Good points! I live in the east, so trails are tight, and sadly more mud than anything. We have found some decent rocky trails and less mud, but nothing is ever high speed.

I think you would be good to go, like you said the BFG is a smaller tire (true to size wise). So you have some leniency when it comes to that.

 

[JT Steve]

What’s the overall height on your jeep? Just curious if 39 or 40” would fit in my garage.

Tbh, I’ve never measured! It fits in 6ft 4 parking garages and I have about 2 inches of room left before I smash the roof haha... it fits in my small townhome garage

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