In spite of what so many people on the internet will try and tell you, Dana 44 front axle shafts on a Jeep JK Wrangler Rubicon are NOT inherently weak and you do NOT need to go out and buy a set of expensive RCV shafts to prevent breaks. The problem with factory axle shafts is that they utilize c-clips to hold the bearing caps in place and over time, movement in the caps can cause the c-clips to work themselves free. Once the c-clips are gone, there’s nothing left to hold the bearing caps in place and if they fall out, it’s just a matter of time before the trunnions tear apart the ears of the yokes. That being said, a great solution to help prevent this from happening is to run a good set of chromoly shafts and u-joints with full circle clips, much like the kind that AlloyUSA makes. The full circle clips will not come free of the bearing caps and this alone will help prevent the number one cause of front axle shaft breaks. This video and the write-up below will show you just how easy it is to install a set of AlloyUSA X-Joints with full circle clips onto one of their chomoly front axle shafts.
See the written write-up with photos here:
How to Install U-Joints w/ Full Circle Clips onto a Chromoly Front Axle Shaft
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