Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

Willys Front Axle Strength?

30K views 30 replies 14 participants last post by  JRod4928 
#1 ·
Is the Willys front axle strong enough to handle a locker? On Jeep's website, the Willys is the only non-Rubicon Wrangler whose axles are touted as being different. In this case, the website mentions: Next Generation Dana 30 Front Axle. (the rear is a Dana 44).

Is there any difference in the Willys front axle than any other Wrangler? Is it stronger?

My vehicle is a stock 2016 JK Willys W with a manual and is my daily driver. I don't plan on putting much if any bigger tires than stock.

This all got started by my wanting to put some armor on my differentials. Then I got to thinking, why not install a front locker? Then I read about the extra strain a locker would put on the axle. So, what about replacing the axle? Then the bearings, and all the other stuff... Into the rabbit hole of mods and expenses.

That's why I'm asking the question. Is my stock front end strong enough as it is? I don't plan on doing hard core rock and boulder climbing. But, I may be hooking up with a local off roading group and don't know what I'll find myself in.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
See less See more
#6 ·
The Willy's has the same D30 every Wrangler except the Rubicon has. I put 4.88's and a e-locker in mine. I've pushed it pretty hard, and so far so good. I wouldn't feel that much better with a stock front 44, so I'll try not to break my 30 till I'm ready to upgrade. Except for the Rubicons, everyone I wheel with has a locker in their 30.
 
#7 ·
I would recommend a selectable locker for a front axle.. makes life much better no matter the axle. that being said I run a lock right in my HP30 with 35's and alloy shafts.. no issues so far, knock on wood.
 
#16 ·
The gear ratios front and rear must be exactly the same.
Not quite true. Early 4x4s, Fords, Chevs, Dodges 1960s, 1970s, 1980s came with slightly taller front difs, 4.10 front, 4.11 rear. Which is why you had to reverse 15' shifting back into 2WD, to remove the bind.
 
#13 ·
The question to ask yourself is do you need a front locker at this point in your use and level of build. A rear locker would be of more use and the most bang for the buck. If anything an open front with TC combined with a rear locker when used correctly are great and will take you much much further than you could ever image. Then add some disconnects and long travel shock and go even further.

I would spend money on beefing up the axle tube and outer "C"s first with sleeves/trusses and gussets to handle a bit more pounding and better more grippy tires before adding a front locker.
 
#24 ·
The Willys D44 housing is different from the Rubicon. The only things they have in common are the R&P and pinion seal and bearings. The carrier/locker and carrier bearings are different. This means the Rubi locker will not fit in the non Rubi housing.

There are a few more carrier options out there for the non Rubi D44 then there are for the Rubi D44.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top