30 vs. 33 spline- XJ 44

[Cornfed-87XJ]

I am wondering if anyone knows the difference in strength between the 30 and 33 spline alloy axles. I ordered gears and lockers a couple of months ago from 4 Wheel Parts, and the 33 spline axles still aren't in, but they have plenty of the 30 spline sets. I even called Alloy USA, their supplier, and they confirmed that the 33 spline axles were still back ordered until sometime in late August. I was hoping to get my Jeep done and out on the road already, but this is holding me up. Is the difference in strength really worth it, or should I just have them reorder me the 30 spline alloys with the matching locker?

Any help would be greatly appreciated? I am dying to get out on the trail, but I don't want to have any regrets.

 

[MisterFubar]

The only person I know that has ever run 33 spline shafts in a Dana 44 starting breaking pinions after he installed them. Had a problem with breaking shafts and that's why he upgraded to the 33 spline, as far as I know he has never broke a 33 spline shaft, but he has gone through a couple ring and pinions since he installed them.

Personally I'd want the shaft to be my weakest link in a rear axle. Those a quick fix and can easily be done on the trail.

Hopefully someone else will chime in with personal experience on an XJ.

 

[cal]

I know a *lot* of people who run and swear by 33 spline dana 44's with detroits here locally.

Yes, you will break the pinion easier with a 33 spline 44 than a 30, and easier with a 35 spline 44 than a 33 - but not that much easier.

Its already mid july, I'd just wait it out and go 33. The only gain to staying 30 is being able to bolt stock shafts back in to run if you break.

I'm running a 35 spline 44, I don't bother carrying spare shafts anymore. I probably should though, with my luck..

 

[Cornfed-87XJ]

Thanks for the help. I guess I will just right this season off, as the spotter for my buddy's 4runner, and finish up during the winter.

 

[Cruzin Illusion]

Thanks for the help. I guess I will just right this season off, as the spotter for my buddy's 4runner, and finish up during the winter.

How about try to get Superior shafts instead of Alloy USA. They both sell 33 splined shafts. Maybe Superior has them instock.

 

[cal]

How about try to get Superior shafts instead of Alloy USA. They both sell 33 splined shafts. Maybe Superior has them instock.

Not a bad option; but it is worth noting superior can be trouble if you have to warantee a shaft, where alloy-usa has a 10 year no questions asked policy that they more than live up to.

 

[sjd78]

I personally would go with the 30 spline shafts (and I did). I guess it just depends on what size tires you are running and how hard you are on the skinny pedal. I run 35" tires and so do all of my buddies and they are on stock 30 spline shafts and havent broke one yet. Look at it this way, if you do break one you can use your stock shafts as spares and Alloy USA will warrenty it no problem.

 

[RyanM]

my stockers are doing well. I need it to get around sometimes right now, so I rarely beat on 'er .more problems with leakin seals. chromoly30splines coming. or hp60

I haven't read of any superior failures. My front inners are superior. no problems.
:thumbup:

 

[53guy]

Here's an example and I can't find the stock shaft numbers, but this is from the Moser site, so take it for what its worth because they're alloy shafts and that's probably what you'll be getting anyways if you go 33 spline.

 

[Cruzin Illusion]

my stockers are doing well. I need it to get around sometimes right now, so I rarely beat on 'er .more problems with leakin seals. chromoly30splines coming. or hp60

I haven't read of any superior failures. My front inners are superior. no problems.
:thumbup:

I did quit abit of research before buying mine and talked to superior and there have been reports of anyone breaking a 33 splined shaft. I know I have heard that there where a couple of comp buggies running their 33 splined shafts in dana 44's but can't confirm that. I have installed 3 sets in rigs and none have had any problems.