18 NOVEMBER 20194-WHEEL & OFF-ROAD 4WHEELOFFROAD.COM
COVER SECTION: GEARS, LOCKERS & AXLE BUILDS
AXLE BUYE
GREAT AXLE
UPGRADES
FOR YOUR 4X
A
(^1) DROP-IN 9-INCH
Strange Engineering now offers an eco-
nomical line of Ford 9-inch centersections.
The Strange S-Series nodular iron case
features a radial rib design for increased
strength over an OEM unit and is manu -
factured in the USA from premium grade
materials. These assemblies come stan-
dard with a heavy-duty Daytona pinion
support and the street gear ratio of your
choice. Spool and other traction-adding
differential options are available to
complete the assembly for your applica-
tion. INFORMATION: Strange Engineering
847.663.1701, strangeengineering.net.
(^2) TACO SHAFTS
RCV Performance introduces heavy-duty
IFS axle sets for late model Toyota Tacoma,
FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, and Tundra 4x4s. The
axles feature a double-offset inboard CV
joint that is made up of 1-inch ball s and
300M internal components. The outboard
CVs utilize RCV Dana 60 architecture with
a combination of 4340 and 300M com-
ponents, which are said to be optimized
for maximum strength. The center bar
is 35-spline 300M. RCV-developed moly
grease is used in the CVs to control heat
buildup in even the most extreme environ-
ments. Black oxide coating is standard,
and an optional nickel plating is available
for extra corrosion resistance in salty envi-
ronments. Applications include 2005-cur-
rent Toyota Tacoma, 2007-2014 FJ Cruiser,
2003-current 4Runner, 2007-current Tun-
dra, and 2008-2013 Sequoia. Long-travel
options are available for most suspension
kits. Each assembly is covered with a
no-questions-asked limited lifetime war-
ranty. INFORMATION: RCV Performance,
815.877.7473, rcvperformance.com.
(^3) AXLE REPLACEMENT
Dynatrac now offers the ProRock 44
axle for the Jeep Wrangler JL. The all-new,
U.S.-manufactured assembly is designed
for use with up to 38-inch tires; eliminates
the OEM front-axle disconnect (FAD); and
features heat-treated chromoly inner axle-
shafts, heavy-duty end forgings, and best-
in-class ground clearance. This ProRock
44 will accept lockers and ring-and-pinion
gearsets designed for the Jeep JK. Fully
13
24
BY John Cappa
[email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN CAPPA
AND COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
XLE ASSEMBLIES ARE OFTEN
the most abused and least
modified components under
a 4x4. However, dollar for
dollar, axle modifications
make a bigger difference in
performance both on and
off the road than any other modification.
For example, lower axle gears will com-
pensate for larger tires and will typically
outperform any cost-comparable engine
upgrade, while traction adding differen-
tials will generally take you farther up the
trail than any other available modification.
Other axle upgrades increase the strength
and reliability of the axle assemblies you
have. Complete axle upgrades provide the
beef you need to back up tire diameters
and power outputs that are significantly
greater than stock. Sift through the lat-
est in axle hardware here to see what you
might need to add to your 4x4.