RCV Performance Ultimate D44 Front Axle Shafts

[PhilD]

First off, a big thanks to the folks at RCV Performance for their Ultimate D44 Performance Axle Shaft giveaway, thanks

At first sight these shafts are very impressive, very well made and clearly well designed. The splines are perfect and everything fits together with an engineered feel.

The install is very simple and takes around 60 minutes for both sides.

The RCV shafts:


They come complete with new bearing bolts and a tool to help install the boots:


First thing you need to do is remove the axle nut, an impact wrench will pull them off easily; a 35mm socket is a tight fit, a 36mm is a little looser, both will work:


If you don't have an impact wrench use a breaker bar, if the nut is on tight, you can use a jack to support the end of the breaker bar:


If, like me, you run the diff fluid above the height of the axle tubes, then it's a good idea to drain some first, so that it doesn't pour into the tubes:


Raise and support the front axle, and remove the wheels:


Remove the two caliper bolts (21 mm socket) then remove the caliper. Remove the three bearing bolts (13 mm 12 point socket). Remove the ABS sensor bolt (5 mm hex) and pull the ABS sensor out. You can then remove the bearing and pull the shaft out:

[PhilD]

I like to place a little grease on the end of the shaft, this helps it slide through the seal easily and gives the seal some lubrication:


Place the boot inside the knuckle:


Place the shaft through the knuckle and boot. If you don't have axle sleeves you can re-use the factory shaft guides (look like plastic gears) which help guide the shaft in to place, just place them on the shaft the other side of the boot:


Push the shaft all the way in, you should feel it past the seal, but there should be real resistance, if there is make sure the shaft is aligned, there is no need to force it. I didn't use the tool provided by RCV and just pushed the boots on by hand, once they get so far they kind of spring into place:


Replace the bearing, not forgetting the dust shield and the ABS sensor, tighten to 34-50 in/lbs. Using the three new bolts provided bolt the bearing in place and tighten to 75 ft/lbs:


Replace the rotor and caliper and tighten the two bolts to 120 ft/lbs:


Replace the wheel and when it's back on the ground replace the axle nut and tighten to 100 ft/lbs:


Repeat for the other side:


If you drained the diff, don't forget to fill it back up!

Thanks again to RCV Performance

[PhilD]

First impressions: These are very smooth, the jumpy/binding feel at full lock is no longer there and they are just smooth. It will be about a month before I get to wheel with them, but I have no doubt they will be up to the job.

[Moose512]

First, congrats again on winning these bad boys.

What is he difference between the RCV Performance axles and the longfields from Bobby Long? There is about a $250 dollar price difference, the RCV being the more expensive set. I spoke to Bobby last week and he is selling his for $810.

Just curious??

[gonemuddin]

First of all congratulations to you sir!
Longfieldsuperaxles.com doesnt list them anymore. So I called RCV and talked to someone named Sean and he said that RCV Performance is offering them factory direct or something. From what I read on other forums its sounds like RCV manufactures the longfields. So they must be the same product... right? I dont know if I am supposed to post this, but I got an email from entering the give away and it gives a coupon code ( JKFLYER ) for 15% off. So really RCV's are only $922.25.

[gonemuddin]

and I also found this.. Poly Performance is carrying them too, but they actually call them RCV Performance Axles:
https://www.polyperformance.com/shop...t-p-19504.html

[rob4607]

all this talk of hittin the nuts, greasing the shaft, sliding it in, ohh honey wher are you at??? lol great write up, I like the jack supporting the breaker bar, been there done that!

[Ipe]

I just came back to work after a very nice vacation and was excited to find a box from.....


RCV Performance! Thank you RCV!
(I didn't want it sitting on my front step while I was away)

Excellent write-up Phil. I hope that my install goes as easily as yours.

[Prope]

Nice write-up Phil! You'll love them on the trail... I second what you said, "they're smooth!"

[brokenleaf]

I got my box last Friday also. Thanks for the great write up Phil! You even have the torque specs.

Jeff

[venom]

Congrats Phil!
great write up!

[karnuvore]

Phil makes write ups look so easy that a dumb s h i t like myself gets all c o c k y and does it himself - with minimal self/jeep damage even! Great write up as usual Phil. These are on "the list".

[peanut]

Does anyone offer a kit for the rear? Perhaps a full float conversion for the rear 44 has anyone ever done this for a JK?

[brokenleaf]

Phil's write up did the job right! I just installed mine tonight and it went very smoothly.

Old vs new:


I ended up using the boot install tool for mine. the boots were not already installed and a bit stiff. The tool made quick work of seating it in place:


I realized the new machined unit bearing bolts were included for a reason. It is a tight fit with the CV joint next to the hub bolts.



Installed Drivers side:


Installed Passenger side:


I think these are the best axles available for the JK Dana 44 axle. Driving around on the street was awesome with no binding at the cv joint. You could feel the old ujoint speed up and slow down causing a bind on a hard surface. I can't wait to try these out on the Rubicon granite slabs next month! Thanks RCV for a great product!!

Jeff

[Ipe]

RCV called me on Tuesday asking if I had installed my set yet. I said "no" seeing as I had been away on vacation. They were happy about that as according to RCV they were concerned that my set may not be 100% completely perfect.... so they overnighted me another set.

The new set came today and I've got to tell you I'm already impressed. Great looking product, great packaging (for safe shipping), and absolutely awesome customer service!

I can't wait to get them installed!

[PhilD]

Originally Posted by Ipe

I said "no" seeing as I had been away on vacation.

What sort of excuse is that?

[brokenleaf]

Originally Posted by PhilD

What sort of excuse is that?

LOL...Get em installed already!

[justrok]

This sounds like it might be another Marlin/StealGear 6 shooter mess froma few years back. Did this supplier manufacture Longs product and then start selling it themselves....stinks a little! I ordered mine from Bobby yesterday!

[PhilD]

Originally Posted by justrok

Did this supplier manufacture Longs product and then start selling it themselves....stinks a little! I ordered mine from Bobby yesterday!

Not sure on the relationship, but RCV have been selling their own products for a while. I noticed in one forum post that the Longfield product was in fact the RCV product.

[Aggie]

Yeah but the Marlin/Trail Gear relationship was the same way, steal the design... I would bet money the design is Longfields not RCV. Hopefully RCV bought Bobby out of that side of his business.

[PhilD]

I wouldn't want to speculate as to who did what, to who, when, etc. However, I do know that RCV have been making performance CV's and shafts for a while.

There is nothing new in the design, Longfields were a copy of Birfield. and Rzeppa CV's have been around since the 1920's.

[Aggie]

Originally Posted by PhilD

There is nothing new in the design, Longfields were a copy of Birfield. and Rzeppa CV's have been around since the 1920's.

REALLY? I thought it was a coincidence that he decided to take his name (Long) and add Field onto the end! Crazy how that works...

I used the term "design" VERY loosely, and probably could have used a better term. Bobby was the first to use the tougher steel and beef up the birfield, that was the "design" I was alluding too, prolly should have said "concept".

If you want to hear about the Marlin Six Shooter debacle I can point you in that direction too.


EDIT: Back on topic, I am really glad these are working out for you Phil and everyone else they are definitely on my list to get!

[justrok]

Originally Posted by Aggie

If you want to hear about the Marlin Six Shooter debacle I can point you in that direction too.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=546531

[SDMF]

Longfields website doesn't have any jeep axles on it anymore.

[Ipe]

Originally Posted by PhilD

What sort of excuse is that?

Originally Posted by brokenleaf

LOL...Get em installed already!

No garage and thunderstorms constantly since I got back have caused the delays.
The weather is supposed to be good tomorrow morning though. If it is they'll be going in