Yukon Gear 1541H Alloy Replacement Left Hand Rear Axle For Dana 44 / 97+ TJ Wrangler / XJ

For Jeep owners with a Dana 44 rear under a TJ Wrangler, XJ Cherokee, YJ or Comanche, Yukon YA D75786-2X is a 1541H alloy left hand (driver side) rear shaft that replaces a bent, twisted or spline-worn original. It is 29-1/4 inches long, has 30 splines, and the flange is drilled for both 5 x 4.5 and 5 x 5.5 inch wheel patterns.

What the rear shaft does in a Jeep Dana 44

In these Jeeps the rear Dana 44 is a semi-floating axle. The inner end of each shaft splines into the carrier's side gear and the outer end rides on a bearing pressed onto the shaft, held by a retaining ring and a bolt-on retainer plate at the housing end. So the shaft both drives the wheel and supports the vehicle's weight. Bigger tires, lockers and rock crawling put more twist and bending load on the shafts than the factory planned for, and the left shaft usually lives on the side that gets the hardest hits.

Symptoms of a failing left rear shaft

• No drive to the left rear wheel with the driveshaft turning, from a broken shaft or stripped splines.
• Clunk or slop when switching between drive and reverse, from splines worn loose in the side gear.
• Left rear wheel wobble or a flange that shows runout with a dial indicator.
• Gear oil leaking past the axle seal onto the brakes, especially when the old shaft's seal surface is grooved.
• An ABS warning light after a shaft swap, because this shaft has no ABS tone ring (see install notes).

How to confirm it before you buy

Make sure you actually have a Dana 44. Most TJs and XJs came with a Dana 35 or a Chrysler 8.25 rear, which use 27 or 29-spline shafts and will not take this part. Look for "44" cast into the housing and count splines on the old shaft. Then check flange runout and inspect splines and the bearing journal. Our Dana 44 problems and rebuild cost guide lists which Jeeps got which 44, and Dana 35 vs Dana 44 rear axle differences shows how to tell them apart.

Fitment

Yukon's fitment table lists 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4WD, 1987-1995 Wrangler YJ, 1987-1993 Cherokee XJ 4WD and 1986-1992 Comanche, all with a Dana 44 rear. The listing title says "97+ XJ", but Yukon's table only shows the XJ through 1993, so later Cherokee owners should send us the VIN before ordering. The fitment notes describe this part as a rear axle kit including the bearing, seal, retainer and wheel studs, while the product description lists only the shaft; check what arrives before you order bearings separately. This is the left side only. For the passenger side order the Yukon right hand Dana 44 TJ/XJ rear axle. Upgrading the whole rear end? Compare the Revolution chromoly Dana 44 rear axle kit for 87-06 Wranglers.

Install notes

• Yukon notes that factory 4.10 ratio Trac-Lok axles had ABS and this shaft does not include an ABS tone ring. If your Jeep has rear ABS, you need a tone ring pressed on or the system will flag a fault.
• Any pressed bearing and retaining ring must go on with a hydraulic press; never reuse an old retaining ring.
• Fill with 75W-90 or 75W-140 gear oil, and add friction modifier if the carrier is a Trac-Lok or other clutch-type limited slip.
• If the side gears are chewed up, rebuild the center with the Yukon Dana 44 master overhaul kit for TJ Rubicon or upgrade to the Yukon Dura Grip 30-spline Dana 44 limited slip for 3.92 and numerically higher gears.

Will this fit my TJ with a Dana 35 rear?

No. The Dana 35 uses 27-spline shafts and a different housing. This shaft only fits a Dana 44 rear with 30-spline side gears.

Does it have an ABS tone ring?

No. Yukon states it does not include an ABS tone ring. If your Jeep has rear ABS, a tone ring must be added or the ABS will flag a fault.

Which wheel bolt patterns does it accept?

The flange is drilled for both 5 x 4.5 inch (Jeep) and 5 x 5.5 inch patterns, so it works with stock wheels or a full-size pattern.

How long is it and which side is it for?

It is the left hand (driver side) shaft at 29-1/4 inches. The right side is a separate part.

Does it come with a bearing and seal?

Yukon's fitment notes call it a rear axle kit with bearing, seal, retainer and studs, but the description lists only the shaft. Check the contents before you buy bearings separately.

What gear oil should I use?

75W-90 or 75W-140 gear oil, plus friction modifier if you have a Trac-Lok or other clutch-type limited slip.