By now, most know that the JK Rubicon 44 frontend's housing is weak. Luckily, there are ways to make it work.
We'll be showing you the JK Explorer project in the June '09 issue of 4WD&SU Magazine, but took a few shots of what Mount Logan Off-Road (435-752-4272) did to beef up the project's 44 frontend. They do this to all JK 44 frontends on request.
They first sleeve the housings with .250 wall tubing. The tubes are plug welded, and then completely welded, at the center section. The inner forgings (Cs) are gusseted, then lower control arm skidplates are welded on. The only things left to address are ball joints, and we've heard Dynatrac and Crown are currently working on stronger parts.
Now, the JK Rubicon 44 frontend's acceptable for off-highway use. We realize that with their price increase, no one will be purchasing these frontends in the aftermarket anymore. Current Rubicon owners will still be candidates for these modifications though.