We have 4 fur flingers, and they are a major reason for me wanting a larger cargo area in my build
This is a bit of a misconception perpetuated by magazines and the aftermarket. A Dana 60 (even in SF form) is a 3/4-1 ton rated axle for fullsized trucks and vans, either vehicle style is capable of carrying way more weight than a JK. They were still used in Ford E350 (thats a 1 ton!!) vans until the new weird body style was introduced last year I own a 2011 E350 with a SF 60 and 5.4L in it). Unless you are hammering around offroad with a 400hp V8 and 38s or larger tires and a hellbent for leather right foot, any version of Dana 60 is plenty of axle especially under something as light as a JK. The cheapness and ubiquitous availability of 14 bolts has caused a herd mentality that anything smaller just isn't worth installing. My rig makes well over 300tq at 1700 rpms STOCK and I'd LOVE to have a Dana 60 with disks and a 65-67" WMS width, and I fully plan to turn the pump up a bit when its finished. Anyone that has one along the SE Gulf Coast wanna trade for the ultimate beef axle (AAM 11.5 with disks and G80 locker)?
I'm going to disagree. 60's are neat and all, but they have their weaknesses. The 1st thing I don't like with the J8 offering is the C-clip design. This not only makes axle retention more of an issue, it also makes the carrier weaker because of the cross pin design. SOME semi-float wheel ends can be ok with a decent amount of weight, specifically the ones that use the 'Set 80' style wheel bearing. I wouldn't trust the smaller Set 10 or Set 20 stuff with a lot of weight over time. The number one issue I see, coming more from the large tire and abuse side of things, is that eventually you will always bend the semi-float axle flange. I've bend and broken my fair share of 9" based stuff at the bearing retainer. Sucks.
As a note. JKUs are not lightweights. They are pushing 4300lbs+ stock without people or gear. I routinely see them pushing 6000-7000lbs when 'built', and loaded for a weekend, if not more. My 1992 Dodge 3/4 ton truck with the Cummins on 39s with the shell on is less than 7000lbs for comparison! Ouch.
I honestly wouldn't care if the full float shafts where good quality 30 spline flanged float, but I would want that full float axle end. The new Mopar crate Dana 60 axle is very nice and well engineered for the money. The rear axle is a D60 low pinion center with large tubes, full float, 35 spline alloys, etc. They are about 68-69" wide if I remember right.
http://spicerparts.com/products/axle/automotive/ultimate-60
Also, the often overlooked area with weight and/or mods, is the braking package. That is something the J8 did well. The Dana/Spicer Ultimate 60 also does a very good job with this by upgrading to near 14" rotors, twin piston calipers, etc.
14-bolts are a lot of axle for the money, that is why they are common. Does everyone need one? Nope.
I would rather be under-powered and over-axled than the opposite when using a vehicle off-highway....
