QU40681 Outer Axle Shaft for most 1974-91 Jeep Dana 44 Front Axles

QU40681 19 Spline Outer Axle Shaft is a genuine Dana OEM part for most 1974-1991 Jeep J10, J20, Wagneer, Cherokee Chief, and Cherokee Dana 44 Front Axles. QU40681 is an exact, OEM replacement Outer Axle Shaft for your full size Jeep J-Series 4x4 Truck or SUV.

Also See: QU40681U Used Outer Axle Shaft available while supplies last

Need More Info? Use the handy Links below to access over 40 years of Dan's product and vehicle specific Tech Notes to easily get the information you need for your vehicle's repair, maintenance, or upgrade project!

Dan the Gear Man® Tech Notes:
U-Joint Size
2 Snap Ring Grooves
1974 to 92 Jeep Dana 44
C-Frame Press
Before Installing
Matching Parts
Applications

Tech Note 1: U-Joint Size
QU40681 Axle Shaft takes universal joints made to Spicer 1350WJ dimensional specifications. The cup diameter for these u-joints is 1-3/16". The 4 matching u-joint cups are grooved to accept Inside C-Clip Snap Rings. The installed Clips fit against the machined inner faces of the axle shaft yokes. The distance between the inside of the axle shaft yoke ears is 2-3/16". For matching u-joints, see TK40712 and QU90007.

Tech Note 2: 2 Snap Ring Grooves
QU40681 Axle Shafts have two snap ring grooves. The outer groove is used with most manual lockout hubs and 1-1/4" thick, stepped, splined full-time hub gears. The middle groove is typically used with single thickness and 7/8" splined full-time hub gears.

Tech Note 3: 1974 to 92 Jeep Dana 44
Jeep used the same outer axle shaft length for all 1977-1991 Jeep J-Series Dana 44 Outer Axle Shafts. The inner shafts will vary by left or right side, year, and vehicle model. Wagoneer and and Cherokee models have narrow track front axles. Cherokee Chief, J-10, and J20 4x4s all have wide track axles.

Tech Note 4: C-Frame Press
Outer axle shaft operating failures are usually a result of either a broken axle u-joint or a dry spindle bearing. Good preventative maintenance can usually prevent those type of failures. A good number of axle shafts are also wrecked by poor service procedures during u-joint replacement. Over the years I have seen a lot of axle shafts with bent or broken yokes caused by the slam-bang u-joint removal and installation methods. A C-Frame Press with the correct adapters is both the safest and best way to remove or install axle u-joints.

Tech Note 5: Before Installing
Before installing your new axle shaft, lube the bearing, seal, and thrust washer with QU90018 Pyroplex® grease. Also, apply some Anti-Seize Compound to the mating surfaces between the spindle and steering knuckle.

Tech Note 6: Matching Parts
QU40058 Axle Shaft Slinger
QU40228 Spindle Bearing and Seal Kit
QU40056 Small Spindle V-Seal
QU40070 Spindle Thrust Washer
QU40071 Large Spindle V-Seal
QK4734 Spindle Bearing
QU40032 Axle Shaft Snap Ring
TK40712 and QU90007 Axle U-Joints
QU40598/QU40428U/QU40657U Splined Hub Gears
QU56018 Warn Manual Lockout Hub Set
QU90018 Pyroplex® Grease

Applications:
Jeep:
Wagoneer with Disc Brakes: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1978, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
Cherokee with Disc Brakes: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983
J10 Truck with Disc Brakes: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1978, 1988
J20 Truck: 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988