Tera CRD60R Axle Features
* 3-inch-od DOM axletubing
* H.D. 3/8-inch cast differential
* 100% new components made in the USA
* Rolled axleshaft splines for a stronger shaft vs. cut splines
* 35-spline 4140 chromoly shafts with a 5-on-5 or 5-on-5.5 dual-wheel bolt pattern
* Heavy-duty outer pinion bearing
Two things we always look...
Two things we always look for in an axle are rugged dependability and additional ground clearance. The Tera CRD60R offers both and is engineered to be much stronger than the JK's factory 44. It also offers a high-pinion differential and much stronger bracketry with adjustable mounting points. Also, the new Tera axle is compatible with the factory sensor-control system, including the ABS, ESP, and speedometer.
The tough little Wrangler Rubicon first rolled off the assembly line in 2003. It has undergone many changes since then, but it's still one of the most capable off-road vehicles ever to roll down a production line. Even though it is fitted with front and rear Dana 44 solid axles and selectable locking differentials, it's not perfect, and to a hard-core four-wheel enthusiast there's always room for improvement. Tera Manufacturing has had its hands in the manufacturing of heavy-duty Jeep suspensions and components for more than a decade, and recently the company released the new bolt-on CRD60R rear axle for the JK. As automotive tech geeks, we love getting elbow-deep in a technically challenging truck and Jeep fabrication-but then again, we love easy bolt-on tech too.
The factory Dana 44 in the rear of the JK is a tough and dependable axle, but it isn't without its flaws. Some of the 44's bracketry is not fully welded on both sides of the seams. Under extreme conditions, we've seen upper track-bar mounts crack and break at the welded joints. Also, the stock axleshafts aren't exactly up to snuff when running tires 38 inches and up. The benefits the CRD60 axle offers are more strength, durability, and clearance than the factory 44. It's completely bolt-in and comes with chromoly axleshafts and a choice of gearing and traction options. The Tera CRD60R is a good choice if you're looking to swap out your rear axle-it offers strength and dependability any four-wheeler can appreciate.
Is bigger better? You bet!...
Is bigger better? You bet! The high-pinion 60 axle is much beefier with additional ribs and gussets designed into the differential housing for added strength. The housing is also designed with a tri-chamber oil system for increased oil flow to its pinion bearings. These bearings are also common, so if there were a problem they can easily be replaced. The bottom radius of the differential housing is also smooth so it will slide over rocks with less of a chance of a hang up.
We suspect a 4x rookie won't...
We suspect a 4x rookie won't be attempting this axle swap himself, since there is a certain degree of difficulty involved. With that said, it is a bolt-on axle swap, and perhaps anyone could bolt the Tera 60 in, but it's important to know suspension geometry and adjustment. The axle is designed for a lifted JK and will work with numerous aftermarket suspension systems.
The 1/4-inch laser-cut bracketry...
The 1/4-inch laser-cut bracketry and mounting point are far more rigid and dependable than factory. This axle was installed in combination with a Tera Flex long-arm kit, which made the installation pretty straightforward. But since each aftermarket suspension system has its own design and geometry, we suspect that the multiadjustable mounting points on the CRD axle will make fine-tuning any other suspension design pretty easy.
The lower spring pad on the...
The lower spring pad on the CRD60R is much stronger than its factory counterpart. It has a tapped hole and an included lower spring retainer to prevent the spring from moving or becoming unseated. We hate it when springs pop out of their mounting perches! With a good suspension lift and 38-inch tires, the differential offers a very respectable 14 1/2 inches of ground clearance.
The JK's factory calipers...
The JK's factory calipers and rotors are retained in the swap, this makes it easy when it's time for a brake job-the parts are readily available. We also recommend that extended brake lines are used in the conversion. Tip: When you're bolting the axle in, make sure you keep the calipers up and out of the way and that they are securely fastened so the brake lines cannot be damaged.
Proper pinion angle is designed...
Proper pinion angle is designed into the axle, meaning longer pinion-bearing life, which maximizes power transfer without binding. We used and recommend that a quality CV driveshaft be used front and rear with any suspension lift. The JK's factory Rezeppa-style driveshafts don't work as well when put through abusive terrain or run at extreme angles.