Toward the end of the day yesterday at the 2014 SEMA Show, Dana Holding Corporation introduced its newest axle for the Jeep Wrangler JK with The Ultimate Dana 60 front and rear axles.

Dana explained to us at the press conference that the new axle line, which includes bolt-in replacement upgrades for front and rear axles on the Jeep Wrangler JK, reflects the experience of serious off-roaders and incorporates many of the features they need.

“For years, hardcore Jeep Wrangler off-road enthusiasts have been modifying axles to achieve better performance, and we’ve been paying attention,” said Bill Gryzenia, vice president and general manager, Dana Aftermarket. “We have incorporated a number of new ideas into The Ultimate Dana 60™ axle family to deliver unmatched performance off-road.”

Among the improvements are 35-spline, SAE-4340 nickel chromoly steel axle shafts designed for higher torque, larger tires and off-road punishment; a greatly enhanced carrier with Spicer performancering and pinion gearing; massive SPL 70 u-joints, exclusive to Dana; full-float design for greater load-carrying capacity; and upgraded, heavy-duty brakes with plug-and-play ABS.

The Ultimate Dana 60 axles also include these features:
-Selectable locking electronic differentials;
-Spicer 1350 strap-style, half-round end yoke;
-Nodular-iron differential cover with protective ribbing;
-Warn35-spline hub locks;
-Dead spindle design for increased strength and ease of service;
-High-clearance carrier with ribbed housing design; and
-Heavy-duty, 8 x 6.5-inch wheel bolt pattern.
-Both The Ultimate Dana 60 front and rear axles come with Spicer performance  ring and pinion gears that are precision heat treated for optimal hardness and durability and shot-peened to double the fatigue life. The faces are hobbed to ensure precise mating of the gear teeth and to deliver a quieter ride. The mating faces are also lapped to reduce gear noise and heat. Axles are available in both a 4.88 and 5.38 ratio.

The Ultimate Dana 60 front and rear axles are initially available through Mopar dealers, and we did hear from Dana that more parts for the JK, and other Jeeps (like the TJ), are coming down the pipe in the near future. To stay up to date with The Ultimate Dana 60™ axles, check out www.DanaUnleashed.com.