RCV Ultimate CV Front Axle Set for Jeep Wagoneer Dana 44 ('74-'79)
CVJ44OS-WAG1
The RCV Ultimate CV Front Axle Set for 1974–1979 Jeep Wagoneer Dana 44 replaces factory U-joint axle shafts with a heavy-duty constant velocity design engineered for increased strength, smoother steering, and reliable off-road performance. Designed for classic Jeep Wagoneer front Dana 44 axles, this RCV axle set uses 30-spline inner shafts and upgraded 30-spline outer stubs to eliminate the limitations of the original U-joint and 19-spline outer axle configuration. RCV's Ultimate CV technology is engineered to deliver up to twice the strength of factory axle shafts while maintaining consistent torque transfer through extreme steering angles.
Built for restored and modified Wagoneers running larger tires, locking differentials, V8 power, and upgraded suspension systems, the RCV Ultimate CV design reduces U-joint binding and provides smooth power delivery during tight turns, technical rock crawling, and demanding trail conditions. The sealed, bootless CV joints eliminate conventional U-joints and external rubber CV boots, while the included SST seals, installation hardware, and synthetic moly grease support a complete front axle upgrade. A 30-spline locking hub gear upgrade is required to accommodate the RCV outer stub shafts, making proper hub compatibility an essential part of installation planning.
Includes:
- (1) Left-Hand RCV Ultimate CV Inner Axle Shaft – 30-Spline
- (1) Right-Hand RCV Ultimate CV Inner Axle Shaft – 30-Spline
- (2) RCV Ultimate CV Outer Stub Assemblies – 30-Spline
- RCV SST Seals & Installation Tool
- Required Installation Hardware
- Synthetic Moly Grease
- Installation Instructions
- Standard Black Oxide Finish
Important: All RCV CVJ44OS axle kits require a 30-spline hub gear upgrade. RCV 30-spline hub gears are compatible with Warn 20990 Premium Lockouts. Factory 19-spline hub gears are not compatible with the upgraded outer stub shafts. Confirm hub gear requirements and included components before ordering.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | RCV Performance |
|---|---|
| Product Series | Ultimate CV |
| Product Type | Heavy-Duty Front CV Axle Shaft Set |
| Axle Platform | Dana 44 |
| Vehicle Platform | Jeep Wagoneer |
| Model Years | 1974–1979 |
| Axle Position | Front |
| Axle Shaft Configuration | Left & Right Complete Set |
| Unit Bearing | No / Serviceable Spindle & Hub Configuration |
| OEM Inner Spline Count | 30-Spline |
| OEM Outer Spline Count | 19-Spline |
| RCV Inner Spline Count | 30-Spline |
| RCV Outer Stub Spline Count | 30-Spline |
| Left Inner Axle Length | 33.19" |
| Right Inner Axle Length | 14.69" |
| Outer Stub Length | 9.94" |
| Joint Type | Heavy-Duty Constant Velocity (CV) |
| CV Joint Design | Sealed / Bootless |
| U-Joint Configuration | Eliminates Conventional Axle U-Joints |
| Strength Rating | Engineered for Up to 2x OEM Axle Shaft Strength |
| Standard Finish | Black Oxide |
| Optional Finish | Nickel Plating / Contact for Availability |
| Lubrication | Synthetic Moly Grease Included |
| Sealing Components | RCV SST Seals Included |
| Required Hub Upgrade | 30-Spline Locking Hub Gears |
| Lockout Compatibility | RCV 30-Spline Hub Gears Compatible with Warn 20990 Premium Lockouts |
| Installation Type | Front Axle Shaft Replacement with Required Hub Gear Upgrade |
| Tire Size Warranty Limitation | Warranty Void with Tires Over 40" |
| Primary Application | 1974–1979 Jeep Wagoneer Dana 44 Front Axle Upgrades, Rock Crawling & Off-Road Use |
| Quantity | (1) Complete Left & Right Front Axle Set |
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty CV axle set designed for 1974–1979 Jeep Wagoneer Dana 44 front axles.
- Engineered for up to twice the strength of factory axle shafts.
- 30-spline inner shafts and upgraded 30-spline outer stub configuration.
- Constant velocity joints maintain smooth torque transfer through increased steering angles.
- Eliminates conventional U-joint binding and associated strength limitations.
- Sealed, bootless CV joint design for demanding off-road conditions.
- Includes left and right axle assemblies, SST seals, hardware, and grease.
- Compatible with Warn 20990 Premium Lockouts when equipped with the required RCV 30-spline hub gears.
Fitment
Designed for Jeep Wagoneer models equipped with the specified Dana 44 front axle and serviceable spindle and hub configuration.
| Make | Model | Year Range | Axle Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep | Wagoneer | 1974–1979 | Dana 44 Front / 30-Spline Inner & Outer CV Upgrade |
Required Axle Configuration:
- Jeep Wagoneer Dana 44 front axle housing.
- 30-spline inner axle shaft configuration.
- Serviceable spindle and locking hub assembly.
- 30-spline locking hub gear upgrade for RCV outer stub shafts.
- Compatible Warn 20990 Premium Lockouts when using RCV 30-spline hub gears.
Known Incompatibilities:
- Factory 19-spline locking hub gears without the required upgrade.
- Front axle assemblies using incompatible inner spline counts.
- Dana 30 or Dana 60 front axle applications.
- Axle-swapped or modified housings with incompatible shaft lengths or wheel-end configurations.
Important Fitment Notes:
- All CVJ44OS axle kits require a 30-spline hub gear upgrade.
- RCV 30-spline hub gears are compatible with Warn 20990 Premium Lockouts.
- Confirm the correct hub gear components are included or purchased separately.
- Verify the front axle housing, differential spline count, and shaft lengths before ordering.
- Modified Wagoneers and axle-swapped vehicles require additional fitment verification.
- The supplied warranty information states that tires larger than 40" void the warranty.
Builder Note: The original Wagoneer Dana 44 front axle uses a 19-spline outer stub configuration that limits compatibility with upgraded axle shaft assemblies. The RCV Ultimate CV set upgrades the outer shafts to 30 splines, which requires matching locking hub gears. Plan the axle shafts, locking hubs, and differential as a complete system before installation to avoid mismatched components.
FAQ
What Jeep Wagoneer models does this RCV Ultimate CV axle set fit?
This axle set is designed for 1974–1979 Jeep Wagoneer models equipped with the specified Dana 44 front axle. Verify the axle housing, spline counts, shaft lengths, and locking hub configuration before ordering.
Are RCV Ultimate CV axle shafts stronger than factory Wagoneer shafts?
RCV designs its Ultimate CV axle shafts to provide up to twice the strength of factory axle shafts. The constant velocity joint design also helps maintain consistent torque transfer through increased steering angles where conventional U-joints can become more vulnerable to binding and failure.
Do these RCV axle shafts require upgraded locking hubs?
Yes. The RCV CVJ44OS axle set uses 30-spline outer stub shafts, requiring a matching 30-spline locking hub gear upgrade. Factory 19-spline hub gears are not compatible with the upgraded outer shafts.
Will these axle shafts work with Warn 20990 Premium Lockouts?
Yes. RCV specifies that its 30-spline hub gears are compatible with Warn 20990 Premium Lockouts. The correct hub gears must be installed to match the 30-spline outer stub shafts.
Does this kit include the 30-spline hub gears?
The supplied kit information identifies the 30-spline hub gear upgrade as a requirement but does not confirm that the hub gears are included. Verify the required components before ordering.
What is the advantage of RCV CV joints over factory U-joints?
RCV Ultimate CV joints provide smooth, constant velocity torque transfer through the steering range. This helps reduce the binding and strength limitations associated with conventional U-joint axle shafts during tight turns and demanding off-road use.
Does this RCV axle set include both front axle shafts?
Yes. The kit includes left and right RCV Ultimate CV axle shafts, outer stub assemblies, SST seals, installation hardware, synthetic moly grease, and installation instructions.
Can I use these RCV axle shafts with a locking differential?
Yes. The axle set is designed for demanding off-road applications where locking differentials increase traction and drivetrain loading. Confirm the differential uses the required 30-spline inner axle configuration before installation.
What tire size is covered under the RCV warranty?
The supplied product information states that the warranty is void when used with tires larger than 40". Confirm current warranty terms directly with RCV Performance before ordering for oversized tire applications.
Are these RCV axle shafts suitable for street-driven Wagoneers?
Yes. The constant velocity joint design provides smooth torque transfer during steering, making the axle set suitable for compatible Wagoneer builds used both on-road and off-road. Proper installation and maintenance are important for reliable operation.
What is the RCV bootless CV joint design?
The RCV Ultimate CV uses a sealed constant velocity joint design without a conventional external rubber CV boot. This eliminates a common component vulnerable to damage from rocks, branches, and trail debris.
Is nickel plating available?
The standard axle set features a black oxide finish. Optional nickel plating may be available by special request. Contact us to confirm availability and pricing.
