This is true but like you, I'd prefer not to have another weak link. Even the guys at Jeep fought against having this.
It probably won’t take long for someone to make a kit with a block off plate and a one piece axle to replace this 2 piece design.
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X3This ^^^ The FAD or front axle disconnect is designed to act like manual locking hubs in the open position. This is supposed to help improve MPG but at the cost of creating one more weak link. What I can tell you is that the engineers at Jeep fought hard to get rid of this thing.
X3
It's cool when Jeep brings back a design cue from Jeeps in the past. The front indicator lights on the JK from the CJ. Or the Jeep name on the front side panels bellow the wrangle badge.
No paddle door handles like the TJ.
Why did we get a throw back FAD from the YJ!?
Another electronic disconnect actuator to gag, and a more complex axle shaft replacement.
Ugh.
New
Sadly, it was mentioned in this article back on 13-DEC-2017.
They mention a Software workaround. http://www.fourwheeler.com/news/1712-first-drive-2018-wrangler-rubicon-jl/
"Speaking of axles, the Rubicon continues to use Dana solid axles with the 44 designation. However, these are new axles based on Dana’s new Advantek architecture, which don’t share much with the JK next-gen 44s much in the same way the JK’s next-gen 44s didn’t share much with the TJ Dana 44s. The new JL axles are stronger and feature a different ring and pinion (210 mm/8.27 inches front and 220 mm/8.66 inches rear on Rubicon) and thicker axletubes. The Rubicon’s housings are stuffed with 4.10 gears and Tru-Lok electric lockers that can be engaged on the fly at up to 30 mph in 4-Lo. Sadly, front-axle disconnect (FAD) returns to help boost fuel economy, albeit in a more durable electric form, not the troublesome vacuum-operated system of the past. Thankfully, Jeep engineers have a software workaround that allows the FAD to be disabled for JL owners intent on replacing their front axle with a beefier aftermarket assembly."
Something tells me the after market will develop a work a around / delete for this.This ^^^ The FAD or front axle disconnect is designed to act like manual locking hubs in the open position. This is supposed to help improve MPG but at the cost of creating one more weak link. What I can tell you is that the engineers at Jeep fought hard to get rid of this thing.
Thanks for the share great video.First I have seen of the center axle disconnect getting taken apart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzw_4xrZz74
Very cool.... thanks for the shareFirst I have seen of the center axle disconnect getting taken apart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzw_4xrZz74