AEV told me the 2007-2011 JK’s with the 3.8L automatic requires a driveshaft modification to the front because the stock diameter is to large if installing the 2.5" lift (or higher). With the 2012 vehicles the stock driveline works just fine and does not need to be replaced.
Can anyone recommend the best replacement driveshaft? A lot of companies make them. What do you all run? What do you recommend? What's the best for value and performance?

 

I use Tom Woods then there's Coast I'm forgetting the name of a 3rd good brand

 

Couple others to check out are Adams and Tatton. Should be less $ than JE Reel, Tom Woods, or Coast.

 

Whatever shaft u get make sure it has good u joints like Spicer or neapco. U don't want cheap u joints as they will fail and cost u more money in the long run than it's worth.

 

Can't you notch out your transmission crossmember where the driveshaft makes contact?

 

The stock driveshaft spline boot hits the transmission pan on the 3.8 autos. Don't think you want to to notch that. You can probably get away with driving on the stock driveshaft even with the spline boot removed completely for a good while before it fails.

 

Ordered 3.5" aev sc kit from northridge and they recommended new drive shaft. Exhaust spacers are also recommended for 2.5" + kits but I went with a coast 1310 for $449 shipped. Drive shaft came in today and lift tomorrow. Looking forward to getting everything installed this weekend.