Help with Drive shaft please
04-10-2009 | 08:49 AM
#1
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: BC
Help with Drive shaft please
From what I understand a 4" lift is going to require a longer rear drive shaft with a double cardin u joint, but my front drive shaft is alright in a standard. Can I run the stock driveshaft for a while before installing a longer one? Also, can anyone give me some suggestions on well priced driveshafts that will get me going in the right direction. I'm having a hard time knowing what to look for.Thanks
09-27-2009 | 07:01 PM
#6
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,115
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From: Dayton, WA
Generally speaking...
Once you get over 3" of lift, both shafts need replaced on a 2 door, and the front on a 4 door.
The rear on the 4 door is normally ok up to around 4".
Again, these are general guidelines. Everyones exact experience is a little different depending on what lift, how they drive, and just plain luck.
Once you get over 3" of lift, both shafts need replaced on a 2 door, and the front on a 4 door.
The rear on the 4 door is normally ok up to around 4".
Again, these are general guidelines. Everyones exact experience is a little different depending on what lift, how they drive, and just plain luck.
09-27-2009 | 07:05 PM
#7
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 15,133
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From: O HI 4 Lo
from the Q&A
Q: Are new driveshafts needed after installing a lift?
A: You really should consider installing a new rear double cardin U-joint style drive shaft if you have lifted your Jeep JK Wrangler 3" or more and have a 2-door. This is needed because the short rear drive shaft of the 2-doors will be at a steep enough angle that the CV boots will wear out prematurely. However, in order to do this, you will need to buy a set of rear adjustable upper control arms so that you can properly set your pinion angle. 4-Door Unlimited models do not have this problem as their rear drive shafts are very long and a lift will not effect the angle of it too much. As far as the front goes, if you have an automatic transmission, you will need to replace the drive shaft with a double cardin U-joint style unit as well as the diameter of aftermarket shafts will be considerably narrower and will not come into contact with the transmission and/or skid plate. Failure to do this will result in the tearing of the factory drive shaft boot as it makes contact with the transmission. Manual transmissions will not have this problem and keeping the factory front drive shaft will not be a problem.
A: You really should consider installing a new rear double cardin U-joint style drive shaft if you have lifted your Jeep JK Wrangler 3" or more and have a 2-door. This is needed because the short rear drive shaft of the 2-doors will be at a steep enough angle that the CV boots will wear out prematurely. However, in order to do this, you will need to buy a set of rear adjustable upper control arms so that you can properly set your pinion angle. 4-Door Unlimited models do not have this problem as their rear drive shafts are very long and a lift will not effect the angle of it too much. As far as the front goes, if you have an automatic transmission, you will need to replace the drive shaft with a double cardin U-joint style unit as well as the diameter of aftermarket shafts will be considerably narrower and will not come into contact with the transmission and/or skid plate. Failure to do this will result in the tearing of the factory drive shaft boot as it makes contact with the transmission. Manual transmissions will not have this problem and keeping the factory front drive shaft will not be a problem.
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09-27-2009 | 07:07 PM
#8
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 162
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Woods, Coast, JE Reel and Tatton are popular shafts. TeraFlex and some other lift manufacturers also sell them. A search will bring up plenty of threads to give you some good feedback.
Another option would be to go with a local driveline shop, as they are likely less expensive, will install for you, and you'll have the local support if there are any problems.
Another option would be to go with a local driveline shop, as they are likely less expensive, will install for you, and you'll have the local support if there are any problems.
Last edited by nthinuf; 09-27-2009 at 07:11 PM.