Need Help now. Front driveshaft ujoint replacment.
10-24-2013, 06:14 AM
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Need Help now. Front driveshaft ujoint replacment.
Is the front driveshaft ujoint replaceable? I have it out of the jeep and I don't see the clips I'm used to seeing. Thanks.
10-24-2013, 06:28 AM
#4
JK Jedi Master
Crown Automotive 528533FRK - Drive Shaft CV Joint Repair Kit for 07-14 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK - Quadratec
10-24-2013, 07:57 AM
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Bloody well right!
Yes you are right. That is a U-joint (also called single cardan) on the driveshaft where it attaches to the front differential. Why Jeep chose to use a U-joint for the front of the front driveshaft and CV joints for the transfer case end and for both ends of the rear driveshaft is beyond me. They should have used the same CVs all around. I guess they wanted to save a few bucks with the cheaper U-joint on a driveshaft that is not normally under load or flexing at highway speeds.
Based on your picture and my own investigations, although the 3 CV joints can be rebuilt (~ $100 for kit), the front U-joint caps are semi-permanently inserted into the driveshaft and differential flange. Unless you want to re-machine the driveshaft and differential U-joint yokes to accept standard U-joints with C-clips, you will have to replace the entire driveshaft.
Based on your picture and my own investigations, although the 3 CV joints can be rebuilt (~ $100 for kit), the front U-joint caps are semi-permanently inserted into the driveshaft and differential flange. Unless you want to re-machine the driveshaft and differential U-joint yokes to accept standard U-joints with C-clips, you will have to replace the entire driveshaft.
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10-24-2013, 08:01 AM
#8
JK Jedi Master
Yes you are right. That is a U-joint (also called single cardan) on the driveshaft where it attaches to the front differential. Why Jeep chose to use a U-joint for the front of the front driveshaft and CV joints for the transfer case end and for both ends of the rear driveshaft is beyond me. They should have used the same CVs all around. I guess they wanted to save a few bucks with the cheaper U-joint on a driveshaft that is not normally under load or flexing at highway speeds.
Based on your picture and my own investigations, although the 3 CV joints can be rebuilt (~ $100 for kit), the front U-joint caps are semi-permanently inserted into the driveshaft and differential flange. Unless you want to re-machine the driveshaft and differential U-joint yokes to accept standard U-joints with C-clips, you will have to replace the entire driveshaft.
Based on your picture and my own investigations, although the 3 CV joints can be rebuilt (~ $100 for kit), the front U-joint caps are semi-permanently inserted into the driveshaft and differential flange. Unless you want to re-machine the driveshaft and differential U-joint yokes to accept standard U-joints with C-clips, you will have to replace the entire driveshaft.
10-24-2013, 10:10 AM
#9
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Wow! Thanks everyone for the help. I ended up putting it all back together as the ujoint seemed ok anyways. Just trying to eliminate the possible cause of a clunking noise when in 4wd and under load.
07-24-2014, 05:10 PM
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OEM? It's not actually a U-joint, if so. It's an Rzeppa joint. There is an aftermarket kit to rebuild it, but majority of folks just put in a new DS--often with real U-joints. Crown Automotive 528533FRK - Drive Shaft CV Joint Repair Kit for 07-14 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK - Quadratec
Noticed when I was under the jeep last oil change I have a minor bit if grease spatter on the joint fir the front drive shaft at the t case.
No idea how long it's been there no base line to judge. TF leveling kit installed about 38,000km ago mostly all DD, total 147,000 on the clock
No plans to exceed 2.5" lift someday down the road. Thinking to get what I need ready to rebuild as a precaution. Anyone seen a good write up on how to,
Thanks