Topic: Tj Front Driveshaft

[mattbo505]

Hey guys i went through my drive train a few weeks ago hunting down a squeak, replacing UV Joints and my front drive shaft had a cracked slip joint that was making a nasty squeaking noise so i took it to a drive train shop the guy told me the drive shaft needed to be beefed up because of the larger tires? My 33's??? Anyways he said either larger tires or speeds in excess of 90mph would cause the problem. I told him no way on the mph issue since it's a 4 banger but i did run the 33's he said that was the problem and suggested to re-core the shaft to a 2 inch or 2.5 inch shaft. Any thoughts on this fiasco?

[neale_rs]

Not needed.  If you get the larger diameter, make sure it will clear everything like exhaust, skid plates, automatic transmission (if you have one), etc.

[mattbo505]

It sounded like overkill to me. I mean if i was a severe offroading enthusiast then yes i would go for it. So the recommendation would be to just have the joints and slip replaced and be on my marry way?

[aw12345]

Find another driveline shop. Changing the tube diameter would do nothing for the splined section. If you feel a need for more strength have the driveline shop use 0.120" wall tube

[mattbo505]

Well i would look into that but honestly speaking these knuckleheads are the best around and have a great reputation of building stellar rigs. I may have just got the new bone head trying to be impressive over the phone i just didn't want to spend that kind of coin on rebuilding it when i could fine one new for a little bit more. Thanks for all the advice i am going to stick to having the UV's replaced and the slip redone.

[neale_rs]

That should work out pretty well.

[Bounty Hunter]

The stock driveshaft is plenty strong for the 4banger and 33" tires.  Just be sure to have the double cardan joint rebuilt including the centering kit, if it goes out it will take your transfer case with it.

[mattbo505]

Alright guys thanks for all the advice. The driveshaft shop called me back and suggested a complete rebuild since my old one apparently is bent never knew that. I told them hold up on everything i'll find a new/used driveshaft and replace it myself. I've been looking on feebay and found a few anyone have any suggestions where else to look besides brand new?

[mattbo505]

Ok just talked to the Drive line guy again he said $425 to re-tube and all basically a completely new shaft or to fix the bent drive shaft and the cv's for $225 which he suggests will only happen again due to either torque or rpm's??? any advice on this or should i just keep to my earlier post and find a used DS and slap er in there??

[neale_rs]

Sounds expensive.  A new one from Tom Woods would be cheaper or go with a good used one and just replace the u-joints.

[mattbo505]

ya i think im gonna find a used one in good shape and replace the uv's like you said but does that sound right what the DL shop guy said that rpm's or torque has bent my D shaft?

[neale_rs]

ya i think im gonna find a used one in good shape and replace the uv's like you said but does that sound right what the DL shop guy said that rpm's or torque has bent my D shaft?

Yeah the 4 banger is a toque monster!   He's just trying to sell more.

[mattbo505]

Haha ya thats what i was thinking he made it sound like i was running 50 inch tires at 100mph