Topic: Front Driveshaft for '97 TJ

[mpyusko]

I need to replace my front DS.  I have a couple immediate options...

A, A free one out of a '96 XJ
B, A not-so-free one out of a '95 YJ

My rig is 4cyl, 5spd, np231, D30, 4"lift.

Any ideas what I should do?  (The DC on my DS is blown-up to the point where replacing it costs the same as a Custom Tom Woods shaft.)

Thanks.

[sharpxmen]

you can't use the YJ one as it is not balanced and meant for a quick disonnect passenger axle setup (the front driveshaft does not rotate in 2wd)

dunno about XJ

i'd say pick one up at the junkyard.

[Jeffy]

The YJ shaft also wont work because there is a CV on it.  YJ's don't use CV's.  I'm not sure on the XJ.  Also be aware that you will want one from the same style of Jeep.  Engine and transmission type also.  The shafts vary between auto's and manuals as well as 2.5L and 4.0L's.  Your 2.5L should have the shortest front driveshaft so if you have to you can have one cut down or see if it's ok with your lift.

I'd see if you can have your old shaft rebuilt.

[Bounty Hunter]

The XJ driveshaft is the same design as your TJ shaft, but the wrong length.  Around here it costs about $65 to have a CV driveshaft shortened and balanced, about $110 to have it lengthened and balanced, depending on the cost of steel.  I think you'll have to have the XJ shaft lengthened.

Sharp, my YJ front driveshaft had weights on it from the factory, so at least some were balanced.  Ran mine with a Lincoln Locker so it spun all the time at highway speeds with no balance issues.

[sharpxmen]

Sharp, my YJ front driveshaft had weights on it from the factory, so at least some were balanced.  Ran mine with a Lincoln Locker so it spun all the time at highway speeds with no balance issues.

they could be balanced for low speed or who knows, maybe different years had it balanced, i'll take a look at my stock one to see if there are any weights on it - from what i remember i think i read this (not balanced) in the FSM but not sure

EDIT: i stand corrected - in the '95 FSM says they're balanced, so not sure where i got the unbalanced part from, i did read it somewhere but i don't recall the source and most likely to be inaccurate by the looks of it.

[Jeffy]

they could be balanced for low speed or who knows, maybe different years had it balanced, i'll take a look at my stock one to see if there are any weights on it - from what i remember i think i read this (not balanced) in the FSM but not sure

EDIT: i stand corrected - in the '95 FSM says they're balanced, so not sure where i got the unbalanced part from, i did read it somewhere but i don't recall the source and most likely to be inaccurate by the looks of it.

Even if it's balanced, I'm sure it's wasn't for anything over 55mph.  That's the limit on the 4WD.  Most were poorly balanced anyway.