Driveshaft woes

Down&Dirty

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 26, 2005
Location
Greenville SC
I just finished pulling my full width axles and replacing them with some stockers from a sahara. No the FW weren't giving me problems, but I figure I better build a trail rig before I flip one I still owe so much on. So I swapped in a 30/44 combo, lifted the gas tank 2 inches, and did a belly up build that gave me an additional 3.5 inches of clearence. Problem is that neither driveshaft fits. I am ordering an SYE/CV combo tomorrow, but I was curious if I can just shorten a XJ front to make a back for the tj. Also I need to get the front lengthened by 2.5 inches and I am curious if there is a good shop anywhere around that can do it. I hate to say it but this jeep will basically be a mall crawler with occasional offroad use until I can get a rig built that can sit on a trailer everyday.
 
triangle driveshaft in durham
the xj front d-shaft is pretty skinny, i would have a new one made

just my .02
 
Triangle Driveshafts -- $150 and 2-4 days.

Fleetpride -- $120 and 3 hours. Work looks great. Great guys to deal with too. I figure they build driveshafts for big rigs and heavy equiptment. I just took it in and said, build this but 2 1/4 inches longer and heavy so it can hit a rock or two. I am very impressed with the work, and look forward to actually spinning it up.
 
I have a ford explorer rear shaft for sale. It is just a slip shaft no double cardan or anything. Let me know if you are interested. :)
 
rockcity said:
I've heard Ford Explorrer CV shafts fit a lifted TJ fairly good?

anyone know specifics?
Click to expand...

i have not heard that one. i know that someone out there has some answers
 
There are at least 2 types of XJ front driveshafts. Some were 1.75" and some were 2"x.120. I got one from a late 80's XJ and it has the hole in the H yoke and a grease zerk on the centering ball. If you get one from a disco XJ then the centering ball will be in good shape because they don't turn under power when not in 4wd. Friction will turn them a little though which keeps them lubed. I had two shortened at Triangle Driveshaft for $50 each, took 1 day each time. Even a TJ shaft will work but you have to be careful about the centering ball wear. Check this out. http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/shaft/diydriveshaft/
 
I think that with the shortening they will cut you a good deal. I had to get my front totally retubed and lengthened. That was quoted at 150 at triangle, and 130 at fleetpride. Fleetpride is right around the corner so I went there. Then they came in under the estimate. I am not saying anything against triangle. I have never used them so I leave it up to everyone else to make up their minds, just stating what they quoted me. I might have to pick up a couple xj shafts and see about shortening those. I would love a tom woods or high angle, but since this is a project to get the tj back on the road and not on the rocks I hate to throw money away. I would rather keep all the cash I can for my new project. The quicker it is on the rocks, the quicker I can get out of my loan on the TJ and get a tow rig.
 
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