TJ/YJ Axle Shaft Swap

carosemena

New Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2006
Location
Charlotte, NC
I'm about put a locker in the front of my car and I've heard numerous suggestions to replace the axle shafts, since the stock axle shafts on YJ's are evidently weak. I've been told that I could eliminate the vacuum disconnect by installing a TJ axle shaft and a couple of oil seals. Can anyone shed some light on how this is done or just some thoughts?

Thanks.
 
What about putting lockers in the front after this is done. Is it still steerable on the street as long as you are not in 4wd or does is constantly try to lock up?
 
Speed Freak said:
What about putting lockers in the front after this is done. Is it still steerable on the street as long as you are not in 4wd or does is constantly try to lock up?
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Depends on what lockers you put up there. If you get a selectable locker, then obviously it isn't going to lock because it's an open diff when you don't have it locked. If you get a lunch box locker, then it'll still be streetable, you'll just loose a little bit of comfort and it'll make noise in the turns. It pops and allows the tires to spin at different speeds when under that much force, as in when you're turning.
 
It's going to be an aussie locker most likely. I haven't put it in yet. It shouldn't pop on the highway unless in 4wd.

Thanks for all the websites. They really help.
 
I wanted to start up this thread again - it's now go time. Here is the list:

1. Aussie Locker
2. TJ shaft
3. Passenger Side Oil Seal
4. Driver Side Oil Seal

Ok, is this all I need? Plus, can anyone tell me where to get the oil seals?
 
spykosshow said:
Depends on what lockers you put up there. If you get a selectable locker, then obviously it isn't going to lock because it's an open diff when you don't have it locked. If you get a lunch box locker, then it'll still be streetable, you'll just loose a little bit of comfort and it'll make noise in the turns. It pops and allows the tires to spin at different speeds when under that much force, as in when you're turning.
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If you are in 2WD you should not notice a front lunchbox locker at all. There is no torque applied to the front axle unless you're running some kind of full time t-case.
 
Elliott said:
If you are in 2WD you should not notice a front lunchbox locker at all. There is no torque applied to the front axle unless you're running some kind of full time t-case.
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Really? Even thought the two sides are spinning at different rates? It should do something, shouldn't it?
 
spykosshow said:
Really? Even thought the two sides are spinning at different rates? It should do something, shouldn't it?
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It will ratchet some but the Aussies are almost unnoticeable except for tight low speed turns. It won't pop and buck however.
 
I think you should just put the locker in with what you have. Adding a locker is not the reason to do the swap. If your vacuum disco messes up then do the swap. If you break a 260 then do the swap.
 
The swap will add alittle strenght and get rid of the problematic vaccum disconnect. How ever I have been running an ez locker up front for a few years and it works fine. I have not broken any axles or anything that from the locker. If you do not have the axles yet I would just install the locker for now and see what happens.
 
i understand the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but i don't think that way. secondly, this is my DD. i need this to work. if it breaks even with the TJ setup - I'm screwed...but I'd like to eliminate any regular mishaps. plus, i'd hate to be on the trails thinking about how often the vac fails...

besides, what happens to the vacuum disconnect after the setup anyway?
 
well the vacuum disconnects are quite simple to figure out.... what typically brakes with them is the diaphram in them that engages it.... it can be locked it permenantly with some simple hardware or the cable system...

also, unless you need 4wd to drive it everyday, if u would brake a front axle shaft, you could pull it out and still drive the jeep daily just fine (given that nothin else broke too)
 
carosemena said:
do i get both the passenger side and driver side axle shafts? i swear i could have thought that the TJ had one axle shaft all the way through.
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I didn't see anybody answer this...

there are driver side and passenger side shafts...not one all the way through..

Greg
 
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