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CJ

CJ Front Conventional Two Joint Drive Shaft

Front OEM Drive Shaft

For all applications, we will need a length measurement. Let us know too if you have something other than the standard universal joint size for your application. i.e., Ford 9" etc.

Jeeps with a manual transmission will usually allow the front drive shaft be made with a 2" tube diameter. This is recommended for both strength and cost effectiveness.

Our drive shafts will use an upgraded heavier than stock tube, larger/stronger slip yoke & spline stub (S spline) and our “Gold Seal” universal joints is $189. The top of the line shaft with the longer travel slip & spline (XC OR XB spline, see sidebar at bottom of page) is $219.

Unless you have cut and turned the front axle tubes to attain proper geometry for a CV type drive shaft, A CV type drive shaft is not generally recommended.

Jeeps with an automatic transmission will usually require the front drive shaft be made with a 1.25 " tube diameter. This is for clearance issues between the drive shaft and the transmission. Where we cannot go with a larger tube diameter for greater strength, we use a heavier wall tube. The factory tube is 0.120" thick. The tube we use is 50% thicker or 0.188".

If you have a shackle reversal system, it will almost always require using a drive shaft with a longer stroke in the slip yoke & spline stub. At a bare minimum, we would suggest using our XC slip yoke and spine stub. If the vehicle has a shackle reversal system in conjunction with revolver shackles or buggy springs, The XC slip yoke & spline stub may not have enough stroke.

With a shackle reversal system in conjunction with revolver shackles or buggy springs, it is common to use something along the line of our ultimate travel drive shafts. These can net up to 22" of stroke. In any case, because of the many variables involved, we believe there are down sides to getting "too much" drive shaft, beyond unnecessary expense. But certainly we need to make sure that whatever we send to you, will work. If you have an extremely flexible suspension, we recommend that you perform measurements at static ride height, full suspension compression and full droop.

Example of a drive shaft built for an automatic transmission with shackle reversal and/or buggy springs.

CJ Rear Drive Shaft

OEM Type Drive Shaft

For all applications, We will need a length measurement. Let us know too if you have something other than the standard universal joint size for your application (i.e., Ford 9" etc).

If you have only a minimal or no lift in your vehicle, the stock type drive shaft should work well for you. For this type of drive shaft, we have two options available. Either drive shaft will be built using upgraded heavy wall tube larger/stronger slip yoke & spline stub and our “Gold Seal” universal joints. With our S spline, the drive shaft is $189. Our top of the line shaft with the longer travel slip & spline (XC or XB Spline) is $219.

If you do have a substantial lift on the vehicle, you may want to consider a double cardan (CV) drive shaft since with a conventional two joint drive shaft you need to keep the output of the transfer case & the pinion parallel within 1 degree, and in relationship to either the drive shaft should be running at absolutely no greater than 15 degrees (this is a pushed limit).

If you cannot fall within this parameter, then you will want to pitch the differential so that the pinion points directly at the output of the transfer case (maintaining 3 degrees, or less, a joint angle at the differential end) & use a double cardan (C.V.) drive shaft.

This link should help you determine which type of drive shaft may be best for you.

Installing a CV drive shaft will require changing the rear output yoke on the transfer case to one that is compatible with both the t-case & of course the drive shaft. In order to properly supply the correct yoke you may need to disconnect the drive shaft at the transfer case end, remove the nut & washer that hold on this yoke to count the splines. You will have either 10 or 26. The model 18 t-case will have 10 splines. The model 20 will have either 10 or 26. The model 300 will have 26 splines. We sell this yoke for $60.

For the Double cardan (CV) drive shaft we have two options available. Upgraded heavy wall tube larger/stronger, S type, slip yoke & spline stub @ $269) or the top of the line shaft with the longer travel slip & spline (XC or XB Spline) for $299. Of course, these would be built with our “Gold Seal” universal joints. For long term value, I consider the top of the line shaft to be the best value.

For the S spline drive shaft, we will need at least 13.375" for the drive shaft length. With the XC or XB we will need at least 16" to work with. If you happen to be less than 13.375" we can build a CV drive shaft down to about 10" but the cost will be $50 to $80 more.

Keep in mind that the double cardan drive shaft will flex to about 30 degrees prior to binding. If you need to have more than this, we suggest that some grind work be done to the CV prior to assembly. This will typically allow for about 35 degrees of flexibility to the CV prior to binding. This additional grind work does add some cost to the drive shaft.

Performing this procedure will allow the most flexibility possible. There is a possibility that you may still experience a binding problem in certain circumstances. After installation of the drive shaft at the transfer case end, proceed with the following test: Jack the vehicle up and let the suspension hang freely. Check to make sure the drive shaft will connect to the pinion and still rotate by hand with no binding. If this occurs, we recommend that you place a single limit strap directly over the center of the differential. This will still allow for a near full wheel articulation but prevent the entire differential from dropping to the point where you would experience a binding problem with the drive shaft.