I have a 2010 2Dr jk. I have installed a 4" RC lift. I have been seeing a lot of threads on driveshafts? What should I look or listen for to indicate a replacement??? Also what kind of driveshaft should I purchase if needed??? Thanks

 

for the rear, check the rubber boot right where the shaft goes inside the CV joint. due to the increased angle, this boot will be in a constant state of pinch and will fail over time. once this happens, you will notice grease spitting out and onto your gas tank and the bottom of your tub. soon, you will start to hear a ratcheting sound and when you do, your CV joint will be toast.

up front, if you have a stick, you will be fine. if you have an auto, the spline shaft boot will catch on your tranny pan and get torn off. not that big of a deal but over time, the grease inside will dry out and will cause squeaking.

as far as replacement goes, you'll want a 1310 or 1350 (heavy duty) u-joint style shaft like coast or je reel makes.

 

Some popular options in somewhat order of increasing cost are:

Rubicon Express, Teraflex, J.E. Reel, Tom Woods.

You can also go to a local shop and have them custom made. The benefit is they will help address any vibration issues.

It comes down to your driving habits and how much you want to spend.

If you don't push your driveline stay with the 1310 joints.

 

Why not go 1350 just to be safe? Just cause of price or because it will make the gears the new weakest link? Honest question by the way

 

for one, i1350's are more expensive. and, some people like to use a 1310 as a "fuse" as it's a lot easier to fix/replace a busted u-joint then an axle or ring & pinion. if you're just running 35's, 1310's should be more than adequate.

 

In more extreme cases, like mine, the shaft can rub against the auto tranny until it damages the outside....causing a leak and exposure to the elements and eventual tranny failure....but I havent heard anything like that from anyone else.

 

Okay good to know, I knew it was something along those lines, just wasn't 100% sure. I still need to get new driveshafts and gearing, its down the road a bit

 

How long to I have Doc???

 

i've seen rear shafts last as long as a year. but, with 4" of lift, most have gone out sooner than that. as i said, you'll be fine until the CV boot tears and then, it's time to start looking for a new shaft.

 

Will I know when it goes?