Originally Posted by planman

I have confidence that just as JE Reel would change sources if/when quality control issues arose, Tom would do the same.

Originally Posted by snopro269

2dr Rubi Automatic with 38's, sleeved, gusseted, 5.38 gears, currently 3 inch short-arm possibly going to 4 inch
Recommend what for driveshafts?!?

Originally Posted by planman

Now that you mention it, I do seem to remember that it was the double cardan piece instead of the flange because you went back to town looking for a take-off stock rear driveshaft you could use to finish the week. If I recall correctly, it was a 1310 OE replacement shaft that mounts to the stock flanges. I might remember that you were surprised that the double cardan piece broke instead of a u-joint.

At the time, I was surprised at the failure because I did not have a full appreciation of how heavy a modified 4dr JK can be on 37" Toyo MTs with beadlocks, plus armor and gear. Most of the failures I had seen before that involved more tire/wheel spin, more aggressive bouncing/bumping, or significant binding with axles locked in a rock garden.

Originally Posted by wayoflife

well, without making you read the whole thread, most any shaft with spicer or neapco u-joints is what i would recommend. i personally prefer coast or je reel because they come with these u-joints without having to pay for an upgrade and, offer them for about the same price as their competitors. being that you're running 38's, i might recommend 1350 shafts if you play hard on the rocks but, if not, 1310's will be fine.

Originally Posted by GCM 2

Kind sir,
In regards to my grilled cheese sandwich which you question as not being such, and more so blatantly regard to as a "pan fried" sandwich. These comments are hurtful, and disrespects the entire Grilled Cheese Community and shows your knowledge of only being an "internet grill cheeser". I would not expect you to know that I have a full sponsorship by Calphalon Panini Grills (photo evidence provided), it is the only grill I deem suitable for my hardcore cheesing and the only builder that fully discloses all materials sourced in its construction (caveat: because of the rules of my contract I cannot disclose these materials or sources). I would expect that in your 43 years of so called "lunching experience" you have experienced only lesser quality made sandwiches by your, laughable at best, "PAN FRIED" comment. This narrowly and definitively defines your experiences. I hope only to meet you along the grill one day and we shall then settle this like gentlemen. Good day to you and your "pan"

<img src="https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=262503"/>

Peace out Bitches
GCM 2

Originally Posted by wayoflife

For whatever it's worth, I had talked to Jim Reel a few months back about u-joints and asked why he uses Neapco. And, what he told me was an interesting story about how there was a time a few years back that he was approached by a company that wanted to sell him high quality Chinese u-joints. They assured him that the quality of the u-joints would meet or exceed what he was using and for a fraction of the price. In fact, the savings he would see would be significant enough that it was hard not to give them a try. And so, he asked for a few sample so that he could have them tested. And, when the results came back, he was truly amazed. Needless to say, he decided to start using these u-joints and, for a while, all was good. But then, over time, he started to get more and more complaints regarding his drive shafts and the u-joints failing. Suspecious, he decided to take some of the u-joints he had and do some random tests on them. What he found was that while a lot were still meeting the standards he was promised, more than enough weren't and it became clear to him that continuing to use these u-joints would not be right. In the end, the problem was in quality control and, while some were getting lucky, more than enough that weren't. And, rather than make his customers take the gamble in what they get, he decided to bite the bullet and just use what he knew was right, regardless of how much profit he would loose. Needless to say, JE Reel is neither as affordable as Tom Woods nor as popular but, at least if you get one of his shafts, you know that you will be getting one of the most high quality u-joint around.

Having said all that, I would be the first to tell you that I used to say that Spicer u-joints were made in America and, after being presented by some reasonable facts from reasonable people, I have long since changed my tune and no longer say as much. Does this mean I won't use them? Of course not. Clearly, whoever makes them and wherever they are made, a higher standard of quality control is enforced and the proof of that is in what I've seen on the trail. This is why I still recommend them or Neapco. As far as Gold Seal u-joints go, believe what you will but I simply cannot make this stuff up. Why a company would continue to use them in spite of what they know is beyond me. That, or the only thing they are most concerned with is making a buck off of you.