3 yrs and 50000 miles ago I installed a RK 3.5 long arm and a JE Reel 1310 rear shaft on my 2 door Rubicon. About a month ago, the drive shaft CV centering kit died. I ordered the part from je reel and rebuilt it myself, using the centering kit and new ball joints. Yesterday the shaft started vibrating really badly, and I was on the way to get an inspection, so I took it to the shop. They said the centering kit is bad again. The original kit was not greaseable, but the replacement one was, so I greased it well before I installed it.

Is it more likely I rebuilt it poorly, maybe it was out of balance, etc, or is it more likely there is something else causing the failures, such as the transfer case or something? I'm thinking I should just start over with a whole new drive shaft (maybe even 1350), but I don't want to buy the new one and have this happen again in a month because I didn't solve the root problem. Gonna talk to the guy soon, so any help is appreciated!

 

Well if this only started occurring AFTER you rebuilt the joint I'd say that's your problem or at the very least where to start looking... Don't see how it can be your DS or Xfer case if you've never had this problem until now and haven't dropped off a ledge onto your DS.

 

Thanks to Dave at Northridge for helping me get a replacement driveshaft so quickly.

Also thanks to Eagle Eye Automotive in Williamsburg for diagnosing the problem (no charge), and installing the new shaft (including the new coast yokes) (also no charge). They did fail my inspection for wiper blades, but then they put them on and didn't charge for them. They're a super store with great customer service and honesty to boot. Not 4x4 specialists, but capable and they've got a customer for life-for all our vehicles.

If you live in the area, give'm a try.