I have a 07 2 door, auto, 3.5 inches up front and 3 in the rear. I was looking around today and noticed grease around my front and rear driveshaft on the underbody.

But when looking at the CV boots/joints there are no tears or rips and no visable leakage anywhere. I also have a ratcheting sound under load (when accelerating, climbing a hill). Its usually always in a lower gear and goes away at higher speeds. Ive been trying to isolate this for awhile...with no luck, but after reading D/S threads its making me think its the driveshaft.

I understand the whole CV joints being at a higher angle due to the lift, and that new driveshafts are a good idea. But are these failing? This is my first jeep (tacoma convert) and dont know if its normal for these to sling a little grease. If so, what driveshafts are recommended? What length do I need and how much do they usually run? Can I install them myself? What about adjustable uppers for the rear? Ive attached a few pics of the front and rear. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

 

if you're already hearing ratcheting sounds, the bearings in your cv joint are toast. you need to replace your drive shaft now.

 

Looks like you may have a small tear in the rubber were the flange is located, and when it is in motion it spins some of the great out. You will want to change your driveshaft very soon. One, you are spitting grease. Two, hearing a ratcheting sound means something is giving out.

You can remove your front driveshaft without any daily issues, but wont have 4x4 drive. This will save you in the long run from tearing anything up. Adjustable control arms will help, but not with that driveshaft b/c it is shot.

Save you some money and buy an aftermarket driveshaft and some adjustable arms. I have a 2 door stock front drive shaft and located in Louisiana. You are only a two states over. Send me a PM and we can work something out.

 

What driveshaft do you recommend? What length do I need and can I install it myself with basic hand tools? Also, do I need adjustable rear uppers or lowers? Can I just install new driveshafts and be good?

 

you will need adjustable rear upper control arms to set your rear pinion angle when installing a new u-joint style double cardan drive shaft. you will not need to do anything up front. you can install your drive shaft yourself but, it will help a lot to have a good impact wrench. if you don't have one, a really long breaker bar and monkey wrench will be needed and even with that, it's tough to do on the ground. as far as what shaft to get goes, i would recommend a 1310 shaft from either coast or je reel as they both use high quality u-joints such as spicer and neapco without needed to get them as an upgrade. just tell the vendor you are buying from what size height your jeep is and they should be able to hook you up.

 

thanks! one last question, and this might be dumb...but once i have the new d/s on and the rear uppers...what is the proper pinion angle? is there an exact measurement or is it a "this looks good" kinda thing?

 

not a dumb question at all. you need to set your pinion so that it sits in line with your driveshaft.