Driveshaft Upgrade Help
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 894
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From: Kirkland, WA
Driveshaft Upgrade Help
I'm currently running a 4" tuff country lift on my rubicon, I bought the jeep used so to my knowledge the driveshafts have not (and do not look like) they've been upgraded. I want to pop in another 2" poly spacer F+R with Rusty's off-road spring retainers in the rear.
My question is will I need an angular driveshaft (42deg or higher CV) replacements for the front and rear? I've been looking at J.E. replacements http://reeldriveline.com/cvjoint.htm
Any suggestions/concerns?
My question is will I need an angular driveshaft (42deg or higher CV) replacements for the front and rear? I've been looking at J.E. replacements http://reeldriveline.com/cvjoint.htm
Any suggestions/concerns?
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
From the FAQ's at the top of this section:
Do a quick search here for whichever brand of aftermarket DS you're interested in for plenty of info, comments and feedback. (Woods, Reel, Tatton, Coast, TeraFlex, Rubicon Express, etc) The other option is to find a local driveline shop, as the prices will likely be less and you'll have install and local service as well.
Q: Are new driveshafts needed after installing a lift?
A: You really should consider installing a new rear double cardin U-joint style drive shaft if you have lifted your Jeep JK Wrangler 3" or more and have a 2-door. This is needed because the short rear drive shaft of the 2-doors will be at a steep enough angle that the CV boots will wear out prematurely. However, in order to do this, you will need to buy a set of rear adjustable upper control arms so that you can properly set your pinion angle. 4-Door Unlimited models do not have this problem as their rear drive shafts are very long and a lift will not effect the angle of it too much. As far as the front goes, if you have an automatic transmission, you will need to replace the drive shaft with a double cardin U-joint style unit as well as the diameter of aftermarket shafts will be considerably narrower and will not come into contact with the transmission and/or skid plate. Failure to do this will result in the tearing of the factory drive shaft boot as it makes contact with the transmission. Manual transmissions will not have this problem and keeping the factory front drive shaft will not be a problem.
A: You really should consider installing a new rear double cardin U-joint style drive shaft if you have lifted your Jeep JK Wrangler 3" or more and have a 2-door. This is needed because the short rear drive shaft of the 2-doors will be at a steep enough angle that the CV boots will wear out prematurely. However, in order to do this, you will need to buy a set of rear adjustable upper control arms so that you can properly set your pinion angle. 4-Door Unlimited models do not have this problem as their rear drive shafts are very long and a lift will not effect the angle of it too much. As far as the front goes, if you have an automatic transmission, you will need to replace the drive shaft with a double cardin U-joint style unit as well as the diameter of aftermarket shafts will be considerably narrower and will not come into contact with the transmission and/or skid plate. Failure to do this will result in the tearing of the factory drive shaft boot as it makes contact with the transmission. Manual transmissions will not have this problem and keeping the factory front drive shaft will not be a problem.
Last edited by nthinuf; Oct 2, 2009 at 10:08 AM.
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
fwiw...I am wrapping up a 3.5' RE superflex lift on my '09 6 speed 2 dr Rubicon. Regarding new drive shafts the RE web site says "Front Recommended/Rear May be Required". I am doing both with shafts from Tom Woods. I just don't want any problems down the road.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
From: Kirkland, WA
I'm more concerned about the change in pinion angle when I go from +4" at the transfer case to +6" at the transfer case. My driveshafts have held-up well on some pretty rough hill climbs in 4lo with lockers engaged, but if I was to add another 5-10deg with the additional lift things could get ugly.
Is there anyone running a 6" lift, and if so what driveshafts do you have installed?
Is there anyone running a 6" lift, and if so what driveshafts do you have installed?