Most drive shaft shops I have talked to recommend getting the lift installed (3.5 RK LA, 2 dr Rubi) before measuring. The exception is the JEReel setup. I'm not sure I want to go with the pre measured shaft because of the 1 inch stretch that RK claims. My question is (and I asked this earlier in a hijack, but it got buried): will the stock rear shaft work with this lift for a couple weeks until I can get a new shaft made and installed? Thanks.

 

getting your lift installed first and then measure what you need will give you a precise lenght shaft. however, i hope you can trust me when i say, it really isn't needed. you can buy any off the shelf front or rear drive shaft from je reel, coast or teraflex and you will be just fine.

also, your stock shaft will work more than just a few weeks. some people i know ran theirs for about a year before the bearings started to crap out in the joints.

 

I don't know for sure, but I don't think you need to worry about your rear driveshaft until you go 4" or higher. Don't quote me on that, I have a 3" and didn't need to do the rear.

 

Related question...

If i was to upgrade on Driveshaft before the major lift, Could i damage anything?

 

If I measure now and order one, will it still be the right length after the lift?

 

no. in order to run a u-joint style shaft, you will need to rotate your pinion up so that it is in line with your drive shaft. doing this changes the lenght of your shaft and of course, adding a lift will too so the dimension you get now will be pretty off.

also, i had edited my original response to include: "also, your stock shaft will work more than just a few weeks. some people i know ran theirs for about a year before the bearings started to crap out in the joints."

hope that helps you out.

 

Well I would like to add to close the loop, that if you run a CRD (diesel) engine, the standard length after market d/s will not fit, the T.case is backed off 2'' compared to the gas engine setup (indeed the diesel is a 4 inline while the gas is v6). Just to make this clear to CRD JK people.

 

oh crap, i forgot about you lucky guys with the CRD's. yes, this is very true and no, you will not be able to use an off the shelf shaft. thanks for pointing that out

 

But the Reel, teraflex, or coast shafts are long enough? And I can wait a while even with a 2 door and a 3.5" lift? Great. Thanks for your help!

 

theres more than enough spline left for a 3.5" atleast on my JE Reel there is.