Hi

How would you know if your side shafts are problematic. What sound can one hear?
I get rotational clacking noise but only under front load. Locker on and articulating but whilst wheels are turned
I cant see anything on inspection so my question is how can I eliminate this issue?
if side shafts do I just replace the T-knuckle or must I replace the whole shaft?
The upgrade shafts from Jeep (I think they say it comes of the 2012 Wranglers) are those as good as the chrome moly one's you find?

 

You would just replace the Universal joints, not the axle shaft itself. Typically, if the U-Joint is making noise... consider new joints sooner rather than later. There are not many moving/rotating parts up there. A unit bearing and U-joint on each side, so it's likely the u-joint.

The later JK Sport front shafts have the Rubicon size yoke and u-joints where as the earlier ones had a smaller yoke and u-joint. While the newer model shafts are absolutely stronger than the older, they are still weaker than the alloy materials. Don't buy greasable/cross drilled u-joints, they are far weaker than a solid joint.

 

thank you very much for your imput. I will make sure to get a set and change as soon as possible