Sorry if this has been covered before, but I've read through dozens of drive shaft and control arm threads and didn't see an answer.

I have a 2dr Auto that I'm getting ready to put a 3" lift on. I've been reading a lot of d/s threads so I know what to expect from the stock shafts after it's lifted. It seems like the biggest problem with the rear drive shaft is the incereased pinion angle keeps the cv boot pinched at all times, causing it to wear prematurely. Once it wears through, it starts spitting gease until the cv joint becomes dry and then the cv joint goes.

My question is, why can't a set of rear upper adj arms be used to help correct the pinion angle and prolong the life of the oem shaft? I never see this discussed, but it seems like a set of arms would be cheaper than a rear d/s.

 

the only thing adjustable upper arms will allow you to do is set your pinion so that it's in line with your drive shaft. this is what you would need to do with an aftermarket u-joint style shaft anyway. while this will correct the pinch of the CV boot at the pinion, it WILL NOT at the output shaft - that's where your failure will occur.

 

Yep, I didn't even think about the output shaft end. Great...I can't wait to fork out more cash for driveshafts.

 

most of the 2-door friends i have were able to get about a year of wheeling with their stock shaft before it finally gave out. i would run it till it breaks.

 

im right at 3 inch's of lift and have wheeled my rig hard over the past 2 years. 12,000 miles on my lift and my rear drive shaft is still kicking. I do not have rear uppers. I know its only a matter of time, i can crawl under the jeep and look at it and it makes me shrill but like wol said why spend the money till you need it.

 

wow, if you really only have 12,000 miles on your odometer, you might be good to go for another 2 years. i easily put on 24,000 a year and on each of my jk's

 

This is sounding better all the time. The Rubi is my DD, but I only have about a 2 mile drive to work. I rarely put more than 10K miles per year on...It's more like 7K. I definitely won't be buying shafts before they are due. That money will be better used elswhere...

 

What about the front DS.. On the auto isn't there issue w/ it rubbing on the skid and in some cases the trans?

 

Yes. I plan on checking clearance and notching my skid (if required) and replacing the metal band on the boot with a zip tie. Other than that, I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed.

 

I agree, I put atleast 20K a year on mine. I bought mine in april and already have 7500 on it now..lol