Notices
Modified JK Tech Tech related bulletin board forum regarding subjects such as suspension, tires & wheels, steering, bumpers, skid plates, drive train, cages, on-board air and other useful modifications that will help improve the performance and protection of your Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) on the trail.

PLEASE DO NOT START SHOW & TELL TYPE THREADS IN THIS FORUM

3.5 inch lift

Thread Tools
 
Old Feb 9, 2015 | 06:09 PM
  #1  
jmischen's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Default 3.5 inch lift

I have an 09 jku and was looking into a 3.5 inch lift, what I'm wondering is at that height would I need to replace the driveshafts?
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2015 | 06:33 PM
  #2  
TheDirtman's Avatar
JK Jedi
FJOTM Winner
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,222
Likes: 376
From: Southwest Reno, NV
Default

Typically more then 2.5" will require driveshafts at some point.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2015 | 06:42 PM
  #3  
Croce's Avatar
JK Super Freak
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 5
From: Avondale, Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by jmischen
I have an 09 jku and was looking into a 3.5 inch lift, what I'm wondering is at that height would I need to replace the driveshafts?


I had the RC 3.5" lift on my 09' JKU and didnt have any issues at full flex with stock rubi or 35" tires. Only thing is If i disconnected the sway bar the DS would def hit the trans pan so i never disco'd
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2015 | 06:48 PM
  #4  
jmischen's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks for the info, may just go 2.5 for now
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2015 | 08:01 PM
  #5  
nthinuf's Avatar
JK Jedi Master
FJOTM Winner
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Default

If/when the boot on joint at the tcase end of the shaft wears through, it won't be a catastrophic failure. It will just start slinging grease.

The ring of grease is very easy to see. As long as you make crawling underneath and looking part of your normal maintenance, you will have plenty of time to decide what to do. There are rebuild kits, and lots of take-offs floating around from people who have upgraded, and many options for aftermarket shafts if you decide to go that route.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2015 | 08:40 PM
  #6  
mattyk's Avatar
JK Enthusiast
Veteran: Navy
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: virginia beach, Va
Default

If your going to wheel your JK, yeah do it- money spent is money earned. If your not going to wheel or articulate your vehicle, eh, you'll be allright
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2015 | 12:13 PM
  #7  
jmischen's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Default

I didn't buy my jeep for show lol, I do wheel pretty hard and looking to do even more advanced trails
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2015 | 05:04 PM
  #8  
CerOf's Avatar
JK Super Freak
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Default

You will need a new front shaft even if you never disconnect. Running at the angle will eventually cause the boot to fail. It will look like this: Click image for larger version

Name:	image-3668732848.jpg
Views:	334
Size:	43.4 KB
ID:	596306
Click image for larger version

Name:	image-1821400677.jpg
Views:	323
Size:	85.9 KB
ID:	596307




Sent from some string and a few tin cans.

Last edited by CerOf; Feb 10, 2015 at 05:08 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2015 | 05:43 AM
  #9  
Rock Krawler Suspension's Avatar
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 13
From: Albany New York
Default

Originally Posted by jmischen
I have an 09 jku and was looking into a 3.5 inch lift, what I'm wondering is at that height would I need to replace the driveshafts?
We recommend anything over 3.5" on a 4 door will want to replace the factory shafts. Obviously the higher you go the more angle is on them so 2.5" of lift is less wear and tear then 3.5" of lift would be on a factory shaft.

RK
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2015 | 11:49 AM
  #10  
Sierra141's Avatar
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: El paso, texas
Default Drive Shaft

RK are you talking with disconnecting sway bars and flex, or just with every day driving.
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:10 PM.