I understand the reasons for DS replacement, especially with the front DS and an auto tranny (which I have). My question is this...the smaller diameter after market DS helps keep it from hitting the tranny skid, BUT, what about the tranny pan itself? I know the stock DS can hit it when you get full articulation and side flex. But I have been told by a couple of people with aftermarket DS that they still hit the tranny pan with the DS sometimes on the trail. That being said, will the aftermarket DS cause less damage to the tranny pan if it does hit it? Also, does lift height make that much of a difference when you are getting side flex, and causing contact with the tranny pan and DS?

The reason for my question is, I want to replace my DS, but it is more for durability reasons than anything. I only have a 3" lift, and was looking into swapping springs to get a little more clearance in the wheel wells. If the extra inch or so is going to give me problems with my tranny pan and DS, even with an aftermarket DS, then maybe I would be better off just putting on a 1" BL. I'm just trying to figure out if the extra lift height will cause me more problems with DS contact (with an aftermarket DS) then with the current set up I am running.

Any info/experience on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

bump...anyone?

 

honestly, i have not heard of or seen aftermarket driveshafts making contact with the tranny pan and think you should be just fine.

 

x2 i may not have an awsome flexing jeep, but i have not heard of this ethier

 

i'd like to know the answer to this also; i have the teraflex hd budget boost and have the problem of the boot getting ripped each time i go out on the trail. the boot and/or the boot clamp hits the edge of the trans oil pan. i thought of getting a new j. reel drive shaft but if it is not going to solve the problem, i would rather spend my money elsewhere.....

 

I see many people ask how will a lift make the front DS hit the tranny pan at full flex. Just wanted to say that it's not the lift what increases the down travel, but the longer shocks you get with the lift. So the extra inch you want won't give more problems if you keep the same shocks.

 

Mine doesn't hit the pan.

 

It's probably possible for an aftermarket driveshaft to hit the pan if the trackbar isn't properly adjusted (i.e. its off to the right too much).