I was reading some of the old threads about regearing and noticed that several people suggested a new front drive shaft when regearing. WHY? Why would a simple regear require a new front shaft?

Also I'll be going from stock '08 gearing (manual/tow) what would be the next gearing step to go to?

 

I would think that most people get a new frt and rear DS on the 2drs mainly because of lift and not the re-gearing. But most people that re-gear are running a lift with larger tires, especially on the 2drs because of the angle rear and frt.

 

I don't have any question about the gearing - the question is/was about the front shaft. I used to have a CJ-5 w/ corvette 350 HP engine that I had to have custom drive shafts cut down from bulldozer shafts because I was mud-bog racing - but that's completely different. I'm on my 6th Jeep and just bought my 16 y/o daughter her first TJ so I'm no novice to Jeeps - I'm no mechanic or off-road technical expert either. Hence the question- why?

I understand needing a longer drive shaft for higher lifts as well. I was reading a lot of posts that were saying to get a front shaft at the same time and - unless there was a shaft problem - because I'm not lifting my JK (okay maybe a 2").

But with so many saying to get a new shaft, they must have had some reason for that 2 cents so I want to hear why. If there's no reason - then I don't need to get one, if there is then I should look into that as well.

 

I think part of it depends on your use. The range of flex is not as great on the stock DS as an aftermarket shaft. Even with minimal lift (such as the 2" you mentioned if you were discod and the drivers side dropped out as much as possible you could exceed the capability of the stocker. I regard the stock shaft as a weak link and wanted to get ride of it as soon as possible so did it with gears.

Another factor for doing it with gears may be that you risk changing the torque on the pinion crush bearing if you change the yokelater.

 

I posted a little while back about replacing the front driveshaft while regearing. I have an automatic and tore the boot over the DS splines last summer and knew I needed to replace it. so I chose to do it during the regear so the new pinon flange would be installed and torqued correctly during the gear setup. Made sense for me.