Infectious Off-Road.com

Ok, got the rear coil spring back in place. But still looking around and noticed that the front drive shaft is rubbing on the trans right at and above the pan. I've read a few articles that said that was somewhat common with full flex, and the solution seems to be a smaller diameter driveshaft. I'm wondering how bad it could get, a little rubbing doesn't bother me but if it will eventually cause some sort of failure I'd rather fix it now. Between the springs and the drive shafts I'm starting to wonder if some sort of limiting straps would help avoid damage.
Any other suggestions?
James

Better safe than sorry... just get a new driveline. Have them build one that is skinner but thicker, this way its stronger and solves ur problem.

The cheapest and easiest way to fix is to just grind some of the skid plate away where it is rubbing.

btw; If you get new CV style driveshafts then upper control arms are needed.

I would recommend Tom Woods driveshafts, he gives some good service with quality products....called me back on a sunday morning for a email I sent the night before.

I've read a little on the Tom Woods drivelines seems like a good option. One thing is I'm not rubbing on the skid plate, that would be too easy..I'm actually rubbing on the transmission. I think the smaller diameter drive shaft is probably the way to fix it. I'm not sure how long it will be until I get it done, since it only rubs at full articulation I was thinking limiting straps might keep it from tearing the pan until I get the driveline. I'm starting to understand the "Just Empty Every Pocket" phrase..

if you decide to go with a different driveshaft, i recommend Performance Industries here in bako. They did both the shafts on my jeep and i can say for sure that they can build shafts strong enough for what we do. I had front of jeep resting on front shaft a couple weeks ago, and scarred it up pretty bad but its still together and no vibes from it after heavy abuse.

You don't need limiting straps for your build, yet. save those for when you go 14" coilovers .

The problem is very common to all JKs and the solution is two-fold:

1) Get an adjustable front trackbar and center your axle. When you lift a JK without adjusting the trackbar, the axle shifts to the passenger side bringing your drive shaft closer to the trans pan on an automatic. When I first lifted my JK, the front axle shifted 1/2" and really dug into the pan. Once the boot tears off, the shaft will not last long.

2) Get an after-market front drive shaft. The factory JK drive shaft is very fat (but weak). A strong after-market shaft will be half the diameter and twice as strong. I have been using JE Reel products for a long time and highly recommend them.

Another thing you need to do if you get longer travel shocks: notch the cross-member to get more downward travel out of the front drive shaft.

Thanks for the info, adding a few things to my wish list. Hmmm coil overs.

[quote="jcook"]Thanks for the info, adding a few things to my wish list. Hmmm coil overs.[/quote]


Wow had same issue here too. It's amazing what 1/2" can do. Ha!

[quote="VICTORG93307"][quote="jcook"]Thanks for the info, adding a few things to my wish list. Hmmm coil overs.[/quote]


Wow had same issue here too. It's amazing what 1/2" can do. Ha![/quote]

Victor, did the adjustable trackbar fix it for you? Or did you do both drive shaft and trackbar.

[quote="jcook"][quote="VICTORG93307"][quote="jcook"]Thanks for the info, adding a few things to my wish list. Hmmm coil overs.[/quote]


Wow had same issue here too. It's amazing what 1/2" can do. Ha![/quote]

Victor, did the adjustable trackbar fix it for you? Or did you do both drive shaft and trackbar.[/quote]


Yeah the trackbar fixed it. It was a lil over 1/2" to passenger. Only thing now is I have to notch the support that's right under the driveline. It rubbed just a bit at Gorman under full articulation riding henrys crack. There where a few areas where my tire was rubbing on my cut fenders.

Both Tom Woods and JE Reel use Chinese parts in their shafts. Best to stick to a local company that can take care of you with American made parts. I run Coast shafts and couldn't be happier. They are also local here in Ventura.

Alrighty, adjustable trackbar in....put some fresh paint on the drive shaft and trans to see if there will be any new rubbing. I'm hoping the track bar will do it. If not, next would be the drive shaft...

[quote="abendx"]Both Tom Woods and JE Reel use Chinese parts in their shafts. Best to stick to a local company that can take care of you with American made parts. I run Coast shafts and couldn't be happier. They are also local here in Ventura.[/quote]
Who told you this, the guy at coast? Reel Claims to be USA made. I mean its just tube welded together and balanced, and Coast & Reel use the same Dana Spicer U-joints, 1310 or 1350. Coast and Reel also machine their own parts. Not bustin yo balls, just wondering whats made in China?

I don't think you could go wrong with Coast, Woods, or Reel. I went Reel because they use 1/4" DOM on their shaft bodies, and back when I was into hot rods, Reel was the ticket when you wanted to run 700HP at the drag strip.

Don't always run to local shops because they are local, there are more bad ones than good ones. We had a couple here (like pro-shafts) that were making total crap before they went out of business - a couple they built for members here didn't survive the 1st wheeling trip. The new drive-line shop in town is inconsistent IMO. The work I had them do on my Rear JK shaft was flawless, complete with a sticker of a naked lady riding a shaft on it. But the work they just did on my son's TJ was sloppy compared to a production shaft - big ass weights sloppily placed on and amateurish welds.

I'm with Chris, where are you getting your info.

I'm still running a stock frt drive shaft, it is the second one. Every lifted JK with a Auto Trans rub. Chris is right once the boot is torn the shaft can and will seize.

Ok, this is a dumb question probably... I installed the adjustable front track bar, actually rides better and now the front end is centered. I put some paint on the shaft to see if it rubs the next time I go wheeling. I'm reading about the boot on the shaft, you said it will seize? I was concerned about the rubbing, never even thought about the drive shaft boot. Is it that important, that it could seize..

[quote="jcook"]Ok, this is a dumb question probably... I installed the adjustable front track bar, actually rides better and now the front end is centered. I put some paint on the shaft to see if it rubs the next time I go wheeling. I'm reading about the boot on the shaft, you said it will seize? I was concerned about the rubbing, never even thought about the drive shaft boot. Is it that important, that it could seize.. [/quote]

once the boot tears you lose the grease inside and eventually it will seize

The guy at Coast, but he had no reason to tell me this as he wasn't selling me anything at the time, so I am going to buy it as the truth.

[quote="abendx"]The guy at Coast, but he had no reason to tell me this as he wasn't selling me anything at the time, so I am going to buy it as the truth.[/quote]


Who did you talk too Mark? Coast is a good shop and does a lot of differant stuff. Mark is kinda a pompas asshole untill you get to know him. He could be blowing smoke up your ass wouldnt be the first time but he does do awsome work as long as you tell hime what your doing with the rig.

[quote="chuckanut105"][quote="abendx"]The guy at Coast, but he had no reason to tell me this as he wasn't selling me anything at the time, so I am going to buy it as the truth.[/quote]


Who did you talk too Mark? Coast is a good shop and does a lot of differant stuff. Mark is kinda a pompas asshole untill you get to know him. He could be blowing smoke up your ass wouldnt be the first time but he does do awsome work as long as you tell hime what your doing with the rig.[/quote]

Nope.... I only deal with Bill.

huh well i only deal with mark. lol

Took it out and gave it a whirl.... drive shaft still rubs. Alrighty then new driveshaft it is.....

And only Bill can give you a real deal.

That thread on JKO makes me wonder.... as Coast shafts are maintainable.

Ok, ordered the new driveshaft yesterday. ....JE Reel heavy duty, eliminating the flanges. Should be in in a few days. Went in and talked to richard at G&G decided to go this route, they haven't steared me wrong yet........
james