Tom Woods Driveshafts

[Zak.Taylor]

I am considering going with Tom Woods for at least my YJ rear driveshaft. I am probably going to use a single u-joint on each end, with the slip and stub in the middle (think stock YJ front shaft style). At this point, since I have the vacuum disconnect on the front, and plan to keep it, I will probably make a square tube shaft, or lengthen the stock one.

I am going with a 4" spring-under lift, no t-case drop and the Ford 8.8 rear end, it will be stretched 2" to the rear (possibly 4" if Matt shows me a good, cost-effective way).

I am looking for suggestions here. If anyone thinks I should use someone besides Tom Woods, please speak up with a whom, and why.

Thanks,
Zak

[Frylock]

I think you should look at driveline shops in town. The quality is the same, if not better and if something breaks you can always talk to the owner face to face. I have tom woods shafts with rebuilt ends on them, one by Pro Shaft, the other one by the new owner (Performance driveline?). To me the quality is the same, only thing different are the bearing. Think TW uses greaseable ends while PD uses a non serviceable style.

Think I paid $500 each from TW, I could of got new ones from PD for I think $400, had them rebuild one side for $250. They have a great balancer at performance driveline. Tom woods is overly used I think, but for a lot of people a good driveline shop is hard to find so they just order them.

[Beck*A*Poo]

Matt's been using performance for all his drivelines ... good price fast service

[abendx]

Yeah.... stick with someone local or come down to Ventura and go to Coast (if you do, ask me to go with you as I *might* be able to get you a deal).

[Zak.Taylor]

I've used Performance twice on my bobbed deuce builds. Both times I've gotten shitty service, bills that grew after the initial estimate (without calling for authorization), They have kids that don't know shit about 4x4's running the front counter and they have little concern for pleasing the customer. I'd really prefer not to use Performance Drivelines if I can avoid it. Also, they really aren't any cheaper than Tom Woods. The shaft I'm looking at is estimated between 175 and 250 for the rear from TW.

A guy on (c_nJeepin) here knows some guys over at PTO Sales, and I may consider them, but I doubt I'll ever go back to Performance.

Customer service is everything and they've failed me on multiple aspects, twice in a row.

I don't want to shut ya'll down, but I've just got a really bad taste in my mouth from Performance, to the point where I wanted to go over the counter on the little prick that was "helping" me.

[Goatman]

We get drivelines from Performance locally and from JE Reel in Pomona. We've had excellent service and quality from both. Zak, bummer you've had a bad experience, and understandable that you wouldn't go back. The guys are learning more about 4x4 stuff as time goes on, I had to show them that they could make .188 wall drivelines. But, they have been around for awhile now and have been learning and growing like the rest of us. JE Reel is very good, always has been, I've done a lot of work with them. Jim Reel also sponsored the drivelines on my buggy when I raced KOH.

[Zak.Taylor]

I may give them (performance) another chance if they can beat Tom woods' price, but I really need some good service this time. Pro shaft treated me very well and I even donated to Performance before they were a for-profit business....it really bothered me that they were such pricks last time. Thanks for the recommendations guys. On my rear, cv style or slip yoke in the middle with fixed yoke top and bottom?

[CJNewbie]

I have never used Performance but I have used PTO and I was very pleased with the service and quality. It has been many years ago(10) when I built my mustang and needed a stronger shaft they built a very strong and light shaft for me for a very reasonable price.

[Zak.Taylor]

With 4" of lift, 2" stretch on my wheelbase and some minor modification, I may be able to use my stock rear driveshaft (holy chit!!!)

I am planning to keep the vacuum disco D30, so I'll probably modify the stock front driveshaft with square tube, since it won't spin full time and this won't be my DD. If that works out well and I don't need a new front shaft, I'll probably invest in the cable actuator for the front axle.

Progress is slowing on the Jeep because I am back in school (and I hit my Corvette with the wife's JK...doh!!!)