Front drive shaft issue.

Eigelchen · May 14, 2019

Y’all, the tall lift struck again. I thought I’ve done enough research to at least remember part names but I guess I was wrong. So bear with me.

I periodically climb under the Jeep after work to pick a new part to learn about and to search for early warning signs. I also occasionally hit things to see if they make noise. Technical, I know.

Well it worked. Front driveshaft(right?) makes an unhappy noise and wiggles when I move it. Towards the end of it, connecting to a part that juts out of the transfer case(I think?) it’s busted a... seal? Bushing? No doubt from the unholy angle created by a 4” lift that y’all helped me identify.

I’m obviously a lame when it comes to things, but I’m always excited at the idea of doing my own work/fixes. It’s like legos for adults.

Problem is I don’t know what to search for to replace it. Mind sharing the name of the busted boot thing and perhaps suggesting a fix instead of a patch? Concerning long tools when working on HVAC there’s the universal angled extensions and I feel like something like that would solve it... but, I don’t know anything really.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

jku007fl · May 14, 2019

You need to replace the front drive shaft, Adams, Tom Woods and Dana Spicer are the most recognized and highly recommended brands. These drive shafts do not use a CV joint which is the problem with the stock one.

Here's a video that explains the issue:

Eigelchen · May 14, 2019

What a quick answer. That video was very informative.

Is there an overwhelming preference of one brand over the other, or little no no difference?

Eigelchen · May 14, 2019

Let me follow up that question with another. Hopefully I can find a video on the differences.

I see, Adams for example, has multiple options.

CV W/ pinion yoke
CV greasable W/ flange
I think I saw Solid w/ flange

Etc.

Uh, feeling kinda stupid here. Differences or preferences?

Lemotan · May 14, 2019

You can replace just the CV joint only, or just the boot if the CV joint is good.
Its an easy job and the part isn't expensive.
If yours is stock.

ArmyofMike · May 14, 2019

What size lift do you have OP? I have a 2.5" and was playing in the mud a few months ago. Blew the seal on my front CV boot, sprayed grease, started vibrating and it was done. I replaced the front CV with a Teraflex Rzeppa CV that has a wider flange for lifts and the issue you may have had with your boot rubbing the factory flange. The part was $150 and I put it in myself. SUper easy....I didn't want to buy a $400 front driveshaft and throw the baby out with the bathwater. SO far, it's been great, no vibration and quite a bit more angle is achievable from the front shaft and CV to TC.

This:

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/teraf.../teraflex-rzeppa-high-angle-factory-replacement-cv-kit-1744014/_/R-FNNT-1744014

Eigelchen · May 14, 2019

ArmyofMike said:
What size lift do you have OP?

4”

By no choice of my own, I might add. Just glad I spotted it before my trip. I’ll definitely look into what you linked. I appreciate it.

Jeepster1228 · May 15, 2019

Had the same problem about 4 months ago, replaced with a teraflex rezzepa cv joint was like 145.00 eventually I will replace all the joints but not YET. Got it done in about 2 hours in the garage.

zimm · May 19, 2019

If you put your jeep's info in the signature we'd help you better. I'd get an Adams 1310 grease-able joint. Don't know if you need a D30 or D44 flange because we don't know if you have a Rubicon. Just call them- great customer service and you get a pretty cool T-shirt too.

Front drive shaft issue.

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