CV driveshaft question

[justinfonder]

I'm installing a 4" lift on my 81 CJ5 . i'm going to use 6 degree shims on the rear end to help out with the drive line angle. I think i'm going to need a longer driveshaft as well. My current driveshaft is fairly new and about 1" longer than stock. If i do have to get a new one, would it be wise to go with the CV shaft? also, would i have to do the SYE if i go with the CV shaft? i'm new to this problem as this is my first lifted off road vehicle. also, recommend a site/company to get a drive shaft from? thanks guys

 

[Old Dog]

Yes a cv shaft would be the thing to do, but 6* shims might not be what you need. Tom Woods would be the guy to use. His web site has all the info you need to measure and set the angle of the shaft.
A cj does not have a slip yoke so there is no SYE. You will need a cv style yoke for the t/c though. Tom can fix you up with that also.
Here's a link..http://www.4xshaft.com/

 

[jasonmark1993]

I wouldn't think you'd need a different shaft.

Why is yours longer already? Do you have long travel suspension or something? Maybe your axle is different and pinion is lower?

Maybe your jeep is different but my 73' came with a 4" lift and had the factory driveshaft in it. The lift came with shims, which were incorrect, but I had no vibes so who knows.

Just buy an angle finder. The Transfer Case will probably be about 6* down or so. You just want the axle pointing up the same amount.

 

[BajaEdition]

regular u joints and CV joints need different angles so you will need to clock the rear axle to work with the CV set up
but Yes go with the CV system on the upper end of the shaft and when you do have them build that give them the measurements of your new system
Driveshafts are not a place to skimp, do it right because you do not want a failure 50 miles from nowhere.
Most towns will have a good driveshaft shop that can do the same work as the specialist for a decent price and show you the angles you wll need to set the rear axle to. Remember the wrng angles mean broken Ujoints.

 

[justinfonder]

I wouldn't think you'd need a different shaft.

Why is yours longer already? Do you have long travel suspension or something? Maybe your axle is different and pinion is lower?

Maybe your jeep is different but my 73' came with a 4" lift and had the factory driveshaft in it. The lift came with shims, which were incorrect, but I had no vibes so who knows.

Just buy an angle finder. The Transfer Case will probably be about 6* down or so. You just want the axle pointing up the same amount.

The day i bought my CJ i was driving it home down the highway and the driveshaft came apart. Well after bouncing down the road a bit, it had to be rebuilt. I took it to a guy at a shop that is also a jeeper. he noticed when looking at my driveshaft that it had been riding a little short, so when he rebuilt it, he added about an inch of length. I just got my lift kit in the mail, skyjacker 4". I had also ordered the 6* shims which Morris 4x4 Center kindly installed on my rear springs before shipping. I'm going to install the lift with the shims and the stock driveshaft first and see where i'm at. but i would much rather go with the CV shaft for dura/reliability. i think i'll be taking it to a local shop just to get there opinion on it once i have everything installed. i will post pictures of the driveline as well. thanks guys

 

[justinfonder]

Yes a cv shaft would be the thing to do, but 6* shims might not be what you need. Tom Woods would be the guy to use. His web site has all the info you need to measure and set the angle of the shaft.
A cj does not have a slip yoke so there is no SYE. You will need a cv style yoke for the t/c though. Tom can fix you up with that also.
Here's a link..Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts - Tom Woods Custom Drive Shafts Custom Driveshafts Specialist

reading on tom woods website, it would appear that i should only shim the driveshaft if i am going to use a CV style shaft. is this true? i plan on installing with the stock style drive shaft first, should i not use the shims?