Rear Drive-Line Loop

[JR74CJ5]

Hey Guys,

After having my rear driveline / Transfer Case u-join break at 65 on the freeway, I'm a little wary of another such incident and being lucky twice.

Does anyone run rear drive line loops?

I found a few online to look at, does not look overly complicated to make, but looking for expertise, ideas, thoughts etc.

Warning, below image is crappy! Please excuse my microsoft paint quick drawing...

My idea is to provide emergency support for the t-case end of the drive line in case the u joint breaks while in high speed condition. In the part to the bottom right, I am envisioning bracing between the two frame rails and having some clear space for articulation of the drive line while wheeling, but a half circle "pocket" for it to fall into if needed / breaks.

1) do you think the mounts to the frame rails should be somewhat flexible? Either with a modified body mount type design? maybe some of the roll cage attachment to frame designs out there (still provides some flex) etc.

2) would the best way to measure how much it moves around (the drive line) when flexing be to force flex with my work forklift and take a few measurements / pictures?

3) any other thoughts or suggestions?



~ JR

 

[JR74CJ5]

Here's a few of the already made versions:

Racing Power DRIVESHAFT LOOP - JCWhitney

It may be better to not have it tie all the way to the frames...

 

[Torxhead]

Having a d-shaft break on the freeway is something I would never forget, but I would think with a properly set up driveline it wouldn't be a problem though. I'm sure with 33s on a CJ5 it can get kinda tricky.

 

[JR74CJ5]

yeah they are so short the angle can easily get to where the shaft will dig into a pot hole.

It "can" catapult the rear end up and over, causing a roll, and at 65mph, My roll cage doesn't feel as strong

Happened to me once, and didn't do the above, just beat the out of the bottom of my tub, ripped hole in passenger under seat storage, and ripped fuel line in half.

So with a cherry red broke off shaft hanging in a raising puddle of gas, I was slightly puckered... on the side of the freeway, with the rest of the family, 5 Adults and 5 kids, & 2 dogs all sitting and waiting on me.

You're correct a properly set up and maintained drive shaft shouldn't do this... I just want the added insurance.



~ JR

 

[Old Dog]

It can't hurt anything, I've thought of doing this myself.