T176 drive shafts

[Neuner]

Was getting set up to do mine and taking measurements. Interesting enough, the PO put in 6* shims and a CV joint instead of dropping the Transfer Case with the RE 4.5" lift giving me an overall length of 23-5/8" from Transfer Case Yoke to Differential Yoke. Will have to see how that works out and if I need to get it lengthened. Appears like I need to shorten the front.

Get your rust situation taken care of?

 

[Dan86CJ7]

not yet, cant even get any return phone calls or emails on stuff, must have 20+ plus out there...just need some one to reply

 

[Neuner]

Dan;

Found out that the pilot bushing that comes with the clutch kit and is recommended by every supplier I've found so far doesn't match the T-5 or T-176 /177. Even the clutch alignment tool that comes with the kit doesn't fit the Pilot Bushing in their own kit. The PB that comes in the kit is the same as the PB-79 that is said to be correct by every supplier I've found but we've measured and it doesn't match the 0.59" of the T-5 or T-176 /177 pilot tip and it's too large for the OD. Found quite a few threads on the internet of others having the same problem but they never posted the resolution. Have you come across any of this?

Went around to every auto parts supplier and they couldn't find a swap in their inventory for the pilot bushing I pulled and as we measured it.

Checking in with Novak on this. They are the only ones to have something different, the PB-7501295, as the recommended Pilot Bushing but they don't post measurements. I'm waiting for them to respond.

 

[mtnwhlr]

If it's a bushing and its to small why can't you just drill it out to fit?

 

[Neuner]

OD is too big as well. I did manage to get one of them in but it was so tight it was compressing the ID.

I've read that the porous brass bushings should not be drilled or machined with standard methods because it messes with the pores/imbeded oil. Several of the mechanics confirmed it.

 

[Neuner]

Didn't find a bushing with Napa but a bearing. The two listed by them from their search were said to be compatible with a CJ7 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l but were different from each other in both OD and ID which had the guys stumped. Might give the closest matching one a try. First one has an OD of 1.055 that matches but the ID is 0.613. I'm worried though about the play negatively impacting the Transmission . The worn brass one had an ID of 0.600 and it had play on the tranny shaft so I think the bushing/bearing should be closer to 0.59.

The other one that comes from the search notes it's for the 2.5L only which is weird but it has an ID of 0.591 which matches closer to what is needed however the OD is 0.945. Since I really had to hit on the sliding hammer to get the original out, I wonder if the smaller OD might be better. I dont have a micrometer to measure the engine.

 

[Dan86CJ7]

did my clutch kit a few years back so wasnt planning on changing anything but the Transmission ...your saying im gonna need a new pilot? been trying to figure out my tub issue so the Transmission has been on hold for now...easier to slam in w/o tub on.

if i remember right the kit had just the roller for the pilot

 

[Neuner]

Wish I had that option. That would make it a lot easier.

If you were able to swap out your pilot bearing with your last clutch change, then no worries. If not then yes, you should replace it.

 

[Neuner]

Can you list the length in Driveshaft that you purchased?

I have my DS in the shop for lengthening and shortening and nervous that I got something messed up. Hope to clear it up before they start work on it. I didn't think while I took existing measurements with everything in except the skid plate and I'm worried it's jacked up too high or low throwing my measurements off. Need something as a comparison. PO installed CV joints front and back for my 4.5" lift.

 

[Dan86CJ7]

if i did this correct i got front(29 1/2- 31 1/2) rear (23 1/2 - 26) and they are obvious legnth diff went held up to the old

 

[Neuner]

Thank you. The shop was going to build them a little closer to the compressed length from their experience.

I gave them a length from fixed yoke to fixed yoke that was a delta of 1/8" difference from your rear and 1/4" from your front measurements without the added length of the CV for the lift so i think I'm good...... From my measurements the CV adds 2.825".

 

[Dan86CJ7]

i measured from the center of the caps on each end of the shaft.