Front Drive Shaft replacement

jvecchione · **Joined:** Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:23 pm **Posts:** 33

Hello, I noticed a lot of noise and burning smell when I shifted to 4x4. When I got underneath my jeep I found the the front drive shaft was shot and signs of burning. I was hoping to just rebuild the drive shaft, but unfortunately the splines on the transfer case end are stripped. I uncoupled the transfer case end with no problem, but I am having a hard time with the differential end. Can I apply heat without cooking anything? Any and all suggestions would be welcome.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2utazLYMC1G8gEq37

gollygeemister · **Posted:** Sun Mar 17, 2019 10:28 pm

Did you remove the six screws holding the front CV to the front diff? After that it should pop right off, and a bit of gear oil may be trapped there.

PZKW108 · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 5:23 pm **Posts:** 461

You shouldn't need to heat it up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4Qu9e6ELGs

jvecchione · **Joined:** Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:23 pm **Posts:** 33

Yes, I removed them. I was thinking of punching a hole in the flange and prying it off as well.

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gollygeemister · **Posted:** Sun Mar 17, 2019 10:52 pm

Ok, couldn't tell in the pictures on this little screen. Mine always came right off, but wasn't that rusted. I'd apply a bit of heat around the circumference. Not too much. A couple taps with a large hammer should free it then.

jvecchione · **Joined:** Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:23 pm **Posts:** 33

Thank you, I'll try that. When (if) i do get it off can i drive the jeep until i get the new drive shaft?

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WWDiesel · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2019 1:21 am

jvecchione wrote:

Thank you, I'll try that. When (if) i do get it off can i drive the jeep until i get the new drive shaft?
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Yes, once you get it removed, you can drive it without any problems.

I drove mine around for a couple of weeks with no front driveshaft installed.

sota · **Joined:** Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:44 pm **Posts:** 378

tap the driveshaft head with a hammer, rotate, and repeat, you'll probably see the head start to pop out as you tap it, mine did.

cerich · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2019 3:12 pm

you can use a flat screwdriver and hammer, just place screwdriver between the CV and the cup and hit with hammer working towards back, rotate the driveshaft as needed.

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2019 3:50 pm

If the screws give you problems, I found that using the type of impact wrench that works with a hammer worked the best to loosen them up.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81gBEFi5L5L._SL1500_.jpg or comparable.

jvecchione · **Joined:** Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:23 pm **Posts:** 33

GordnadoCRD wrote:

If the screws give you problems, I found that using the type of impact wrench that works with a hammer worked the best to loosen them up.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81gBEFi5L5L._SL1500_.jpg or comparable.

Yes, I have one of those. They work really well. I didn't have a problem with the bolts though, just the differential end of the drive shaft is stubborn.

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jvecchione · **Joined:** Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:23 pm **Posts:** 33

The previous owners used to tow this jeep behind an rv, it still has the tow points in fact. Could that cause the drive shaft to burn up quicker than usual? I was thinking of getting a small RV and towing the liberty, but not if i have to go through this crap again.

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GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2019 4:16 pm

The problem I've had is not the joint, but the boot. Put a complete new joint on including boot, and at 108 miles, I checked it before going on a trip, and the boot had already failed and all the CV grease was slung out everywhere. The shaft has been out since. (have other issues ahead of it.)

jvecchione · **Joined:** Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:23 pm **Posts:** 33

Finally got it off. A few light taps and a gallon of liquid wrench. Thanks to all for your help. I intend to drive it until i can find a new drive shaft. Until then should i make some kind of cover for the pinion flanges so they don't rust?

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Front Drive Shaft replacement

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