Front propeller shaft

ZERO6 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:08 am

Well I have to change the front propeller shaft because it
is making a clicking noise in 4x4 mode.
Had it at the stealership and they also agreed that it needed
to be changed.
Funny thing though, this is not my first nor last Jeep, I can't
believe that the shaft is not serviceable.
Any ways, the old shaft that I have, I'll see what I can do
with it at work, like make a serviceable one.
Maybe using the same U-joints as the rear end to make it easier
for the next person, if I sell it..

Will have pictures of the R&R.

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:25 am

Using U-joints on the front shaft of a KJ gives a lot of vibration. It's really best to stick with CVs on the front.

ZERO6 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:35 am

Wasatch15
messaged me about a aftermarket shaft..
by Tom Wood's.
May go with that, see how much first.
This stuff up here in Canada is pricey, even with a
supplier discount!

phxtoad · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:37 am

I have a custom U-joint shaft. If balanced it should be fine. Lots of people are running them now. I notice high RPM vibes on the freeway but it's fine - just a bit louder inside than before. :2cents:

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:37 pm

TBH, I would also stick with the OEM style shaft. After seeing a u joint style one blow up at the yoke, I know I will be sticking with a CV style. Now, once I'm able to take a look again at the cause of failure, I might change my mind on the U joint style DS

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:45 pm

My first one lasted about 130,000 miles and not knowing what all I may run into and after a ton of reading went back to a stock one . For about 200 bucks way cheaper and I know its going to work, I don't like any types of vibrations except when I drop the quarters in the bed

WestyKJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 6:36 pm

I have a clicking noise in 4 wheel drive as well. It comes and goes though.

In either 4 Hi or 4 Lo, only under load, I get a clicking that increases in speed as the vehicle does.
As soon as I let off the gas, it stops.

No noise in 2 wheel drive.

Is this the same problem, or what other ideas does everyone have.

Also, I just changed the front lift from Skyjacker coils to a Frankenlift. It is sitting about an inch taller than before.
Also just changed the passsenger side CV with a remaned unit.

Could either of these changes be causing the clicking?

Thanks guys.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:58 pm

WestyKJ wrote:

I have a clicking noise in 4 wheel drive as well. It comes and goes though.

In either 4 Hi or 4 Lo, only under load, I get a clicking that increases in speed as the vehicle does.
As soon as I let off the gas, it stops.

No noise in 2 wheel drive.

Is this the same problem, or what other ideas does everyone have.

Also, I just changed the front lift from Skyjacker coils to a Frankenlift. It is sitting about an inch taller than before.
Also just changed the passsenger side CV with a remaned unit.

Could either of these changes be causing the clicking?

Thanks guys.

Most likely since the front prop shaft is not under load unless it is in 4wd and you are in throttle

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 8:58 pm

WestyKJ wrote:

I have a clicking noise in 4 wheel drive as well. It comes and goes though.

In either 4 Hi or 4 Lo, only under load, I get a clicking that increases in speed as the vehicle does.
As soon as I let off the gas, it stops.

No noise in 2 wheel drive.

Is this the same problem, or what other ideas does everyone have.

Also, I just changed the front lift from Skyjacker coils to a Frankenlift. It is sitting about an inch taller than before.
Also just changed the passsenger side CV with a remaned unit.

Could either of these changes be causing the clicking?

Thanks guys.

Funny, I was about to comment on the same thing. After doing a clevis lift (on top of my 70k-miles-and-not-a-problem Frankenlift) I noticed clicking in 4wd under load, but not while coasting.

I guess I should take a look at the shaft while I have it in the shop this weekend replacing my radiator and p/s pump.

ZERO6 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 15, 2010 9:40 am

Yup, swapping it out Sunday along with a wheel bearing
and since I'm doing that, will be checking the CV's.

Going to remake one for later using the old one
as a reference, so that I don't have to wait again
for a new one, this will be rebuild-able!

ZERO6 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:38 pm

All right got my parts now, and I thank my buddy
because this is what it would have cost at the
stealership;
front propeller shaft- list/$1,118.26+tax
my price at stealership/$ 873.35+tax & labor+tax ( CND funds )
my buddy's price/ $ 650.00+tax
--------------------------------------------------
wheel bearing list/ $342.71+tax
stealership / $237.50+tax & labor+tax ( CND funds )
buddy's price / $194.30+tax

Total my cost out the door $954.06

Oh and the use of his shop/tools, and the use of who ever
is working that day I show up/ $ Zero dollars!

So ah goes to show you how much mark up there is on this
stuff, ya some of you might get it cheaper than me, and ya
you have buddies too, and at least I saved on labor, which
I believe is about $87.00/hour depending on where you go...

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Sat Jan 16, 2010 12:46 am

Good lord, $1100 for a driveshaft?

Does anyone know of an aftermarket manufacturer that can actually build a true CV driveshaft?

ZERO6 · **Posted:** Sat Jan 16, 2010 7:56 am

I was told about this company
Tom Woods, that makes them.
I called, and yet to receive a
call back..

Autorock.com had one for about $348.00 delivered.
But that did not include exchange, duty and/or
brokerage fees, ect...

ridenby · **Posted:** Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:20 am

You might try this fellow out,
Automotive Parts Unlimited, LLC
800-270-5224 or ericautopart@aol.com
Your source for drive shafts, bearings, axles, etc Ask for Eric, I think front driveshafts are $185, He says he can get intermediate shafts also for $62 ,that is what I ordered waiting to see how that goes.

InCommando · **Posted:** Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:45 am

My under warranty driveshaft repair would have been about $650 bucks had I paid the dealer to do it. :shock:

I am betting the shaft is a spicer part, an anyone who deals spicer should be able to get it and at a much better price. Just like the front gear sets.

ZERO6 · **Posted:** Sat Jan 16, 2010 12:33 pm

ridenby wrote:

You might try this fellow out,
Automotive Parts Unlimited, LLC
800-270-5224 or ericautopart@aol.com
Your source for drive shafts, bearings, axles, etc Ask for Eric, I think front driveshafts are $185, He says he can get intermediate shafts also for $62 ,that is what I ordered waiting to see how that goes.

Thank's will do on Monday..

KJNick · **Joined:** Mon Jul 11, 2005 12:00 pm **Posts:** 56

The joints on the front propeller shaft ARE replaceable. I had the T-case end fail again (torn boot) in less than a year and found a new CV joint on line. The same joint was used on WJ Grand Cherokees. I cut the band on the boot, removed 1 c-clip, packed the new joint with grease (provided with the joint) and put it all back together. The CV joint cost me $75. Much cheaper than a rebuilt shaft.

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Sun Jan 17, 2010 1:56 am

ZERO6 wrote:

I was told about this company
Tom Woods, that makes them.
I called, and yet to receive a
call back..

Autorock.com had one for about $348.00 delivered.
But that did not include exchange, duty and/or
brokerage fees, ect...

The shafts you find at most places online aren't really true CV shafts, they're double-cardan (twin U-joint) shafts.

I'm looking for a heavy duty, true ball and cage CV joint shaft.

KJNick:
Where di you get the WJ CVs from?

EDIT:

Forgot to mention, I looked up the front prop shaft and the MSRP is listed as $555, put chryslerpartsdirect has them for $432.90.

ZERO6 · **Posted:** Sun Jan 17, 2010 8:50 am

Ya mine was $650.00 CND.
Price of parts are different between the
States and Canada, which really sucks.

I did get an e-mail back from Tom Wood.
I am going to see if I can send the factory shaft back
and order one from Tom.
If not, at least I tried.

Thanx every1..

ZERO6 · **Posted:** Mon Jan 18, 2010 6:57 pm

KJNick wrote:

The joints on the front propeller shaft ARE replaceable. I had the T-case end fail again (torn boot) in less than a year and found a new CV joint on line. The same joint was used on WJ Grand Cherokees. I cut the band on the boot, removed 1 c-clip, packed the new joint with grease (provided with the joint) and put it all back together. The CV joint cost me $75. Much cheaper than a rebuilt shaft.

Where would I look for this CV replacement kits?

Front propeller shaft

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