Hey Guys,

I've got an issue . . . I've been trying to get my Stealership to pinpoint a series of binding and noise issues I've had in my front end for the past month or two. They've serviced both axles (and that did seem to queit some noises down) but there was still this metel clinking noise that was constant every time I accellerated . . . and would disappear as soon as I let off the gas petal. It wasn't there when cruising in neutral or breaking . . . so it didn't seem to simply be a loose screw or skid, etc.

Anyhow, the stealership called me back this morning to tell me that my "Drive Shaft is broken right at the Yoke where it enters the transfer case . . . " Now this sounds plausible as the cause for my various issues, per some of the reading I've done here on the forum. Any thoughts?

But, my main question is this . . . shouldn't this be covered under my Jeep Powertrain warranty or my extended warranty? I have a Frankenlift installed and my Service Rep. said that the extended warranty group is sending out an Inspector to look at it . . . he went on to say that I have a 50/50 shot of them covering it because of the Lift?

What arguments do I have if they deny coverage due to the lift? I never go offroading, and I don't see how they can directly link a drive shaft issue to a suspension lift? What's the best argument and approach to this?

Stealer has quoted from ~$600-~$700 . . . does this sound right?

It's at the dealer now, and I'll probably have to fight them tomorrow . . . . Any Info. is Greatly Appreciated, THANKS!

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Murphys Laws & Corollaries Useful for Jeepin':
-Interchangeable Parts -- Won't!
-If you fool around with anything for very long, you will screw it up!
-If it Jams -- Force it! If it breaks, it needed replacing anyways!
-There's never time to do it right, but there's always time to do it over!

The lift will not do anything to the front drive shaft.

The only thing that would hurt it is offroading and bouncing alot. They could also blame it on bigger tires.

Just think how much it cost DC to send an inspector out to look at it even if they do not fix it. They would probably be better of just replacing the part and not be so ignorant.

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LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

Actually my extended warranty is with a third party . . . though I bought it through my dealer in 2002, it isn't a DiamlerChrysler company . . .

And the worst "offroading" I've been able to do is when the roads here in Houston flood . . . water up to the Bumper on rare occasion . . . usually end up doing some ditch or curb hopping to get around things. I've never had it anywhere but green pasture (flat as can be) and Houston Floods...

My tires are bigger and a bit heavier as I have General Grabber AT2's . . . but I bet they blame it on the lift first.

Brandon

_________________
Murphys Laws & Corollaries Useful for Jeepin':
-Interchangeable Parts -- Won't!
-If you fool around with anything for very long, you will screw it up!
-If it Jams -- Force it! If it breaks, it needed replacing anyways!
-There's never time to do it right, but there's always time to do it over!

It's the front "propellor" shaft correct?

The current set of lifts that are available don't change or touch anything from the front differential back to the transfer case.

_________________
2002 Liberty Limited
2.5" Rusty's Coil Lift + OME 927 springs + 1/4" spacers
265x70 Revos
Warn 4x Floods
ARB bumper
TeraFlex extended front bumpstops
Rock Lizard Skink Super Sliders
Bosch Size 86 battery
Jeepin by Al's 4.5 UC Arms
Kryptonite Differential Cover
JBA Bolt on KJ Tri-Angulated 4 Link

That's your problem,those aftermarket extended warrenties are plan junk and a ripoff.They will deny 99% of all claims for the stupidest things.My buddy back home bought a '94 chevy pickup(had 112,000 miles on it),got the aftermarket warrenty and then 3 months later the intake gaskets started leaking(common on 350's).Well the warrenty company denied the claim due to the mileage,they don't warrenty gaskets after 100,000 miles.Wait it get's better,6 month's later the engine siezed on the truck,the warrenty company took a oil sample and then denied the claim for the engine saying that they found traces of anti-freeze in the oil.My buddy told them that just 6 month's ago the intake gaskets where replaced and even though they flushed the engine a very small amount of anti-freeze will still be present for awhile but they said "We don't care,any amount of anti-freeze in the engine oil will cause undo wear on the bearings and that is why we are denying yopur claim",so he sold the warrenty back and told them what they could do to themselfs.Good luck,hope they cover it.

I must agree with TJKJ, the only time an aftermarket warranty is woth the cost is if it is lower miles, and the only aftermarket parts you add are floor mats and tires/wheels like my wife's volvo. Most of them have a fine print clause that states that any aftermarket modification of the suspension will void the powertrain part of the warranty, and it will list off specific parts.
My advice is to find your original warranty contract, and read it. If it does not say the lift voids coverage, or it does not list the drive shaft/driveline as a part to be voided, then use their contract against them. For them to deny your claim, it must be in the contract as a reason for denial. If they still deny, you may need to balance the cost of the repair vs legal action against them.

I had a warranty like that when I bought my TJ back in '97 (program jeep) and I called to question the clause, and cancelled the same day. Their clause went as far as to say that I couldn't even put mt tires on it, or change the stereo, as that would void the electrical. There are some good AM warranties, but most are the biggest legal rip off in the country, next to insurance of course.

Any way, good luck, and be sure you know what is in that contract you signed before you fight, many count on you not knowing in order to take advantage of you.

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I'm baaaaccckkk...
LOST Member 10
If you can read this you don't need glasses, go Wheel your Jeep!

Just a thought, since we all exist as this group of Jeep enthusiet. Maybe could look into a prepaid legal service for our entire group. They make it their business to hit companies and do the battles for us. As a group also who knows how benificial this might be with Chrysler / Jeep moving away form Mercedes what New BS will they think of to put the screws to us. with our numbers with L.O.S.T. this could be just the ticket for all of us to Keep our KJ's alive and kicking