1999 Grand front drive shaft

[tomchitwood]

I bought my 1999 grand Laredo with the I6 and 242WJ transfer case. It did not have a front drive shaft. The only drive shaft offered at the parts house is a 21" from weld to weld. It was too short and after a couple of days, it pulled one of the cv joints apart. I believe it is 1-2" too short. This jeep is totally stock. It has the factory tow package. Is there something special about this jeep from the factory that would require an uncommon drive shaft? Are there spacers at the ends that are missing? Thanks in advance, I really need to get the 4X4 working, this is our camping, fishing, getaway vehicle.
Tom

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

It looks like 4 different driveshaft combinations were offered for the '99 4.0L drivetrain. Take a look at Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market and search by state or region if you don't mind buying used. You will need to know which type of joints came on each end of the stock driveshaft.

You can buy new through places like Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts - Tom Woods Custom Drive Shafts Custom Driveshafts Specialist but you'll need to tell them what kind of yokes are on the axle and transfer case.

 

[tomchitwood]

Thanks.

 

[tomchitwood]

Sorry to keep bothering you, but, my drive shaft has CV joints and 6 bolts on both ends. I would like to know a length, they are measured from weld to weld. The one I bought (the only one they offered) was 21". I don't even know what to ask for, what are the lengths offered with CV joints on both ends?
Thanks,
Tom

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

No idea. It can be easily lengthened at a driveshaft shop.

 

[tomchitwood]

I don't have one to lengthen, It did not have one in it when I bought it. I want to be able to just buy the factory one for it but the one they sell for my jeep is too short. What about switching to the old style drive shaft with the U-joints on both ends? Can this be done?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

What 'parts house' are you purchasing from? Have you checked the dealership? Have you checked with Tom Woods?

You want to keep the CV joints with the full-time 4wd option.

 

[tomchitwood]

Our local NAPA doesn't carry driveshafts and the local Advanced Auto only shows a 21". I have not checked with the dealership because I am retarded, I don't know why I did not think of that.
It is not full time FWD. It has a 242wj transfer case. You can select 2wd or 4wd.
Thanks, Tom

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

It is not full time FWD. It has a 242wj transfer case. You can select 2wd or 4wd.
Thanks, Tom

Right, I got that from your first post, that's why I said full-time 'option'. You 'can' run 4wd fulltime on dry surfaces, so it's best to keep the CV style joints.