Broken U-Joint

[BigJman]

I was a a stop light the other day stopped , thank God, and as i started to go Bam! Bam! Bam! the Jeep wouldn't move. I pushed it to the side of the road and there it was, my rear drive shaft hanging there like a limp, you know what i mean. So the question is should i go ahead and put on a Slip Yoke Eliminator Kit and get a Tom wood's drive shaft or just replace the U-joints and straps. The drive shaft is a little beat up but not that bad, I have a 4" lift on 33" tires. I have the transfer case lowerd to the angle is not that bad, but i'm thinking i should just go ahead and do the not so expensive upgrade. 500 bucks and a new driveshaft, more ground clearence, and less worries. Or 60 bucks for a new U-joint. I'm hoping to keep this rig for a while and I know I have a lot more to do to it. I try to do as much of the work as I can myself. Any feedback would be aprreciated.

BigJman
1990 Jeep Wrangler
4.2, 5-speed
lifted but pretty much stock after that

 

[Wrangl3r93]

If you have the money the SYE is definitely worth the upgrade. Especially if you plan on keeping your rig for a while. As you stated, "less worries". If it's not broken, don't fix it. If it breaks it's time for an upgrade. That's the motto I stick to(funding willing).

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I would upgrade.

Inspect the pinion yoke on the rear axle and make sure it didn't get damaged when the driveshaft let go. Often they get wallered out and are ruined, making the driveshaft fall out that much easier next time.

 

[redrooster]

My feedback: $60 bucks is mighty steep for a u-joint. Tom Woods drive shafts are over rated. Most local shaft shops can do the same thing if you tell them what you want...thicker wall tubing.

 

[currupt4130]

I'll agree with Red. I've said it here before but no one liked it, TW is way overrated. He builds driveshafts, maybe slightly beefier than stock. The only benefeit you get from a TW shaft is if you get it in combo with an SYE and then it's probably a good deal.

How do I know they're barely thicker than stock? I've had one for quite a while now and finally broke down and had to lengthen it. Since it isn't a street driven rig I just cut it in half and sleeved it. Tubing is .125 wall. Stock is .09375, .03125 difference.

 

[redrooster]

Hehe. I'm running 3/8" wall up front with a 24" spline and a Deuce and half rear shaft. All with 1410 joints. I bought some of the parts from a Neapco dealer and others from High Angle driveline. I did all the cutting and welding myself. It was all a pretty tight, near press fit so it balanced out well.

 

[jps4jeep]

Run a front XJ shaft for the rear.

Tom woods is over priced, but he can, he has the advertising to pay for..

 

[BigJman]

Thanks for the replies. I think I am going to just replace the old U-joint and get new straps. The 60 dollar price was with a shop pressing the U-joint into the drive shaft. I have been looking at some articles and I think I can just get some tools and do it myself. I am definately going to upgrade to a SYE eventually. I need to look around locally in Fresno and find a good drive shaft shop. And lastly the Ultimate question. My 4.2 has 120,000 miles and i recently replace the valve cover gasket, it was leaking oil, and the head is nasty as hell. There was so much damn sludge. I purchased the vehicle a few monthes ago, I love it but I am coming to find out the past owners did not do a stellar maintenance job. So swap a 4.0, rebuild throw on a 4.0 head and FI, or just say F it and get a stroker? I want to be able to tow a small trailer and get rid of this damn carter BBD.

BigJman

1990 Jeep YJ
4.2 5-speed

 

[jps4jeep]

SYE will use any basic tools found in a "Craftsman Tool Kit" the only tool you will need to get that is slightly specialized is a pair of HD snap ring Pliers. My local sears does not carry them (they are in the catalog though) I simply got mine from the Mac guy for about $20 I think... not too sure on the price, it was about 8 years ago..

 

[cewtwo]

Do the upgrade.

I agree about the TW production line driveshaft. Why? A local shop would like your business and it will be (mostly) custom to your vehicle. They'll also help with angles and such...