front driveshaft recommendations?

[lakev2]

well I twisted and bent my second stock size front driveshaft in the yj.

The local driveshaft shop is not big into 4x4's, so looking for advice from others and what size/diameter tubing to have the front shaft made out of.

It is a fairly long shaft with standard u-joints. I run a 4.2, auto, and a locked d30 front if that helps.

[aw12345]

Go for a thicker wall size on the driveshaft, you can up the diameter too. Biggest thing is not to ding or bend it.

[lakev2]

I don't thing i have dinged it. I think i have just twisted it. no marks on it and the bend is a long gradual bend, with the yokes now out of phase by 30* or so.

[aw12345]

Up the thickness of the tube and don't look back

[66cj6]

Google Tom Woods driveshafts......great product/prices/service
I used him on my cj6 front and rear and can't speak highly enough about them
Jim

[miguelitojeep97]

Coast Driveline is in Ventura depending on where you are. They make great stuff

[dirtman13]

I have not used these guys but I have heard good things. They are local.
http://www.drivelinesinc.com/

[lakev2]

dropped the shaft off at local shop in Bakersfield, earlier this week, going from 1 1/4" diameter to a 2" 0.120thick shaft. also changing to a longer slip joint so that I can extend the wheelbase another 1-2" without having to modify the shaft again.

They called today should be finished tommorrow, for a bit cheaper than the online vendors standard pricing.

The guy i talked to this week seemed to be a bit more experienced than the guy i talked to last time i had them change a shaft for me.

Will update when i get the shaft and either add a thumbs up and price for the local guys or say dammit shoulda went with a bigger name shop.

[lakev2]

Got the new shaft installed last night. Almost double the diameter of original, a little close to the exhaust downpipe, but clears trans well. the length and slip are perfect for the future stretch on the front.

did good on freeway this morning, no vibes at any speed. next test is to get the jeep offroad and see if it holds up to the torque when front end gets bound up.

course that test has to wait, swapping out cylinder head, exhaust, and radiator this weekend. going to a 4.0 head on the 4.2.

[off road jerky.]

On your new Driveshaft did you have them bump you up to .120 wall that will help with twisting.

[lakev2]

yes i did, went from a 1 1/4" shaft stock sized, to a 2" 0.120 shaft with 3" more slip.

[lakev2]

Small update, after todays trail was glancing under the jeep saw that there were a few rub marks on the driveshaft from the tranny cooler lines, that i had thought had enough clearance. Gotta move those a little bit other than that no complaints.