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[HOME] Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shaft's
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Rubicon CV (Rear)
If you have a JK Rubicon, please
click here.
When lifting a Jeep Rubicon we suggest that you position the rear
differential so the pinion points at the rear output of the transfer case
and run a double cardan drive shaft in the rear. Generally, the stock front
drive shaft will not need replacement or modification. This is because the
front drive shaft is so much longer than the rear and the lift will not
affect the length or angularity of the drive shaft as much.
If you want a front drive shaft for the Jeep Rubicon, please click here.
The following information applies to the rear drive shaft of the Jeep TJ
Rubicon edition for either the two door or four door versions and assumes a
lifted vehicle.
Because even minimal amounts of lift will significantly affect the drive
shaft operating angle, ultimately the smoothness of operation and life of
the drive shaft, we suggest installing a double cardan (CV) drive shaft in
the rear. Using this type of drive shaft will require pitching the rear
differential so that the pinion points directly at the output of the
transfer case (maintaining 3°s, or less, a joint angle at the
differential end). Most lift kits come with either adjustable control arms
or new arms of the correct length. In any case, be sure to inquire with your
lift kit supplier on this subject.
To read more on why you may need a CV drive shaft, you may find interesting
reading at any of these links:
A double cardan drive shaft can be installed in a number of ways.
We, and a number of other companies, offer a double cardan drive shaft which
requires changing the original equipment rear out-put flange & mass
vibration dampener to a yoke. While this type of conversion will yield the
longest possible drive shaft, the reduced the operating angle at the
transfer case is so minimal that there is little benefit. We consider this
to be almost a nonissue.
We do not suggested that the yoke type conversion be done on vehicles with
the manual transmission. As removing the mass vibration dampener hub will
eliminate the torsional dampening effect of this hub and may induce some
transmission gear clatter.
We can supply this type of drive shaft
but do not recommend this due to costs of the additional yoke.
Complete with the required out-put yoke for the transfer case (1310
Series), the price is $369.
Alternatively there are a couple of methods that do not require removing the
original equipment mass vibration dampener hub/flange.
We offer a 1350 CV (double cardan) drive shaft for the Jeep Rubicon. This
drive shaft will flex to a nominal 30°s prior to binding and is a
direct bolt in replacement that does not require removing the factory
original out-put mass vibration dampener hub. Built on a 3" tube diameter
and using the stock 1330 sized universal joint at the rear differential end,
the price is only $429. The 1350 series universal joint is suggested if
your intended usage would be the most aggressive “hard core” type of four
wheeling.
Our 1350 Series
CV @ $429
Our 1310 Series CV @
$299
We are pleased to offer our newest version which will have improved
benefits. Manufactured exclusively for us, we now have a 1310 series CV
socket flange that bolts directly to the original equipment mass vibration
dampener hub/flange. This part is made from steel rather than cast iron like
other manufactures. It is also serviceable with a grease fitting at the
center pivot point with designed provisions for a positive greasing during
service.
At only $299 we believe this is the best value for Jeep Rubicon, CV drive
shaft.
The benefits to this conversion, as we see them are:
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Ease of installation
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Does not require removal of
the original equipment rear out-put flange & mass vibration
dampener
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Retains the effect of the
original equipment rear out-put flange & mass vibration dampener
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In the event of failure of
the CV drive shaft, the original equipment drive shaft can be
readily reinstalled with simple hand tools
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All wearing components have
provision for easy and positive greasing
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Greatest flexibility: nominal
35° prior to binding compared to 30° with most others
While we can build a drive shaft with application information only, to
insure that “glove fit” you deserve, we request a measurement from the
vehicle. Simply measure from the face of the out-put flange/mass vibration
dampener hub on the rear of the transfer case. (This will be the
mating surface between this hub and the face of the flange on the drive
shaft) To the centerline of the universal joint at the differential end.
Please keep in mind that the
drive shaft shown in the photo has been polished and clear coated,
this finish adds $15 the cost. We only
recommend the polish & clear coat for show vehicles or very dry climates.
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