SQUEEKY DRIVE SHAFT?

[Tribal Jeep]

I though it wasa my wheel hub bearings but it wasnt. I replaced them both, might be the front driveshaft, of a mount somewhere underthere... I cant see anything, my mechanic bud is gunna take er for a drive one of these weekends to pin point it but until then I just have to void the erdge of jammin it into a river.

[RckyMtnTJ]

For a quick diagnosis, disconnect your driveshaft at the diff (4 x 8mm bolts) mark your driveshaft where it slides together.  Pull the front portion off and bungee it up.  Then go for a drive.  Should tell you really quick if its your front driveshaft or not.  Just don't put it in 4WD!

[jpthing]

as far as i have seen all of the jeeps come with a non-greaseable front double cardan (that's what it's called)

if you get it rebuilt,they will put a new yoke (?) with a grease fitting.

It's really fairly easy to replace the ball kit...about 1-2hrs.

The ball kit and rubber boot can be sourced at Pat's for around $35.

Greasing it thru the fitting does much less than rebuilding and greasing.

The absolute most important key point is this: If you let it go 'til the machined end stubshaft of the driveshaft is worn, you need an expensive driveshaft shop repair, however, if you replace the ball kit and boot at the very first sign of angry sparrows, or better yet, seasonally as a maintenance item, your (expensive) driveshaft will last through many (cheap) ball kit replacements.

Q: how do I know this?
A; I probably spent $2400 at Pat's driveline in 2 years of jeepin before I wised up!

this is a classic case demonstrating how much easier it is to fix it before it breaks!

if you're going to try this job, it's best to (obviously) replace the u-joints @ the same time....get ones with low profile ("inverted") grease fittings if you can and make sure the fittings will face out when complete.

I'll step down off the soapbox now....

[jpthing]

I'm sure your ball kit appreciates the sprayed on lube....MUCH better than nothing!

You should be aware, though that that's obviously a temporary solution and far inferior to actual grease actually inside there...It may not be too late to save the machined shaft end.....

The nice thing about working on these is if it's your d/d you can still drive it w/o the front shaft in.

good luck!!