HD drive shaft on the cheap

Guys,

In the middle of my build and I've learned a bit of vehicle "mix-n-match"! One of the things I figured out that may be useful to you guys is the rear drive shaft. The older Chevy K10 (K5 Blazer & 4wd 1/2 ton trucks) use a 2" x .120 wall DOM tube, 1310 u-joint front drive shaft and you can find these pretty easy, I found 2 on the K5 forums. Because they are 1310 u-joints they will bolt right up to the T-case and the rear end, or front end of your cj.

Cut off the CV end with a grinder, chop saw, etc. Insert and weld on a new 1310 yoke ($20ish bucks from Denny's Driveshaft)

Bottom line is you can DIY a fairly HD rear drive shaft for your cj for very small bucks. There are multiple articles on line about building drive shafts, it isn't rocket science. Once built, you could have it balanced if you like. I assume a rear drive shaft from an older K truck would work as well, even larger tube, but the splines are likely to have a bunch more wear on them.

Just thought I would pass it along, the drive shafts that came in our jeeps aren't very stout.

 

Yj front shafts have no CV and 1310 at both ends. Just need to be shortened. They are also 2 in. Or so.

 

I love it when you find a "widget" that randomly fits your need. I found a emergency brake release handle from a early 80s camaro....fit my 5 perfectly. Thanks for the little pearl of wisdom...

 

That's a nice one as well. I "think" the K10 CV end could be used with a CV yoke on the t-case, I noticed a 10 spline CV yoke the other day on a venders site for the D18-20 cases.

 

a cherokee front shaft is easily shortened as well

 

:dead horse:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/diy-double-cardan-rear-drive-line-cj-1444192/