I believe my front driveshaft is vibrating really bad. I will know for sure when I take it out tomorrow. It's a 2000 Cherokee Sport automatic.

I called a good local driveshaft shop to get a quote on a rebuild or balance. Here is what they said.

My 2000 Cherokee has a different front shaft then some older Jeeps. The new ones are apparently not that good. He said they don't repair those types of shafts, instead they build very nice custom ones for $425.

What is the difference in driveshafts between mine and other Jeeps? Is a new shaft really my only realistic solution? I don't mind buying the new shaft I just want to make sure something isn't goofy with the situation.

One last thing, he said I would need to take off the yoke from the front diff and the tcase so he can take measurements. Is this an easy job or do I have to take apart the diff and tcase? I only had time to jump under the Jeep to check how to take off the driveshaft (only 8 bolts).

Thanks for the help, I need to get this sorted out quick before I take another 1500 mile trip.

 

correct me if im wrong, but im pretty sure all front DS front 87-+ are all CV style.

i got mine completly rebuilt with spicer U-joints for 300$

 

I don't know, I can't find anywhere that tells me what type of driveshaft it is. Anyone know if there were different styles?

 

there are two different style shafts, there are the standard CV joint style that has a CV joint almost identical to that you'd find on a FWD import, or a double cardan style that is pretty much a single u-joint on the axle pinion and then two u-joints back to back at the transfer case end(referred to as a "Double cardan").

 

I'm pretty sure the only difference between yours and the pre 99s is the low pinion D30 differential. you should be able to go to the bobe yard and get one.
What exactly is wrong? is it bent? if it's just the universals there like $50 for the parts and maybe $150 for a shop to replace. And that labour I think is on the high side.
I grabbed the front drive saft out of my 91 limited and put it on my 98 Sport whie I rebuilt the universals on it. Swapped right in and is still there as I haven't had time to do the rebuild. Parts are still on the work bench.

I think the guy wants to make a few bucks at your expense.

 

Are the CV's rare? All I've ever seen is the double cardan.

And even if it is the CV it still shouldn't cost that much.

 

I'm not sure what is wrong with it exactly. I will take some pictures today and post them up so I can tell what type of driveshaft I am dealing with. The only think I noticed when it was in the car is the center "slip" joint has a lot of play. I'm not sure if that is normal or not. Anyways, I am off to take it off and I will update this thread tonight or tomorrow morning with pictures.

Thanks for the help.

*edit* - So $425 is too high for a brand new custom built shaft? He didn't quote me for a rebuild on it.

 

No thats fair for a custom shaft but do you need it?
Are you wheeling rocks? Do you have a 6" lift?

Sounds like this is just your DD right?
Even if the slip joint is gone a boneyard shaft with new ujoints would be the way to go.

 

I'm not really sure, I know they are out there.

Your front slip joint sound like its shot, to be honest I'd pick one up at a local JY. If you don't have a local JY I can find you one at mine, in probably excellent condition and have it shipped to you for half that price or less. From what I know the slip-joint is NOT rebuildable and you have to replace the whole shaft if the joint isn't greased and taken care of

 

Okay, this is starting to make sense. I bet the shop was referring to the slip joint not being able to be rebuilt. So this joint should have NO play in it?

It sounds like I can just get a good shaft at the JY and get new U joints a the end. Living in colorado my JY's are 98% Jeeps so I should be able to find a good one.

 

So thats where they all are! Pretty scarce around here.

 

It should have very little or no play in it. and yes, once the slip joint goes the DS is basically trash