I need to have my front drive shaft rebuilt or replaced. Rebuilt seems to be the much less expensive option but leaves me with a time issue since there will be a delay between when it comes out, gets rebuilt, then gets re-installed.

Quite simply, can I drive the XJ with the front drive shaft removed? Obviously I wouldn't have the ability to go to 4wd but is it safe for the vehicle or would I screw something up.

For tech stuff, it's a 93, 2 door, 4.0 liter, 5 speed manual, Dana 30 in front, Chrysler 8.25 rear, part time 4wd (np231 I believe).

Sorry for what may be a dumb question, the XJ is my first 4wd vehicle. I'm trying to get this fixed without having to miss any more work.

Thanks

 

By all means, have at it.
You will need a 5/16" 12 point wrench to remove shaft from transfer case yoke.
And 5/16" 8 point for axle yoke.

FYI for future reference. If your transfer case has a 'short cone', the rear driveshaft can be removed and jeep driven on front driveshaft with transfer case in 4-Part Time. If long-cone than fluid will come out when rear driveshaft is removed.
See this link for picture of short versus long tail cone (scroll down to picture of transfer case).
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=PFX

 

^^^
So no problems at all to drive for a few days without the front shaft?

 

^ Correct. You can drive days or years without the front driveshaft.
No worries at all with doing so.