My rear driveshaft looks like poo, and i dont like it. I found plenty of XJ on ebay but look no better than what i have now so why bother. What other makes will work without resizing, or am i stuck looking for another XJ? I believe mine should be 27 3/4". The GC are longer IIRC (31" or something?). The parts yard is a no go until May if i am lucky so i am trying to find a good one online, that will not need resized, unless i have no choice. So far i have not found a shop in my area that does that sort of thing anyway. Its like trying to find a shop that still recores the old copper and brass radiators.

 

You can buy a new custom made one from stock to most any lifted height for about $200 with the large joints.

 

Seems a custom piece is my only option at the moment. Who would you recommend, and how long does a new shaft typically take to build? Or who sells a premade factory rear driveshaft for my application? My ujoints are still good and solid, its the tube that concerns me.

 

Tom Woods makes really good driveshafts you should check em out

 

Not sure what setup you have here. If youve installed a SYE a front driveshaft from an XJ will work fine.

If you have a stock height then yes, you will nee a custom shaft. What is making your current one "look like poo?" The shafts are meant to last the entire life of the vehicle pending you dont pound it against a boulder. The u-joints will need periodic replacement but other than that it should be fine.

Also, if you are able, take your current shaft off and get a wire brush for a power drill at harbor freight or walmart and clean it up. Spray some paint on, good as new.

 

Tom Woods name did come up (thanks for the referral) but i may have found someone locally nearby that does this sort of thing, nothing definite yet so Tom Woods is still an option. My main concern is that i can scrape some of the rust off with my fingers, which is usally a bad sign when it comes to rust. Its crusty and dont trust it. As my grandmother used to say, "when in doubt, throw it out". All my previous vehicles used an aluminum driveshaft or never had it long enough for rust to be an issue so perhaps i am jumping the gun. If grinding doesnt help i atleast have other options. Which would be cheaper you think, a new driveshaft or replacing the tube only? The tube is all i really need as the ujoints are still good and solid. Decisions.



And no SYE and no lift, its a completely stock XJ.

 

When you say "rust", do you mean rust, or RUST? If it's pitted, flaking, and comes off in small chunks...yeah you might want to do something about that. If it's just a surface discoloration that leaves your hands stained...maybe not an issue.

DO NOT grind, cut, or torch your driveshaft. Wire brushing is ok to remove superficial rust.

It wouldn't be worth your time or money to replace the tube. The tube is welded to the U joint yokes. A drive shaft shop would have to cut off the old yokes and reweld them to a new tube. More work than a new shaft and of lower quality, IMHO. Better to just have new yokes and tube fabbed up together.

 

Can you post a picture of your driveshaft?

 

Whatever you choose to do. If you do get a new shaft might as well get an sye and a double cardan shaft. If replace why not upgrade too?

 

I agree with Hen.

 

Thanks for the replies. Appreciate it.



I can, just havent gotten that far yet. Too busy with the Mustang. And i may have found a driveshaft, we shall see.

 

Would seem i cant post the post, just a link, which photobucket is having a hard time with. I have noticed that sometimes the forum will sometimes show pics, and then the next time just a link??? In any case, i have another shaft on the way so i wont bother with a pic. Whats the secret to showing an actual on the forums, and not a link? I have other pics i would like to show.

 

i had a crusty driveshaft like you described and it's just a matter of sanding or buffing it and putting a coat of paint over it. of all the XJs I see at the junkyard having more rust than actual body panels, the driveshaft is always fine, only surface rust.

it's your call, but honestly before investing in a custom driveshaft (you're not even lifted..) go check a junkyard or try to buff yours and then see for yourself if it's only surface or worse (which I doubt)