I have a 97 ZJ with open-yoke universals at the front wheels. Both of them need to be replaced. Can I replace the axles with CV axles and if so, will they change the turning radius of the vehicle? It's a 4.0 with a c30 diff. Is this a good idea or not?

 

It shouldn't change the turning radius. Just get the axle shafts from a V8 equipped ZJ, they should swap over, and they came with the CV joints.
I have the CV shafts in my '97 V8 ZJ and want to put the regular u-joint shafts in mine when the time comes for replacement. I like u-joints better. JMO

 

You like the u-joint axles better? OK tell me why. This is why I'm asking. I thought the CV's would be better protected. With the life expectance of this vehicle, I would think that either would last as long as I would need them. I lost the front drive a couple of days ago but it's been snowing constantly for the past week (lake effect) and I haven't been able the scope it out. I did see the right front joint is intact but there is a white plastic support that has worked itself out of the housing. Has the axle moved out of the splines inside, or did I bust the chain in the transfer? It doesn't make any noise, but I noticed I was getting a pulsing in the drive at extreme steering angle just before it stopped working. There wasn't any noise from the drive before it failed or after.

BTW, this vehicle is crippled without 4WD. You don't know what you got 'til it's gone! Merry Christmas!

This forum is incredible!! You guys are a pleasure to talk to and better than any other website I've been on! Just reading other guys questions has helped me a lot. Just knowing what to watch out for is wonderful. I was on a Chevy website when I had my truck, and if you asked a question that wasn't about engines or racing, nobody bothered to reply! I bow to the knowledge of people who have been there before and are willing to share! Thanks again!!!

 

Because of the inherent problems with CV shafts that I've had in the past, and read about, I much prefer the stronger, better reputation of the u-joints.
As for the rest of your post I don't quite understand it. More info would be helpful.

 

OK, olblue, I hear you. The rest of the post was just me crying in my beer. I haven't really had time or conditions favorable to crawling under it to REALLY see what's wrong. Both u-joints look intact but I got no front drive. T-case seems to shift fine with no noise, but the front wheels don't drive. That white plastic thingy might even have been ice, I don't know.

 

Update on my front drive problem. I think the t-case shift linkage is out of adjustment. I went all the way back to neutral and the fulltime light came on. Tested the drive and it was in! Pushed the shifter back forward to the 4 full position and the partime light came on! Must be the adjustment lock bolt loosened up. Whew!! Is that all? I quess one shouldn't think the worse until one checks it out!

 

Glad/hope it's just a linkage adjustment issue. Get it adjusted and post back.

 

I like the Ujoint style better for ease of servicability....try to change your axle shaft on the trail. Plus you can swap shafts with an XJ or TJ with the same front axle if you're in a bind. But, IIRC, won't an XJ Dana 30 bolt into the ZJ and even give you a stronger style driveshaft too? That's what I'd do cause they're plentiful... Just my thoughts

 

i don't think the Tj D 30 came with abs rings, and even then they are the wrong count. (not 100% sure)

if you do go with CVs then get some from o'reilly so you can get the life time warranty. thats if your not taking it off roading at all.