OilyPlatypus

as the title states, im wondering if its possible to know what length drive shaft to order before i lift my jeep, as my jeep is my daily driver and will need it to run as soon as possible. i plan on ordering the lift, SYE, and the drive shaft at the same time. im going with the RC 4.5 long arm kit, and their SYE (unless someone can recommend me one thats better for the NP 231), as well as ordering the CV drive shaft they offer.

any help is appreciated, im open to opinions about the parts im looking at as well.

Martlor13

I wouldn't go Rough country altogether. I've installed numerous products from them for customers and their quality is severely lacking.

OilyPlatypus

id go rubicon express if they offered the 4.5 long arm. i also need the whole leaf spring pack, not just the add a leaf, which they dont seem to offer any more

00t444e

Rubicon Express still offers leaf springs I see them on Amazon all the time. As for the rear driveshaft most people just use a xj front driveshaft out a junkyard.

Click-Click-Pull

If your looking aftermarket (Tom Woods for example)they have a catalog for certain criteria based on lift and application, but in all honesty every rig and lift will not be created equal and your best bet is to install everything and take an accurate measurement to get the best results and ride.

ElMartillo

You’ll likely be able to “get by” using your front in the rear. That way you’ll be up n driveable asap. Just don’t try to go wheeling until you have the correct length DS back there. Hell, you may find that the stock front length is perfect and get one for $40 at a parts yard. I have a Tom Woods in my ‘89 and can vouch for the quality. Fast shipping too, was here in 3 days or so from telling them the length.

mburgess33

I went through Adams Driveshaft when I did my SYE. Got the SYE and driveshaft together. They know the length you'll need for any standard lift height and axle combo and I'm sure the people at Tom Woods have made enough XJ driveshafts that they would know it as well.

bad_idea

I went the route of front shaft in rear. I swapped in an 8.8, SYE, and 5" of lift. I used the front shaft in the rear to get it rolling. Then found the front shaft out of a ZJ of the appropriate length. The stock XJ front shaft was just a little short. Perfectly functional for DD, but would overextend off road.

Bmoney

I had to do the same Bad_Idea.
Front shaft from an auto xj was too short at approx. 30.6" collapsed.
Front manual shaft was an inch shorter.

Went looking for a 33" zj shaft and had no luck.
Found a shaft that said '80 chev 1/2 ton on a shelf at the salvage yard and it worked out perfect.