Hey all, first post.

Have a 96 ZJ 5.2 that is just a box full of surprises. Changed out the brakes, found out I have Yukon aftermarket axles in it. Back windows have been tinted so I didn't notice right away the Up Country Suspension. Checked the ride height and compared it to what people have posted online and it's a couple inches taller than stock and sitting on 30 inch bald tires. Nice. Bought it with a junk trannie in it. Had that rebuilt, shift kit, etc. Build date is 11-95 for the ZJ, 25NOV95 on the driveshaft.

I've taken it out just on forest service trails and it's done quite well. Absolutely NO tire spin on the front tires climbing some pretty gnarly rutted hills. I'm //guessing// there is a locker in the front. Had a friend with me yesterday who has 4 wheeled pretty much his life away and he brought up the fact it wheels like a front locker. Keeping in mind, I'm pretty much on racing slicks (new tires are on order and should be here this weekend)

It's a one owner, who is passed away, so no way to ask her what she had done.

As mentioned, yesterday was out hill climbing and took a good one, damn near straight up. 3/4 the way up, front end dies. Nothing. Got it down the hill sliding the whole way, flip it around and back up and the front tires are doing nothing while the rears are spitting dirt back at us.

Looked at the undercarriage at the front and It's got the CV style driveshaft. The rubber boot at the CV is rotated around. Lost the CV. Dropped the shaft by cutting the boot away and removing 4 bolts at the t-case. Left the front CV in to keep dirt out of everything.

Everything I've read says that the CV is pretty strong, until it's lifted. I've looked all day at different driveshafts and can't figure out what to do at this point.

I'm wondering if this shaft will fit: https://www.quadratec.com/products/52300_0030.htm . The bolt pattern at the axle looks to be the same. I have also read that converting it to a 4 liter style with the yoke and driveshaft is the way to go.

Thanks in advance for any help. Ready to pull the credit card out and get this thing back on the hills. Bakersfiend sucks in the summer and I want to get back to where it's cool!!!

--Shane
TollHolio

 

The shaft you have the link for is the way I would go. If you get hung up on a rock or other terrain the round companion flange style yoke will hold up better than a std yoke as it will not catch on stuff as esily.

Max