budget/junkyard cv driveshafts, who runs them? Do you like?

snowrydr01 · 06-09-2008, 04:42 PM

Ive been doing some research and it looks like its possible to run an explorer or cherokee front driveshaft, after shortening, with the sye kit if you are on a budget?

Does anyone have any experience with this?

What are the pros and cons?

**Tomb Raider** · 06-09-2008, 04:44 PM

I ran a cherokee shaft on my YJ for a few years with good luck. I have cherokee shafts front/rear on my TJ now.....no issues to this point. It's a good inexpensive upgrade.

snowrydr01 · 06-09-2008, 07:02 PM

how much did they cost?

Chris_ · 06-09-2008, 07:40 PM

Mine was $110; $50 for the drive shaft, and $60 for the cut and balance. Make sure you check the CV joint and try to look at the vehicle it was pulled from. If they have to straighten it, and you have to rebuild the CV joint, it could easily cost as much as a new one.

snowrydr01 · 06-09-2008, 09:02 PM

thats what i was thinking, all those ujoints add up if you have to rebuild it.

V-8unlimited · 06-09-2008, 09:06 PM

I have used jeep cherokee and wrangler front shafts shortened for the rear several times with good results. You can grind the weld down, and knock out the end, then cut the tube, tack it, check for straightness, then weld the bead. It won't be balanced, but be plenty good enough for a part time driver and trail rig.

BCJEEP · 06-09-2008, 09:18 PM

I've got a explorer drive shaft in the rear of my TJ. Works great!
I can't think of any pro's or con's
Cost $40.00
Cut and balance $140.00

snowrydr01 · 06-09-2008, 09:50 PM

great stuff guys, this is the input i was looking for. Im currently trying to put together a build sheet on a budget and i didnt particularly want to spend almost $400 on a cv driveshaft after the sye kit.

I wanted to build a low CG jeep on 33s but the little woman wants a mall crawler which means more work and money

Rafikie · 07-02-2008, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCJEEP

I've got a explorer drive shaft in the rear of my TJ. Works great!
I can't think of any pro's or con's
Cost $40.00
Cut and balance $140.00

What measurements do you have it cut too?

safarimike · 07-02-2008, 09:48 AM

I use a Cherokee front shaft for my sye. 30 bucks the shaft and 25 for a 1310-1330 u joint. I had my friend cut and weld the shaft, I never even got it balanced, it doesn't vibrate at all.

ArrizX · 07-02-2008, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V-8unlimited

I have used jeep cherokee and wrangler front shafts shortened for the rear several times with good results. You can grind the weld down, and knock out the end, then cut the tube, tack it, check for straightness, then weld the bead. It won't be balanced, but be plenty good enough for a part time driver and trail rig.

Thats exatly what I did on my international scout 800 project.

Scotch740 · 07-02-2008, 12:05 PM

Any know how long these are to start with? Wondering how much shortening it would need to be used in a LJ?

**sknowskier** · 08-07-2008, 04:08 PM

Does it matter what year of Cherokee?

Puntachalupa · 08-24-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sknowskier

Does it matter what year of Cherokee?

i'd like the second that question, and if im correct you would need the front driveshaft out of a cherokee, but if your using an explorer driveshaft would you use the front or rear?

Trombino · 08-24-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puntachalupa

i'd like the second that question, and if im correct you would need the front driveshaft out of a cherokee, but if your using an explorer driveshaft would you use the front or rear?

I believe any 4-door XJ front driveshaft will work, however you will want one from an Automatic, as they will be longer.