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Loose Slip Joint Opinions

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Dphillip, Feb 13, 2020.

  1. Feb 18, 2020
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    322
    I was thinking the spline was off by one tooth as well? I’ve never had that slip joint apart, never had the need too?
    I may have to investigate.

    That shaft has been on the CJ for 20 years custom built by Tom Wood, it’s never vibrated or given me any issues.

    My hubs are only locked in during my biannual trips to Moab and that’s only when on the trail. I would estimate that front driveshaft has 5000 miles on it give or take. That’s why I was surprised the slip joint would have that amount of slop with those few miles and my redundant maintenance schedule?
     
  2. Feb 18, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,754
    Phasing is discussed after 2:00.

     
    Dphillip likes this.
  3. Feb 18, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    One thing you can do to minimize slip joint wear is to run the slip-end of the shaft up at the t-case rather than at the axle. Getting the slip joint further from the axle will minimize the axial stresses/shock load on the joint that are transferred into your shaft every time you hit a bump. This constant sideways pounding on the splines can wear them down over time.
     
  4. Feb 18, 2020
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
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    5,798
    The joint doesn't get worn out from turning, but the sawing action of the suspension compressing and working. There may be an argument that if you left your hubs locked or had drive flanges that it might even last longer or at least wear more evenly. Still, 1/32 of lateral play is nothing and like new.
     
    Lockman likes this.
  5. Feb 18, 2020
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    322
    I would prefer to run the slip joint up by the transfer case but with automatic transmission there is minimal clearance between the driveshaft and the automatic transmission oil pan. That shaft is actually custom made for a CJ with a auto trans, smaller tube diameter and heavier wall thickness.

    CJ Front Drive Shaft, Automatic Transmission
     
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  6. Feb 18, 2020
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    322
    Hey PeteL,
    That video especially the portion on phasing was excellent. In the video he only slightly moved that yoke out of phase from the other yoke but the consequences were drastic.
     
  7. Feb 21, 2020
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    322
    I received my new front driveshaft from Tom Wood in Ogden UT.
    It appears to be a quality piece.

    BC70A70D-1268-430B-91FE-8FB31284E547.jpeg
     
  8. Feb 21, 2020
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2014
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    3,548
    Just curious, what does the seal on the shaft splines look like? Is it just round or does is match the spline?
    Also, how much flex do you have? What is the need for that long of spline?
    I have way more suspension travel than a stock jeep and the stock spline length is just fine for me.
     
  9. Feb 21, 2020
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    322
    The spline seal does have teeth that match up with the splines in the stub shaft.
    E2BE9F94-203C-471E-A05B-D3C6E06064FC.jpeg

    I’m not sure how much flex my CJ has relative to other CJ’s?
    I have 2” lift BDS Wrangler springs with a sway bar disconnect.
    There are 3 inches of exposed splines and 3 inches of splines in the tube when the CJ is static.
    They may use this same extended length slip joint for CJ’s with shackle reversal.
     
  10. Feb 21, 2020
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,466
    I'm running flexy Holbrooks with mine - never had an issue with the extended slip setup where the stock would bottom out or come apart.
     
    Dphillip likes this.
  11. Feb 22, 2020
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    322
    This photo may show the amount of flex I have.

    C8146132-9E8D-4459-8B16-D5C6C58888F7.png
     
    Fireball, Norcal69, Lockman and 2 others like this.
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