Reasons to not remove driveshafts?

So the Jeep-in-a-Barn is going to eventually need its axles overhauled, and I'm considering removing the driveshafts over the holiday (or at least trying to) to help ease things. And in case I have to flat tow it, so I can save wear and tear on the transmission and T-case.

Are there any overwhelming reasons to leave the driveshafts on? I'll probably not be putting them back until much later in the project, like after getting the rest of the driveline overhauled.

 

I see no problems removing rear drive shaft to flat tow . front does need removing to tow not used unless in 4WD . does jeep have free wheeling hubs . have you posted a picture of the jeep in the barn

 

It has no lockers right now. I'm debating putting a pair of cheap lockers on it, just to keep dust and debris out.



As one guy put it, I've got an elephant of a project, but there's a way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.

Edit: And I know I'm going to have to replace that POS rim that dad bought and put on without asking me.

 

Looks like you have a Tuxedo Park!

 

I think if those front bearings have been sitting open like that for a long time, I'd clean & re-pack them before I towed it any distance. If you dont have the lockout hubs to put back on them, use some plastic baggies & duct tape to keep them clean after you're done.

 

Yup. One of only two or three Mk.III Tuxes I know of on the internet. The color and lack of a hood badge tell me it isn't an Mk.IV or one of the earlier ones.

Or just wait until I have the lockers to put on them before I repack them? I was going to start by overhauling the rear axle (get the easier one done first, which would also allow tow truck towing), and then getting to the front next.

One of the lockers is completely missing, and the other isn't in serviceable condition.

 

Locking hubs, or a locking differential?

Lockers tend to imply an OX locker, or other brand.

 

When/if you remove the driveshafts, just pay attention to the orientation of the yokes, so you can put them together the same way as they came out. (yokes should be aligned) Mine got mis-aligned somewhere along the way and you can get a nasty vibration at about 40mph...

Love the barn...my jeep lived in a barn just like that for many years...

 

That is a good looking project for sure. It had a hardtop on it at one time, the windshield trim pieces and door hinges are still there. Send me a pm if you're interested in selling those pieces. You can see our '63 in the build threads.

 

I have a MB project in my possession that was destroyed flat towing which is how I wound up with it. The front driveshaft fell out at speed and slammed into the ground. This wasted the Dana 18 transfercase and then the driveshaft spun into the side of the block smashing the side out of the water jacket. Not sure on whether transmission was damaged, but engine and T-case both junk. So, pull the driveshafts if you plan on towing it. Good opportunity to put new u-joints in and make sure they are in 100% condition before you tow with them in.

 

I'll try to keep you in mind. Dad isn't very interested in selling anything off it right now, but I'm of the opinion that every little bit helps.

 

and its a good idea to check if there is any oil in the diffs if your going any distance

 

One other question- since my manuals are at the ranch instead of down here, do I need any special tools like snap ring pliers to do the job?