Driveshaft question for 79 cj5

I have a 1979 CJ5 that I plan on lifting. I am trying to get all my research done before actually doing any physical labor.

Assuming a RE 4.5 lift and 33 tires, do I need a new driveshaft? I have not done the lift, so I do not know what the angle of the drive shaft will be, so I am hoping for others to be able to tell me. The RE lift comes with a t-case drop kit... about 1", but is that enough to discount getting one?

Let's assume I do need a new driveshaft. CV? How do I attach the CV driveshaft? Special attachments?

Here are the specs of my Jeep incase they are needed:

Three speed transmission Tremac T-150
Dana Model 20 transfer case
Dana 30/CJ Narrow Track 28" 53" front axle
AMC Model 20 rear axle
Gear ratio is 3.54 for both axles (yes, will need new gears for 33's)

Thanks for any help,
Brian

 

I have the exact springs and same sized tires on my '80 and you will dafinately want to change to a CV shaft. I had a CV added to the shaft I had by a local driveline shop, who also reballanced it. You will have to change the yoke on the TC rear output shaft to mate to the CV, but in the long run, it's time and money well spent. I think the whole setup ran me under 250$$.
IMO the TC Drop kit is worse than useless as it takes away clearance AND before I added the CV shaft it still vibrated at about 30 mph even with the TC lowering kit installed. I removed it after installing the shaft. NO vibrations.
Over the years of running muscle cars and Jeeps I learned (sometimes the hard way) that it's best to just spend a bit more for the right parts and save lots of headaches later.

Good luck with the install, and I think you'll be happy with the RE springs, I know I am.

 

Thank you. That is exactly the type of info I was looking for. I have no problem forking over the cash if I need to. Just want to make sure all the bases are covered before this project gets off the ground

edit - If I am going to order a new driveshaft, I need to know the proper working length with the Jeep on the suspension, yet I haven't actually done the install. Can you give me what yours is? Or is that not a good idea?

 

My shaft measures 18.75 inches, which should be about average. I would get everything installed first and then measure for your specific aplication. Better to be 100% accurate then just in the ball park.

have fun.

 

That is an option, but I drive this jeep to work everyday. When I start this project, I am hoping to take a long weekend and get it all done. Of course I could always run into troubles.... R)