Drive Shafts

I am in the process of changing front drive shaft u-joints. When I removed the drive shaft the sliding yoke end was at the transfer case. Does it make any difference if I swap it end for end and move it to the differential? It looks like it would be easier to grease if it wasn't above the skid plate. I guess the same question goes for the rear shaft since i am under the jeep anyway

 

Probably wouldn't make a difference on the front driveshaft. All drivelines I've seen in the truck industry have worked from the outside in. Meaning the end at the transmission (fixed point) would be the short, internally splined piece. The long portion of the shaft has the external splines. Not sure if this has to do with the long end moving as the axle travels up and down. Again, if you have locking hubs that spend more time unlocked it's a nonissue.

 

The reasoning I've heard is: the spline section of the shaft is much heavier than the tubing section. It's generally the better option to put the heavier half of the shaft towards the end that sees less suspension movement to lessen unsprung weight.

Will it hurt anything? Probably not.

 

Thanks. I think I'll stay the way it is and have the weight away from the axles