RE SF 4.5 with driveshaft question.....

[Rubi Rick]

Hi everyone....  I am planning on installing the attached lift kit as a package deal (RE SF 4.5 with 3.5 springs, driveshaft, etc) as soon as I figure a few things out.  I have my tax return spent before I get it :rotflmao:. 

My dilemma....how can I order the driveshaft at the same time as the lift?  Don't I have to install the lift first, and then measure to get the correct length for the new driveshaft?  I'm thinking I could just order the lift with a MML and BL (without the new shaft) and dial out the vibes, with a little luck. I could order/install the shaft at a later time if needed, after the lift is installed right? 

Thanks to Zach for getting me this far in my lift progress...I just didn't want to bother him with more of my silly questions.....    

Thanks.....Rick

http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=801&osCsid=c6320292e0e1eb4293086068153d8ccc

 

[Rubi04TJ]

I believe Tom Woods and HAD have a good idea of what you would need. Try giving Tom a call or HAD and ask what he suggests.

 

[massxj]

when i got my lift from RE i also got the DS from them (out source from  drivetrain superstore ?) the shaft was the right size  but not a great DS. if you can put the lift in and the have tom woods make the shaft .  high angle may also be good but have never worked  with them.   TW product and sevice was great.  

 

[iamayeti]

I think your running a Rubicaon by your screen name. I would recommend a Tom Woods driveshaft to anyone. I would also think that a slip yoke eliminator would be a good addintion to your setup. If you watch the adds in the back of the 4wd magazines sometimes I have seen a TW drive shaft and a SYE package for about a hundred more than either by themselves.

Doug

 

[Rubi Rick]

Thanks guys....   Jesse at HAD wrote, "Actually i think you need the mm lift and a c/v shaft with adjustable lower and upper arms- aprox cost for the shaft 419.00 its 1350 and a direct bolt up to your flange."  I haven't decided yet and still looking into Tom Woods.

I only need to be concerned with the rear driveshaft correct?  Oh my head hurts..... :rotflmao:

 

[NomadJeep]

yes rear only....


Here is what I know from all my research.  Tom Woods makes good stuff, I am on my third driveshaft from him.  The only problem I have had is they sometimes do not do the best job of balancing their shafts.  I have had to send 2 back and have them redone.  I guess they are trying to keep up with the demand of being popular.

HAD is a much better company as far as quality, but you pay more for that  $$

Rick being you have an 04, you luck out.  The Rubicon has a huge harmonic balancer off the t-case.  On the 04, they changed it so now you can get a driveshaft made that will bolt right to the balancer. (uses existing holes in the balancer)  So that means it is the longest possible shaft.

For the Tom Woods, I am not sure that he does use the straight out 1350 bolt on flange, but he may.

For the 03 suckers like me and Bruce, we are stuck with a few different options.  Tom Woods makes an aluminum flange that bolts to the dampener using the weird holes.    You can see it on the left of this picture.

  However that makes your d-shaft 3/4" shorter.  Or we can use the straight yoke,remove the balancer which I here works, but the factory puts the balancer on for a reason, and people have been bitching about vibes without it.  This is where HAD is much better, they take the 03 balancer and drill and tap it for the right holes.  Then you don't have to use the flange. They do a swap out for this so us 03 guys don't get left waiting for our balancers to be drilled.

If you have the money, go HAD, but either way, they are both good companies.

As for what you should do, I would buy the JKS motor mount lift (or Goferit one) put that in, and if you want to get by until you have the money for the d-shaft, drop the t case and then measure to be perfect.  Once that's done, order your shaft at your liesure.

So, when are we doing the wrench fest... 

PS, good choice with the L Kit.

Here is the info from both companies:
HAD CLICK HERE
TW CLICK ON RUBI PIC

 

[Rubi04TJ]

I think your running a Rubicaon by your screen name. I would recommend a Tom Woods driveshaft to anyone. I would also think that a slip yoke eliminator would be a good addintion to your setup. If you watch the adds in the back of the 4wd magazines sometimes I have seen a TW drive shaft and a SYE package for about a hundred more than either by themselves.

Doug

A rubicon does not need a SYE. kinda comes with one, all that is needed is the cv driveshaft.

 

[Rubi Rick]

Well guys....If you can believe it, I think I have actually run out of questions. :rotflmao:  Thanks again for everyone's advise.

Hey Damon- as you could probably tell, my mechanical abilities basically end with changing the oil.  I'm looking at ordering the lift and tires within the next couple weeks.  If you guys are up for some wrenching, I'll have some wrenching to do! A buddy of mine has access to a small garage with limited tools.....   Unless someone has a better location for wrenching? 

I'll post it up when everything come in..... Thanks Rick

 

[Rubi04TJ]

Well guys....If you can believe it, I think I have actually run out of questions. :rotflmao:  Thanks again for everyone's advise.

Hey Damon- as you could probably tell, my mechanical abilities basically end with changing the oil.  I'm looking at ordering the lift and tires within the next couple weeks.  If you guys are up for some wrenching, I'll have some wrenching to do! A buddy of mine has access to a small garage with limited tools.....  Unless someone has a better location for wrenching? 

I'll post it up when everything come in..... Thanks Rick

I should have two bay garage on March 3rd.. would love to break it in (new house purchase)