Driveshaft lengths [Archive] - NAXJA Forums -::- North American XJ Association

dgmachinist

July 30th, 2003, 19:13

I am looking for the OEM lengths for an 1988 XJ driveshaft. (both front and rear) I am thinking of swapping out my 242 t-case and putting in a 231. The Jeep is a 4spd auto, I'm not sure of the axles, but I think that they are Dana 30's??? they are not disco type. I was told by one person that I would have to get new shafts, then another told me that the ones I had would suffice....

Seth

ChuckD

July 30th, 2003, 19:17

I concur with the friend.

Eagle

July 30th, 2003, 20:05

The axles are not Dana 30s. The front is, but the rear will be either a Dana 35 (most likely) or a Dana 44 (not very likely). The D44 has a longer pionion and takes a correspondingly shorter driveshaft.

I'm currently working on an '88 with Dana 35 axle and 242 transfer case. I'll try to remember to measure the rear shaft length for you when I'm in the garage tomorrow.

BTW -- check the North Atlantic Chapter forum, we're planning a get-together in Maine. Hope to see you there.

CheapXJ

July 31st, 2003, 00:32

there's no difference in case length between a 231 and a 242.

dgmachinist

July 31st, 2003, 03:15

Well, my 88 currently has the 242. The reason that I want to replace it is because it's cracked. I just happen to have a 231 sitting in my shed. I do disagree however on the case length. I think that the 231 is .150 thousands (about 5/32nds) longer. But, I could be wrong....

Seth

Ghost

July 31st, 2003, 06:06

At one point I had a 242 and 231 Front shafts and the rear from a 242. The fronts were the same length. And if memory serves me the rears were the same also. I still have the rear shaft from a 242.

ECKSJAY

July 31st, 2003, 09:21

Here's info on the front shafts. :)

http://www2.dana.com/pdf/J321-CV.PDF

CheapXJ

July 31st, 2003, 12:27

Originally posted by dgmachinist
Well, my 88 currently has the 242. The reason that I want to replace it is because it's cracked. I just happen to have a 231 sitting in my shed. I do disagree however on the case length. I think that the 231 is .150 thousands (about 5/32nds) longer. But, I could be wrong....

Seth

there no SIGNIFICANT difference that would necessitate a change in driveshaft length.

better?!?!? :D

dgmachinist

July 31st, 2003, 19:26

Much! thank you for all your advice! I should be able to tackle the swap this weekend perhaps. I'll let you know how it goes.

Seth