Keep snapping front axle u-joints

bcmaxx · May 7, 2007

I keep breaking lf axle u-joints in half, I have been using prcision#378 super strength greasables. I have tried different front lf axle. They seem to break with little effort. Never had a rf one break just wear out. I now carry a lf axle with u joint for "when" I break it. I'd carry two if I had another. Can anyone suggest a better u joint? I'm thinking these are just crappy joints.:flamemad:

Gerr · May 7, 2007

um a little more info on your rig would help us make sugestions

cal · May 7, 2007

1) more info required

2) CTM's. You won't break them.

vetteboy · May 7, 2007

That's the one I always broke as well. Probably something to do with the long side shaft absorbing some of the shock load and acting like a torsional "spring" of sorts.

Don't use greaseable ones, and get quality Spicer joints. Are you running the larger 297x joints or the smaller 260x ones?

bcmaxx · May 7, 2007

89 xj, 4.0 auto trans , Its the smaller of the two joints. What is a ctm?

cal · May 7, 2007

CTM makes u-joints. You won't be able to run one if you still have the smaller joint.

What you should have asked is "How can I stop from busting u-joints and axles?"

The answer would be to buy some Alloy USA shafts with spicer 760's in them.

bcmaxx · May 7, 2007

Hi Cal, I have already thought about that, but at 1200cnd, its out of the question for now, I was just thinking someone could recommend a swap in axle that will accept the larger joint , or stronger joint. Thanks though!

cal · May 7, 2007

You can get stock axles from a 97+ or TJ and they will bolt right in with a bigger joint. I pay about $120 for a pair locally.

If you get them, go out and buy new u-joints before installing them... no reason to install old parts. Spicer non greasable (they are stronger) 5x760 joints.

aparke4 · May 7, 2007

yes an hp dana 30 has the bigger u joints and are about a dime a dozen and will bolt in - i have some buddies that would sell theirs from axle swaps for no more than 150 US ... and i wouldnt pay anymore than that!

xjbubba · May 7, 2007

Not all HP D30's have the big joints--depends on the year built.

RalphXJ · May 7, 2007

Alloy USA shafts with Spicer Joints are only like 625cnd for a pair. Not sure where you got the 1200 total from.

bcmaxx · May 7, 2007

souced locally (in canada) we are so deprived

cal · May 7, 2007

xjbubba said:
Not all HP D30's have the big joints--depends on the year built.

And the option package. 91-95 ABS had 297's and No-ABS had 260.

bcmaxx · May 7, 2007

cal said:
You can get stock axles from a 97+ or TJ and they will bolt right in with a bigger joint.

97+ xj?
any tj?
what if I have a disco dront 30?
Bear with me thanks!!

cal · May 7, 2007

bcmaxx said:
cal said:

You can get stock axles from a 97+ or TJ and they will bolt right in with a bigger joint.

97+ xj?
any tj?
what if I have a disco dront 30?
Bear with me thanks!!

Click to expand...

Any TJ, any 97+ XJ.

You need to remove the entire disco assembly (the motor and the inner shaft), and change a seal.

Pull your current shafts, pop your carrier out, and to the left side the carrier there is a place where a seal could go. There are 5-6 different seals people have used - the "normal" dana 30 seal will almost fit but not quiet. Myself, I would take an OEM d30 seal and a dremmel tool, and grind the hole out until the seal will just press in. If you want to try and use one of the seals that doesnt require any modification, bug me later in the week and I'll track down the part numbers.. a little busy to do it today.

Its a lot easier than it sounds. If you can change a broken shaft, you can do this.

RalphXJ · May 7, 2007

bcmaxx said:
souced locally (in canada) we are so deprived

There are main online sources, but here is one: Alloy USA Front Shafts from 4wheel drive hardware, and it shouldn't be much more then $100 or so in shipping depending on the weight! I just put Alloy USA shafts in mine, no need to get better u-joints, their warrenty covers the Spicer Joints they come with!! :yelclap:

bcmaxx · May 7, 2007

I read o write-up by crash and it looks like 95 wranger with abs and disco will fit right in and be able to use the larger u-joints (bad idea?)

cal · May 7, 2007

The shift collar for the disconnect is still weak. I never broke mine before I went to solid shafts, but I've seen them break several times on other jeeps..

Go solid. Do it once, do it right..

bcmaxx · May 7, 2007

Just priced used wrangler front shafts $250 a piece canadian less 20% ,holy s***te batman, taking your advise, getting them from the states, $499 u.s. shipped for alloy usa's complete front disco conversion, Thanks for the time and help!

cal · May 7, 2007

Wow, yeah thats a lot.

Alloy usa has a great warantee, and they can give you the seal you need to convert from a disconnect setup. Just make sure to let the vendor know you need it.

Keep snapping front axle u-joints

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Member # 1524

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Forum User

Similar threads