Jeep ZJ Driveshaft "Angry Sparrows"

[wn1998]

I have the angry sparrows in the front driveshaft of my 98 grand Cherokee. I had the driveshaft rebuilt 2/07 and have put 65k on the driveshaft since the last rebuild. I thought it would have lasted longer with all street miles.

The jeep is on-road only and I was just wondering how often other jeepers have had to rebuild their front driveshafts? At $85 for parts and $40 for labor, this isn't a cheap fix!

 

[Chris142]

My front did that @90k. Rear is still original @140k. Your price is cheap. Mine was $300

 

[wn1998]

for an 02 there is no way you should have shelled out $300! It's just 3 u-joints and a double cardon assembly! The driveline shop I used before had the work done is about an hour.

 

[asand1]

Are you lifted? Check out an aftermarket driveline with CVs at each end.

 

[wn1998]

I only have a 2 inch budget boost. I don't intend on keeping the jeep more than 1-2 more years so CV's are not something I am looking to spend money on.

 

[asand1]

You could rebuild the shaft two more times, or buy the high angle shaft now. A high angle shaft would also be a good selling point to a Jeep enthusiast.

 

[asand1]

I would also look at a part time conversion with manual hubs.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: wn1998
for an 02 there is no way you should have shelled out $300! It's just 3 u-joints and a double cardon assembly! The driveline shop I used before had the work done is about an hour.
maybe where you live. Not here in socal

 

[Zaedock]

Originally Posted By: asand1
Are you lifted? Check out an aftermarket driveline with CVs at each end.


A double cardan on one end and u-joint on the other is the way to go. The CV style jointed shafts do not last in a lifted application, unless you're talking an RCV shaft, which will be mucho $.

Originally Posted By: asand1
I would also look at a part time conversion with manual hubs.


Most of the 5x4.5" hub conversions are junk and weaker than the unit bearing. I've seen them explode under mild use. Also, the cost will not offset any fuel savings payback.


To the OP, is this the CV style or double cardan? If the double cardan, you have to lube the centering ball more often, especially with a lift - even so slight at 2".
Chris's driveshaft price is right on. If you're going to pay that though, Tom Woods would be the way to go, IMO. He's a great guy and makes thousands of shafts for the off road world.

 

[84zmyfavorite]

Tom Woods Driveline with Gold Seal U-Joints,...best you can buy but set you back around $500!