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Offset Drive Shaft

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Charles N. Clifford, Feb 4, 2020.

  1. Feb 4, 2020
    Charles N. Clifford

    Charles N. Clifford New Member

    Houtx
    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2019
    Messages:
    43
    I just finished up on replaceing my '74 rear D44 pinion seal without a hitch. I was researching threads on replacing the Tcase rear output seal and discovered that it was'nt going to be so simple or more like imposible without removing it and basicaly rebuilding it. I came upon a thread discussing early offset D44 mated to the Dana 20 TC and the undesirable drive shaft angle that would result. I was pretty sure that as I was removing my Dshaft to do the seal replacement I had noticed some offset between the two components i.e. the driveshaft does not follow a straight path from the TC to the Dif. Yup, I bolted the shaft back in and low and behold its offset by some degrees. What tha hey???? That threads got me wondering?
     
  2. Feb 4, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    A '74 will have a centered axle.

    You would need the offset axle to go with the offset output from the Dana 18 transfer case in '71 or older Jeeps. The offset axle is obviously offset, ie the carrier (pumpkin) is butted right up against the u-bolts and spring on the passenger side.

    Example:

    upload_2020-2-4_11-16-46.png

    If you do not have this style of axle, you may be noticing any remaining minor misalignment between the driveshaft and the transfer case. Left to right alignment can only change at the transfer case end, so I'd take a good look at the transfer case mount.
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2020
  3. Feb 4, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,627
    It's likely not perfect from the factory. A rear Dana 44 has the pinion offset a little to the right side if the axles shafts are the same length and most older jeeps have the engine offset to the left side for transfer case and front diff/oil pan clearance. That would give you a few degrees of drive shaft offset. As long as the axis of the engine/transmission and the pinion gear are parallel and your driveshaft joints are in phase, it won't cause any issues.
     
  4. Feb 4, 2020
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    322
    Years ago Tom Wood of Tom Wood Driveshaft fame told me a little offset between the pinion and transfer case is a good thing as the offset helps the U joint needle bearings rotate in their cups.
     
  5. Feb 7, 2020
    Charles N. Clifford

    Charles N. Clifford New Member

    Houtx
    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2019
    Messages:
    43
    OK y'all, I was kinda worried that I might have maybe a D18 or something different since I have'nt verified its a D20 yet but yeah timgr,I definantly have a centered D44. Thanks again for the education guys. Great info Fireball and Dphillip. I love learning about my jeep and Y'all are the gurus. Thanks again.
     
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