CV driveshafts

I've been looking into rotating my rear axle (78 cj5) and using a CV joint to eliminate vibrations. I've read that you can take a front driveshaft from an XJ, cut it down and use it on the rear of the CJ. As I compare the current rear driveshaft and the cv/shaft from the XJ, the CJ rear is almost twice as beefy. Has anyone else used an XJ shaft like this and it was OK? I could spend $4 or 5 hundred on a custom shaft or buy the XJ shaft for $25 and have it cut and welded to length for $40.

 

With my SOA, a normal cv wouldnt work so I ordered a high angle one from TOm woods for about $400 w/ trail hazard warranty. Best drive shaft ever, takes all sorts of abuse, and I opted for the Trail hazard warranty. Basically, if i break it for any reason, they replace it for $70 or so, no questions asked. You could take it of and run it over with a bulldozer, and it would be under warranty. But i digress

It fits great, runs smooth, and takes a beating. If i ever destroy the front shaft, I'm getting another tom woods.

But you are right, an xj front has a normal double cardan cv joint on the t-case end.

Dont forget you also need a cv yoke for your t-case, dana 20's came in 10 and 26 spline outputs, so be sure to order the right one. Ask how i know. Oh, if you need a 10 spline cv yoke, i've got a brand new one, $40+shipping and its yours. If you need a 26 spline one, get it off of the donor xj.
-Dante

 

$400 is way out of my budget right now. Too many little things to fix. I am running a d300 and I was told a front yoke from a NP231 will fit it, but thanks for the offer.

 

Dantell,

Who did your SOA and do you think it was worth it?

 

I don't have a springover. I have a v8/t18/d300 combo with a 2 1/2" lift and a drive shaft that is about 15" long, which is vibrating at road speeds.

 

I did it. It was definitely worth it, but its certaintly not a cheap alternative to a lift kit. I did a ton of research first, and it went pretty well, with only a few small snags. My buddy and I got it done in one weekend, about 18hrs total. If you want any more info PM me, I dont want to hijack this thread. Thanks,
-Dante

 

Take the shaft that is in the Jeep now and have a driveline shop install/weld on the CV joint. Dont forget to get the matching yolk for the rear output shaft. This rout only cost me about 200$, I did the install myself.
Remember, if you weld it up yourself you still need to take it to a driveline shop to be balanced or it will shake the fillings out of your teeth while you drive.