Jeep WK Drive Shaft

[modette99]

So figuring not a big deal, yesterday was drive shaft day. Looked under the vehicle and saw the U-Joints are crimped in, non-serviceable.

Damn

So pwrtrippin comes over removes it and we head down to a place in Colorado Springs that does custom jobs, rebuilds and what have you...he said NOPE I can not make one for that unit, or rebuild it.

We head over to Perkin's. It will be $989 after tax and with Internet discount. Oh, but wait sir its on National backorder. Damn

If I do order it and do the special handling for $54 more I'll be 53 in place to get one. Even worst news sir, they are only going to ship 18 by the end of January (150 total on the list of people waiting).

Wow, really damn

So we head to Ford to test drive a 5.0 Mustang (he is looking not me). Lots of power, I really liked it too.

Then we head back to my place. Bro re-installs the drive shaft and I buy him diner.

So I am looking at online, and no one mentions anything, threads seem to die. You know drop off with no conclusions. I find that pretty annoying but find it common on the various Jeep forums. So finally after searching a ton of threads I come across a guy that mentions a shop in Englewood, CO

Bill's Englewood Driveshaft
3364 1/2 South Broadway (alley entrance)
Englewood, CO 80113
303-781-0554
Website: www.billsenglewooddriveshaft.com

My picture:


So today I call up Bill's...also see he is a known off-roader and has a good reputation. It's going to be $425 + tax...will do a cash discount also. As you can see it will have the clips and be fully rebuild-able. He will have it done by tomorrow sometime...so fast turnaround. All he needed was the measurement of the U-joint to U-joint on the vehicle...which is 35 3/4 on mine.

Here is another site I also came across, they will rebuild factory ones and make them rebuild-able. http://www.arizonadrivelines.com/Sta...riveshafts.htm Although no one says if they can do the Jeep one or not, or how much, or the turn around time. I might look into it later on, just to have the factory one as a spare...and I'm sure I could sell easy especially if National back orders are common.

Oh, by the way...the dealer did give me a lead on an dealer in AZ having one. I called, they had sold it back to Chrysler that morning....LOL

This leads me to my pet peeve rant on post. Why do people half ass make a post? Even the guy that posted the picture, besides mentioning name of the place did not bother to post cost, wait time frame it takes to build one or even the actual address/phone number or even the places website. I just don't get it.

I find on motorcycle forums people tend to do write-up, reviews, and post all the small information that would be needed. Not sure why so many Jeep threads dead ending...classic one was a guy that said, I'll look at that later and post up, two pages and it just ended...this was a post from years ago...LOL People claiming they get a custom one made, but no details or outcome if they ever did. Anyways enough of a rant...I'm stoked to be getting this issue resolved. I should of did it 3 months ago, I don't drive much...just driving to TN & MI in March and wanted this taken care of.

My vehicle: 2005 Jeep GC 5.7L Limited Quadra Drive-II
Part Number of OEM: P52105760AD
Weight of old drive shaft: 11 lbs
Weight of new drive shaft: 18.6 lbs

What is needed:
4 bolts rear and front (8 total)
15mm socket
*bolts will be on pretty dang good
For re-installing: Blue loctite

Joint's on Bill's Shaft:
1310 & 1330

Servicing Bill's Shaft:
This is where it might scare some people off. Every 3,000 miles he says you need to grease the (3) fittings. Easy enough to do if you do your own oil changes. Even if you do go to a shop just remember to tell them (I would recommend watching them so you know they did it). I do believe he said life time warranty for breaking as long as you do the grease schedule.

Initial Shaft Impressions:
It seemed to have been a lot smoother then my worn out OEM one. Now as being as smooth as a new OEM one, I have no idea, I bought the vehicle used with 101,000 miles on it and it started to have a vibration shortly after, I only got just over 109,000 miles now, 8,000 almost a year now (no I don't drive much).
The main thing I like is the ability to rebuild the unit over the factory OEM one. Ever an issue with it, pop it off and take it to ANY drive shaft shop to have them install new U-Joints. It's that simple.
With 150 people on a list to wait for a back ordered OEM one, maybe a few will find this post and call up Bill's. The ridiculous thing is 18 are to be shipped by the end of January. Even if I paid EXTRA "special handling $54" my dealer told me I be 53 on the list....LOL My dealer even gave me a good lead on one in stock at a dealer in AZ, I call them right up walking out the door...it was sold BACK to Chrysler that morning they said. I'm happy that happened, this custom one should be with me till the vehicle turns into a hardcore 4x4.

I hope this helps someone, feel free to post questions. I'll try and answer.

[modette99]

For those that might want the OEM:


The reason why we can not service the OEM one:


Bill's logo on the shaft:


Gease fitting in the U-joint (1 of 3 total):


Gease fitting in shaft:

[Aaron]

Minus the SRT8s of course, most WK owners are your typical person who has no interest or knowledge in cars. My Mom is a prime example, she has a 2006 WK 5.7. She loves Jeeps, and this is her 5th or 6th, but if it wasn't for my Dad and I, she'd be keeping the dealership in business. Hell even with us they make out well.

Good thread though, thanks for the advice! Hopefully her's doesn't go out that soon (It's at 75k right now).

Mine is at 20k, but I'm sure the SRT8s have a different driveshaft, and it's warrantied to 100 anyways.

[brennahm]

I think I'd be using a grinder and punch set to replace the original joints...

[TFOGGuys]

I think I'd be using a grinder and punch set to replace the original joints...

The problem is that the joints themselves are an oddball size, and usually the yokes will split when you try to press them apart, because they are heated when they are put together and shrink when they cool.