JK TeraFlex CV joint went out on highway

[Gocanada]

Hi,
Just trying to figure out best fix for this...I have a 2010 2dr JK w/4" lift, and last week, while driving on the hwy, the front CV came apart/drive shaft let go.

Teraflex says the CV failed due to lack of lubrication (torn boot)--but local shop says it came apart due to driveshaft being too short (factory driveshaft).

I installed the CV joint 2yrs ago. Pretty mild use--daily driver--not wheeled often.

Teraflex is backing up their product and offering to replace the CV--but shop says it'll just fail again unless I replace the driveshaft with longer one.

Any thoughts on what I should do? The splines are damaged a bit, last 1/8" say from the end, from when it came apart, but I think I could file/salvage them to get it back together.

Driveshafts aren't cheap, and kind of bad timings right around the holidays...

Appreciate your comments

 

[Gocanada]

I need to figure out if this came apart due to driveshaft being too short, or just because the boot tore, then bearing dried out and blew up.

Shop says it’s because the driveshaft is like 3/4” too short, due to the 4” lift, and that it pulled apart.

I want to simply replace the teraflex CV, but shop says next time I hit deep pothole or flex suspension fully it’ll come apart again.

I’m thinking it simply tore and dried out..any thoughts?

 

[BLACKJKU]

You need a different front driveshaft with a 4" lift needs to be longer and a different joint at the T-case.

Most say Adams Driveshaft is the place to go.

 

[MacGuyver]

I specifically have only a 2.5" lift because once you step over 3 - 3.5" you pretty much have to replace everything suspension related, and I wasn't even tracking the drive shaft. But it makes sense.

With a 4" you will have to have longer control arms, making the axle farther away from the t-case.


Also, well done with the pictures, so many don't include. Now show us the rig!!

 

[Gocanada]

 

[Anybodyhome]

Nice looking ride.
Depending on who you talk to, 2 - 2.5" of lift is about as much as you can go without effecting the geometry enough to require almost an entirely new suspension. Anything more than 2.5" and you'll need control arms, drive shaft, etc.

 

[Gocanada]

Thanks!
Ok, looks like I need about 3/4” longer driveshaft. New ones are like $6-800 CAD up here . I’m assuming they don’t make spacers for these things? If not, has anyone had a driveshaft /machine shop extend a driveshaft? If so what was that like, and what was the cost?

 

[BLACKJKU]

Thanks!
Ok, looks like I need about 3/4” longer driveshaft. New ones are like $6-800 CAD up here . I’m assuming they don’t make spacers for these things? If not, has anyone had a driveshaft /machine shop extend a driveshaft? If so what was that like, and what was the cost?

You cannot extend your driveshaft because it has the wrong end on it at the t-case. The CV Joint has to go and you'll need a double cardan joint there.

 

[MacGuyver]

Thanks!
Ok, looks like I need about 3/4” longer driveshaft. New ones are like $6-800 CAD up here . I’m assuming they don’t make spacers for these things? If not, has anyone had a driveshaft /machine shop extend a driveshaft? If so what was that like, and what was the cost?

In digging around the net, there is a ton of conflicting info regarding this stuff, so before you spend the money, let's find some stuff out.

First though, why did you replace the CV? Was it due to vibration? Did you originally install the lift? Does it have adjustable control arms? Is the pinion angle correct? Caster?

 

[Gocanada]

I replaced the (factory) CV originally shortly after Jeep was purchased due to it chirping (was aware of this when purchasing). The previous owner installed the lift. No adjustable control arms. Not sure about pinion angle or caster. When all was together, it ran straight and quiet with no uneven tire wear.

 

[Speartip]

Four inch lift def requires a longer aftermarket driveshaft .
You should consider adding adjustable control arms
to centre the tires in the wheel wells .
Adjustable arms will also enable you to lock
in caster & pinion angles.
Also an adjustable track bar
to centre axles under the Jeep.
These are basic requirements
with a 4” lift .

 

[Anybodyhome]

I replaced the (factory) CV originally shortly after Jeep was purchased due to it chirping (was aware of this when purchasing)

This was likely the first indication/beginnings of the driveshaft failure as a result of the geometry change with the lift.
Unless you're comfortable measuring all this out, I'd find a reputable 4WD shop and let them take a look at measuring and figuring the new DS, adjustable control arms and track bars.