My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: TomJ on May 27, 2011, 09:14:34 AM

Title: Front driveshaft
Post by: TomJ on May 27, 2011, 09:14:34 AM: Hey Guys:

I'm putting together a '51 that was basically a pile of parts and I'm finding some things missing and others of questionable origin. The front driveshaft that came with doesn't seem to want to fit into the universal that's attached to the transfer case, is it possible I have a shaft for another model Jeep mixed in here? The splines on the shaft look like they match but are just a little to big to go in.

Thanks
Tom
Title: Re: Front driveshaft
Post by: F Bill on May 27, 2011, 09:23:20 AM: Are ya sure you have it lined up correctly? Sometimes the slip joints only go in one way.. Also the seal might be hoding it apart,especially if it was damaged in reeated misassembly attempts...
Title: Re: Front driveshaft
Post by: rocketeer on May 27, 2011, 08:47:40 PM: Remove the u-joint from the T/C. That slip joint should not have been pulled apart. It's possible that due to wear over the years it will only go back together one way. All the CJ2A and CJ3A used the same front driveshaft. If you had a WWII driveshaft it would be too short, not too long. Here's a pic showing how it should line up.

(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab191/rocketeer_2010/Jeep/prop_shafts4.jpg)

Larry
Title: Re: Front driveshaft
Post by: bayo500 on May 29, 2011, 02:53:00 AM: Hi Guys, ï¿½on the subject of front shafts, I'm running my CJ3A with the rear shaft only at the moment as the front one has a slight amount of movement when i grab it at the slip joint area and push or pull it sideways (extended or closed).

How much if any would you think is a safe or acceptable amount of sideways movement.

I was going to grab a front MB or GPW one at a swap meet but as Larry says there shorter that would be no good.

By the way, the chances of finding a CJ front shaft over here i would say would be nil....
Title: Re: Front driveshaft
Post by: rocketeer on May 29, 2011, 11:51:29 AM: You really don't want any sideways play in the slip joint. Where's "over here"?

Larry
Title: Re: Front driveshaft
Post by: bayo500 on May 29, 2011, 06:39:13 PM: Australia, i'll check with a drive shaft shop and see if they can replace the slip parts.
Title: Re: Front driveshaft
Post by: rocketeer on May 29, 2011, 09:59:06 PM: If worse comes to worse, if you can find a WWII one with a good slip joint you could have a driveshaft shop either lengthen it to fit or transfer the slip joint to the CJ driveshaft. Large truck repair shops usually have that capability or know who does.

Larry
Title: Re: Front driveshaft
Post by: bayo500 on May 30, 2011, 12:31:10 AM: Yeah, thanks Larry i'll leave it out 'til i come up with a solution, worn slip joint not worth the risk.