My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: Tucker on September 27, 2013, 11:08:12 PM

Title: Rear driveshaft angle - side to side
Post by: Tucker on September 27, 2013, 11:08:12 PM

Hi guys,

Well, I cut the trashed and bondoed 2A tub in half to get it off my chassis so that I could gain access to the drive train, which will need some new seals and whatnot.  I'm going to use what bits I can off this tub for patching and improving my 3A tub.

In the process, I got a great top down view of my drivetrain, and I was struck by the way the rear driveshaft angles from the passenger-side output of the Dana 18 to the rear axle.  It seems skewed to me.

(http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv54/4x4Dad/Willys/6c63260491286ae04421b994f6afe74b.jpg)

Is that angle OEM?  Or do I have a newer Dana 44 with a slightly more centered pumpkin?

Title: Re: Rear driveshaft angle - side to side
Post by: Carls_jeep on September 27, 2013, 11:20:54 PM

No, it's just as it's supposed to be. A drive line is not supposed to be straight in line, they are in the range of 3 to 5 deg offset, sometimes more and they are supposed to be that way.

Title: Re: Rear driveshaft angle - side to side
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on September 28, 2013, 10:00:15 AM

Here is a picture of mine. Using the frame as an alignment guide I'd say I have a lesser angle than you...

Title: Re: Rear driveshaft angle - side to side
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on September 28, 2013, 10:02:20 AM

But, in looking at the two pictures, it looks like your e-brake drum is closer to the frame than mine...but I'm not sure how that could be if everything is fastened down...

The lubrication chart on page 10 of the Service Manual has a good drawing of the drivelines etc...

Title: Re: Rear driveshaft angle - side to side
Post by: Carls_jeep on September 28, 2013, 10:25:28 AM

Hmm, do you have the correct tranny/transfer cases? Is the axle mounted correctly on the springs? Are the springs leaning to one side?

I went out and looked at mine and it angles to the drivers side like yours. I can't tell if it's as much as yours though and mine has all the right parts in the right spots.

Title: Re: Rear driveshaft angle - side to side
Post by: Tucker on September 28, 2013, 11:31:58 AM

Page ten of the manual looks like mine.  Maybe it's the angle I was taking the picture at.  I also just noticed that the left rear tire is losing air, so that might be exaggerating the offset.

Thanks, guys.