Front Drive Shaft Max Extended Length

[XCRN]

What is the max extended length of a front drive shaft, specifically a 2.5 auto if it makes a difference?

Only reason I am asking is with my LS swap it moved the transfer-case back to where at ride height the front drive shaft is 39-1/2” long. I have access to a free front drive shaft from a 2.5 and would like to do the free/cheap way first since ill be going with a 6L80 and a Dana 44 front maybe next winter and I do not want to pay to resize a Tom Woods drive shaft a second time.

 

[macleanflood]

Personally I'd call Tom Woods and ask them...

-Mac

 

[XCRN]

Personally I'd call Tom Woods and ask them...

-Mac

Called them and they would only be able to confidently answer if it was one of their drive shafts which they helped me a lot with my rear that is a Tom Woods as far as if I can still run it after installing a rear Dana 44.

So I did take some measurements. The collapsed DS off the 2.5 is 38” and at 40” it still has full spline engagement. Roughly 3.75” of male spline overall.

The 2.5 Jeep yoke to yoke length measuring from the center of where the u-joint sits was 38.75” measuring from a strap mounting face closer to the 6 o'clock position and 39.25 from a face at the 12 o-clock position.

My Jeep, taking identical measurements was 39.5 at the 6 o-clock and 40.0 at the 12 o-clock.

Still not sure if it would work but this is not a rock crawler, its going to see daily driver duty, camping routes, and sand dunes. So maybe the slightly less spline engagement wont hurt?

 

[XCRN]

Should also clarify both Jeeps are stock suspension.

 

[Blackjack]

Based off your measurements that should work as is.

 

[XCRN]

Based off your measurements that should work as is.

Awesome! Im getting lucky today with the rear Tom Woods DS barely making it within operation range according to them after Dana 44 swap so just saved my self a lot of money to have 4wd again.