Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Stuck driveshaft

carntsen

Member
Original poster
Joined
Jul 18, 2022
Messages
62
Location
Barrie, ON
Hi guys,
I need a hand. 2006 TJ with a Dana 44 rear axle. In the process of changing the rear axle ujoint and unable to remove the driveshaft. I have given it a few light taps, but nothing more fearing damage.

Can I beat on it? If so where is it safe to hit? Or is there another trick to free it up. I include some photos because it doesn't look like stock.

20241109_162107.jpg
 
It kinda looks like another yoke which i assume would be held on with a big nut. All the diagrams and videos I watch show that the shift just slides out.....confused. Best I stop here for advice.
 
There should be 4 bolts on the backside of the t-case yoke holding the driveshaft h-yoke on. Undue those and the driveshaft should come right off. And yes, that is an aftermarket driveshaft with a slip yoke eliminator installed.
 
Thank you for your help...
It's cold and dark now. Gave them a shot of PB blaster and will start again in the morning
 
The U joint might be rusted or?? slightly hung up in the yoke as well. If you get a small prybar or screw driver and pry between the T case yoke and DS ear it will pop right out.
 
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The U joint might be rusted or?? slightly hung up in the yoke as well. If you get a small prybar or screw driver and pry between the T case yoke and DS ear it will pop right out.
 
Removed the driveshaft with no issues. To my surprise it's badly damaged and will need to be replaced. Current shaft is a Rough Country and estimated to be 2 yrs old.

Have a look at the photos, 2 large chunks missing, but smooth. Looks more like defect than physical damage. Is Rough Country considered lower end? Is this expected?

20241110_101124.jpg
20241110_101059.jpg
 
Removed the driveshaft with no issues. To my surprise it's badly damaged and will need to be replaced. Current shaft is a Rough Country and estimated to be 2 yrs old.

Have a look at the photos, 2 large chunks missing, but smooth. Looks more like defect than physical damage. Is Rough Country considered lower end? Is this expected?

View attachment 571810View attachment 571811

Post a pic of the pinion yoke. That is not normal damage and much of it looks fresh.
 
Any idea what caused the failure? Judging by the angle of the rear lower control arm, it looks like you have quite a bit of lift. Any chance the driveshaft got caught in a bind? Hit any sick jumps lately? Hit any road debris or trail obstacles? Surely lack of maintenance didn’t take it out of it’s only 2 years old. That’s quite a bit of nasty rust though.

If it were my own, I would want to know so that I could address the root issue and prevent it from happening again.
 
Any idea what caused the failure? Judging by the angle of the rear lower control arm, it looks like you have quite a bit of lift. Any chance the driveshaft got caught in a bind?

That's a good point. He couldn't adjust the pinion angle due to the stock control arms and so the U-joint at the pinion bound up.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts