Driveshaft & Body Armor

[1tmjpr]

Looking to upgrade driveshafts. Haven't had any funny, or weird issues. Just wanting to know, if it is highly recommended to change out. Or, stick with factory till issues happen. Also, rocker body armor, is it worth it. I have my concerns about long term, especially with rust. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DirtHeadDavis]

Upgrading driveshafts really depends on what size tires you’re running and what height lift you’ve got on.

In my opinion minimal lifts up to 3” or maybe even 3.5” don’t require a new shaft but may see premature wear in the rzeppa joints because of the increased angle. Not going out quick enough for me to warrant the replacement of the driveshafts though.

Again this is just my opinion but, I’d rather not just throw money at my Jeep unless it needs it for what I plan on doing and I’d run a stock shaft up to 37” tires especially on a JL.

With that being said, if I was wheeling it super hard super often or broke it, I’d get a stronger replacement such as 1350s or higher. I’ve wheeled my Jeep with stock shafts, a 2.5 inch lift, and 35s for 5 years now pretty hard and pretty often.

Rocker guards are a must and if you have a Rubicon like your picture suggests I say keep the stock ones as they actually perform really well - unless again you see yourself wheeling hard and often to where you’d want more outward protection like the ones EVO provides.

 

[cozdude]

Looking to upgrade driveshafts. Haven't had any funny, or weird issues. Just wanting to know, if it is highly recommended to change out. Or, stick with factory till issues happen. Also, rocker body armor, is it worth it. I have my concerns about long term, especially with rust. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

At 3” of lift you will need a front driveshaft and if you have a 2 door you will end up needing front and rear shafts. Look for a local driveline shop to build you one. Will be cheaper than buying one and then your building a relationship with a small shop.

Rocker armor is nice but not really necessary imo. I had it on my old JK and they never got “used” per se. I never saw rust issues either here in PA on the body. If you seal them off properly with silicone when installing then water and salt shouldn’t penetrate.

 

[wayoflife]

Looking to upgrade driveshafts. Haven't had any funny, or weird issues. Just wanting to know, if it is highly recommended to change out. Or, stick with factory till issues happen. Also, rocker body armor, is it worth it. I have my concerns about long term, especially with rust. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Being that you have a 4-door, the rear is totally unnecessary. As mentioned, if you're lifted, the front will go bad sooner than later due to the CV boot at the transfer case being in a constant state of pinch. If you don't have FAD, it'll go bad even faster.

Regarding body armor, rocker guards are all you really need.

 

[1tmjpr]

With that said, what drive shaft is recommended. I see, or hear a lot on Adams DS. Any other recommended, or that is the one to go with. Thanks for u guys input, appreciate it.

 

[wayoflife]

With that said, what drive shaft is recommended. I see, or hear a lot on Adams DS. Any other recommended, or that is the one to go with. Thanks for u guys input, appreciate it.

Well, if you’re determined to upgrade, make sure you get a 1350 and not a cheaper 1310. The one u-joint that comes on the factory front is a 1330 as in, it’s stronger. As far as brands go, I personally prefer JE Reel (especially being that they use Neapco joints) if you need something off the shelf but a local drive line shop should be able to build you one for less and using whether joints you want.

 

[1tmjpr]

Thanks! Will look up that brand.