How To Build A Dex-proof Drive Shaft On The Cheap

I get busy one these shop days with friends so I know its not the best quality but maybe more entertaining. After a tootsie rolled drive shaft mark built, I made sure that it would not happen again with staying on a budget!! thank you!!

[@Dino30ish]

Easiest way I have found to do this is to tac it together , install it , then put a dial indicator on it . Tap the ends to get it as true as you can . Couple thou off is no big deal. I have built a couple this way . No vibrations and they can run hwy speeds .

[@eat.sleep.wheel21]

Yep, build em in the rig. Just make sure to put your ground clamp ON the driveshaft so you don't ground through the bearings/ujoints.

[@westurnbull5556]

First time I’ve ever seen a driveshaft do the worm🤣 pretty neat setup though!

[@keithreisinger1529]

Love the video and the fact you don't worry about the little things

[@danhambrick6331]

Double cardigan😂😂😂

[@LonersGuide]

Mr. Rogers multi-layering for a brisk day in the neighborhood.

[@jonathanskogebo728]

He's doing it intentionally now 😂

[@hippiemiller]

Good job 😂 should only have a small vibration at rev. limiter 👍👍

[@Juss-pivot]

I envy your set up, you work at your own pace having fun with jeeps all day… what a life 😊

[@dexjs]

I love it! But worked hard to get here!!

[@edwarddavis507]

“Can’t wait till we’re all electric!” 😂😂😂

[@LonersGuide]

So far I have only fabricated one drive shaft, but it turned out a bit straighter than your friend's. I bolted it up at both ends, and set up a dial indicator with a magnetic base to measure runout. I tappy-tapped it with a brass hammer until it was real close, then started making tiny tacks with my TIG. Basically, turn, tap, tack, repeat. When I had a bunch of tacks to hold it in place, I did short stitch welds opposite of each other until it was all welded up. Then I did a cover pass. I think I ended up with about 1/2 thou or less on the pinion end, and about 3 thou on the transfer case end. Been enjoying your videos. Btw, Mr. Rogers called, and he wants his cardigans back.

[@multiaxis3772]

Make sure you keep in mind the “phasing” of the ujoint yokes on future projects 🤘 🚀 awesome content keep up the fun!

[@boostedzjadventurevlogs4121]

Keep it up budz. We are gonna rebuild both our slate niners next year. Promise me! Ill visit for sure.

[@pusscat9017]

If you cut the weld on the driveshaft "not completely". you'll be able to slip the pipe off. And have a backing to center your new pipe. Plus a easy full pen. Weld. 👍

[@GrupaNation]

"double cardigan" haha

[@beaumont9072]

Dex we appreciate a good laugh 😂

[@davidcadenhead8436]

Can we get more info on the liberty 231 swap to a zj? This something I've thought about for a while. You're the first one that I've seen that has done it.

[@rockfrog71]

The Liberty 242 and 231 are my go to. Usually find them cheap, they hardly get used, and plentiful. I also grab the rear driveshafts as well. Some are 1330 series ujoint as well. They will accept any NP23x and 24x input gear after the 1994 planetary gear pitch chamge. 32 spline front output on the 242 (still only 26 on the 231), and 32 spline rear output with no neck down for thw speedo drive). The rear is a flat spline used on all slip yokes. Th400 outputs fit perfectly, and there are plenty of option out there. Or you can just smash the standard 32 spline yokes on. He had to hammer the front yoke on because it used a standard sharp spline as opoosed to the slip yoke flat spline. When you swap the front output yoke (they have a CV flange) toss it in the oven for 10 minutes at 250F and then remove the seal sleeve. Then press it onto the XJ front yoke with some loctite Green bearing retainer (or a thin coat of Red loctite will work). I also like to machine down 1/2" or so of the inner splines so the front yoke seats down fully. But, it will still work without doing so, it just sits a bit further out. Key note, there is NO allowance for any form of speed output. So if you are driving on road, use a gps speedometer. I am also looking at making a tone ring to use with a late model TJ VSS to drive a standard 91-96 speedometer and pump the correct signal form. But that's way away yet. And really, a gps speedo eliminates calibration issues with gear ratio and tire size changes. Trimmed down thw liberty is about the same if not shorter than a SYE'd case. Depending on what's inside your cureent case, you can also build a 6 pinion planetary (most later planetary carriers are predrilled for it) and I'm also working on a wider chain swap parts list for the 242.

[@davidcadenhead8436]

@@rockfrog71 thank you. That's alot of good information.

[@hannahvaipulu3631]

Hey can you walk your yard and point out the items we should pull if we stumble across them? I know that there are some special versions of the Cherokee, I just don't know enough to spot them and what I should be pulling off to add to my XJ. thanx

[@shaneherman8906]

Keep em coming Dex!

[@adamlewandowski694]

Cracked my front axle housing on 93 zj. Went to pull one from P.N.P and noriced three different types of driveshaft styles. Not sure if you have a video covering compatibility differences but... It'd be a lot cooler if you did...

[@brianherskowitz3020]

Real world garage I fucking love it keep it up!!!

[@mattoxenford7847]

Good ole cardigans

[@autotek7930]

I finally got my jeep running yesterday. 4.7l stroker. It'll do a great burnout with 33s on rough pavement with the rear locked. I gotta chill till it's broken in tho. Right

[@autotek7930]

You crack me up by saying cardigan lol. I belive its cardan. I only know from being corrected by Tom Woods employees when i ordered mine for my xj. I kinda splurged on the stuff i considered make it home parts

[@MrMrsregor]

Oh, I thought he was talking about two fancy sweaters 😂

[@nathanhughes4037]

You should do a video on the wj drive shaft. I don’t think I’m quite as rough on them as you but close lol

[@chopp2145]

You should show em how bad mine wobbles 😂

[@vwclub3]

To help get them straighter up drive shaft on a piece of angle iron or even clamp it between 2 pieces of angle iron then 4 tacks and weld it

[@codylee5132]

Can you make a video on how you relocate the gas take and radiator.

[@jovesp]

Sweet info. Quick question, what cooling fans are you running for the rear radiator set up?

[@Dmowery5036]

My 04 wj leaks oil about everywhere. Would you be interested in fixing some of the leaks? It’s a 4.7 special edition with 233k miles. Runs like a champ. I hate to just junk it.

[@Salemwitchkitty]

How do I get a hold of you to see if you have the engine I need?

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

👍🏻💯🇦🇺⛽️

[@CharlesSharp-ry4er]

2000 wj v8 n247 best sye

[@beaumont9072]

Yeah, best driveshaft ever built 💪🏼🇺🇸🛠️🦅🤷🏼‍♂️🤙🏼 lol 😂 Love the channel coming from Texas I have a 97 XJ I’m building. But goddam wise I could find some help first build 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@wdgaylord]

Love the way you do it. “It” being whatever you are doing. Please expand your comment regarding Liberty 231s. Were you indicating we can use the Liberty 231 in an XJ (1995) in my case, or just referring to the yoke?