Double Cardan Drive Shaft Restoration/Rebuild

Here's another installment in my restoration video series on project rustbox (Cherokee XJ). This one is the front driveshaft in which the slip-yoke is on the driveshaft itself instead of between the transfer case and driveshaft like my first (rear) driveshaft video. This one also features a double cardan joint which is basically just a double u joint. As a result it's a little bit tougher to rebuild, but it's still pretty easy if you have a decent ball-joint/u-joint tool. Most people wouldn't replace the inner socket joint, but I did it because these videos are for entertainment purposes anyway. If you're watching/reading this you've also probably seen my Dana 30 Front Driveshaft Rebuild video, but on the off chance you haven't, please check out that video as well.
Towards the end of the video I lost a lot of the audio due to me being a moron, and I had to re-shoot a lot of the u joint re-installation. This is why the rubber seals on the caps magically changed from black to blue. Some of the footage I couldn't re-shoot, so there is about 30 or 40 seconds without any audio.
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[@Basslicks82]

Always a pleasure watching your videos. No fluff, no showy production crap...just informative, entertaining, and relaxing. Thank you, my man.

[@stallionranchwoodworks]

Now that's how you make a step by step video to do a double cardan joint. This is the best video out there.

[@choad000]

I like videos of people that are just good at shit. No music, no life story just info. Thank you.

[@ryanhoaglin9907]

Wow. Great and masterful demo without any distracting music or dialog. I've been doing u joints with a vice for years and this looks much less stressful. Thank you for a great video.

[@mark_osborne]

So true ! I'm about to break out my ball joint press !!!

[@greengohm]

Hey, you dented MY driveshaft!

[@lucyxchan6808]

No you dented MY driveshaft!

[@FasterBastard1]

MY driveshafts dented too!

[@korvtm]

Good video.Every time I see one of these I am reminded of the time back in the early 80's I was in a shop that made drive shafts,to pick up one the we needed.Guy came in carrying a drive shaft that was twisted so badly that it was almost flat in places.Said driver tried to move truck brakes were frozen,driver simply rev'd engine up to goverened speed,then,with tranny in lowest gear,dumped the clutch.Driver was looking for a new job,Mech was cursing the fact that he had to work outside in very cold weather.

[@jeffbrown3963]

You're missing the part where the bolt heads round off and won't come loose and you wind up changing the differential yoke. And then the snap rings turn to dust when you try to remove them. Lol Other than that a perfect video - we'll done!

[@JohnResciniti]

This was a fun one. Driveshafts should all be looking like that. I have pretty much the same on my Ford Explorer, but the double cardan is on the rear driveshaft too. I was almost thinking "hey this guy built up his explorer too!" we are a rare, weird breed us 4x4 explorer enthusiasts! Good work!

[@s3viking_Y2K_Sport]

Never knew Cherokee XJ front driveshafts were similar to explorer driveshafts..

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

Love watching someone work with proper tools. Excellent work and video.

[@bertgrau9246]

I did one of those on a 76 Cadillac, I didn't have the nice tools, but it really wasn't a bad job. I didn't bead blast and paint though . Very good job SIR

[@Mike-su8si]

Neither did we last year so it'll just keep on rusting

[@grahampickering1560]

I'm really looking forward to the next installment 🙂🚗🛠

[@ELKARLOS0116]

When those roller pins went flying i cried a little

[@70rrsteve51]

THANK YOU!! I have to rebuild mine from a ‘99 Dakota…and now I have some confidence to give it a shot.

[@MegaDargar]

If you needed a video to rebuild a driveline, then you probably shouldn't be doing it. They are not hard, but this video makes it seem too easy. U joints never are this easy. I pretty much always cut them in half cause the caps never come out where I live. So much salt on the roads in the winter.

[@70rrsteve51]

@@MegaDargar Thanks for the helpful input, but I’ve just finished the project. Good thing I didn’t take your advice to give up before starting. This is an ex-Yukon Dakota, so there wasn’t the rust that you’d likely have had to deal with.

[@MegaDargar]

@@70rrsteve51 where I live they spray a salt brine on the roads in the winter, and it just destroys cars... Stuff gets in every knook and cranny and rots everything out

[@samsanfillipo9212]

Great video! By far the best one I've seen yet. I like the detail and cleanliness that you put into your work. I'm getting ready to do the same job. I've never done the double cardan shaft before until no. Thank you for your video I'm sure many others will enjoy it as well. Keep wrenching!

[@RestorationStation]

Hope your retaining clips aren't as rusted in as mine were

[@JBenedict02]

Gonna rebuild mine here soon since the double cardan ball has started squeaking and everything is original. This video definitely will help and you made it look so simple!

[@308scoutrfl]

Congratulations,sir. You've created a perfect instructional video. Thank you

[@RescueRestoration]

This is the best Editing and Restoration video on KZbin 🤩🥳, i love it😍

[@tomc8157]

Good timing! I'm restoring my 96 Dak 4x4 and its the same drive shaft. Excellent info

[@user-wf2dw4be4c]

donde se consigue el kit de reparacion

[@jpboileau5473]

Good job. The only thing I would do differently is to mark the two parts of the driveshaft so that it can be reassembled the same way is was taken apart, since you didn't rebalance it. Just something to keep in mind.

[@almolloy5817]

X2. I use a centre punch on the yoke ears.

[@tywarren4704]

I have a 1994 Dakota which shares a ton of components with Jeep's of the same era & has a very similar front driveshaft. If his is like mine, there's a spot in the splines that makes it so that there's only one way to put them back together.

[@williamowens1325]

It's a split axle. He don't have to worry about balance since the driveshaft doesn't turn all the time like a TJ front end. The only time this will turn is in 4wd going slow so the minor imbalance won't even show.

[@Garth2011]

I believe Dodge 4x4 Trucks had those damn U joints which can cause a major damage issue if and when that double joint fails because of lack of grease every 5,000 miles. Depending on the year, those 4x4 systems got designed to always turn because they decided to control engagement at the hubs vs. inside the transfer case. So, this eliminated "free wheeling" on the front drive gear thus, always turning and in need of servicing not to mention unnecessary drag on the drivetrain when in 2x4. Ford did the same thing and they both also changed the front wheel bearings to a unit and single bearing design which would also fail around 60,000 miles because the design couldn't hold up with the side to side forces.

[@wethomas8911]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your video was truly beneficial to me being confident in successfully tackling and completing my front driveshaft rebuild. Much gratitude.

[@dinakarsoul]

So satisfying to watch this . Always been fascinated with automobile repair works and this was so professional 🙏👌

[@tonye4176]

Stunning work Wish all mechanics did this

[@carl2591]

not a word was spoken as he tore it all apart.. classic..

[@zyxnix]

No part list?

[@SilverBullet93GT]

3:00am, watching driveshaft restoration video 3:01am cellphone falls from hand on face 3:01:05 continues watching restoration video

[@zack9785]

This video smells an awful lot like a Canadian made it, I’m getting a whiff of that AvE in there. Anyways great video “Restoration Station”.

[@RestorationStation]

I'm about 8 hours drive from Canadia, so you're not too far off

[@phantomwalker8251]

@@RestorationStation if you said,gideye,heres how to.. youd be ausie.

[@phantomwalker8251]

@@RestorationStation if thats the prop shaft,id hate to see the chassis.. didnt quite get a c clip all the way once,didnt notice, came out 50 miles from home..

[@cameracamera1319]

i don't give a crap about your vise jaw crushing the crap out of your drive shaft. Crusher.... I am in amazement how easily your U joints came out. Im happy if I don't need to get out the death wheel.....

[@pauldionne1665]

Great job, LOVE the magic hand. Looks better and performs like factory and must be so quiet.

[@jamisonhuntington7317]

Glad im not the only one that wears white ox gloves in the shop.

[@bendavis1392]

Im rebuilding a cj2a and i love your videos

[@xj_overlander]

Always great to watch these. Seems like you post a restoration project right when I’m about to work on something, gives me a good idea on something else to clean up!

[@98FleXJ]

That a good sounding XJ, clean as can be underneath too

[@aaronbrandes7456]

Well made video. Great production quality. At first I was certain that shaft was the rear shaft from a TTB era Bronco but obviously it is not.

[@kawasakiwhiptwo5821]

I missed where you dented your drive shaft. Maybe I wasn't watching close enough. Great restoration as always.

[@jberzin3]

Need to mark balance for the 2part ones ;) Great rebuild!

[@williamowens1325]

No he dont

[@williamowens1325]

It's a front driveshaft for a split axle diff. It doesn't turn all the time. When it does turn it's going very slow because the vehicle will be in 4wd so the imbalance will not show that much or make much a difference. I love how so many people try to tell this guy he did something wrong or left something out though. Know your vehicles. If your response is "I've been doing this all my life" it still don't matter.

[@benvin10365]

An oddly relaxing and satisfying video.

[@rayss3323]

Beautiful work! Just once I'd like the opportunity to do it like that, and not on the side of the trail with a socket and hammer. Thx!

[@hoversauce1785]

I was hoping to see the footage of you trying to get the right U-Joints. 😂😂

[@Houndini]

Pretty simple if auto part store are not a bunch of idiots will not listen. They call me more than I call them on few items. Nobody knows it all. See somebody is a expert on everything . Run the other way.

[@mrsunyofficial]

VERY USEFUL VIDEO !

[@mikekowalewski7692]

For some strange reason I find this video quite calming. Keep up the good work...

[@RESTORATIONOFSCRAPMETAL]

Cool job 👍 Now I know how to disassemble the driveshaft :)

[@andrzejporeda7281]

Przepiękne jest ten cały wałek odrestaurowany pozdrawiam serdecznie 👍👍👍👍👍

[@paulroe4646]

Awesome video my friend thanks for sharing

[@slyfoxxx55]

wow that's what i call a reel video !!! super !!! love it!! thumbs up

[@MetalRestorationBho]

Great my friend! This is a masterpiece. Congratulation from Vietnam.😉👍🍺

[@missuenos3012]

pppppppp0

[@shaygarriock3165]

Hi, great video! Can you tell me what the seal is called that you install at 11:01? Thanks so much!

[@ratherbefishing4225]

I need to do this on my 99 F-350 and I’ve seen a few people in the comments mention that it’s unnecessary to balance the front driveshaft on a split axle diff vehicle since it only turns in 4wd at low speeds. I drive on ice and snow a lot and need to be able to use my 4x4 at highway speeds if necessary so I’ll have to make sure to do that right. A whole new shaft is 700 Canadian pesos so I’d rather avoid that

[@tarzan30809]

Thanks for the video! I have a 1974 Jeep J10 and it needs this work :(

[@bradyrodgers1731]

Most enjoyable videos that I've ever seen!

[@gaming632]

this video is most relaxing ASMR video. love from India bro.❤️❤️🥰

[@tomodonnell5738]

GREAT helpful informative video Thanks much

[@banshanllyngdoh277]

At 11:18 I have the exact component on my car. As it is located within the shaft, with no lubricating access, it gets damaged very often. Squeaky noises would eventually start. What is the role of this particular component? I intend to remove the ball socket entirely. Is it advisable to run the car without this component?

[@Houndini]

They little pain to replace. But great set-up. I love mine on lifted 79 Bronco. Last long time if greased properly..

[@brzibung]

impressive video shots under the car. Have you considered using vinegar oe electrolysis to remove the major rust from the components?

[@redeyeboy100]

Job well done 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@robertbaker1914]

Great Job; Thanks for sharing, from Stanbridge East Qc Canada

[@GiveMeLibertyOrDie]

Very relaxing to watch, good job... Complete cussing rage fit while I'm doing it tho

[@rastarobby4657]

Thing of beauty...

[@magcv92]

Nice videos, could you share where to buy the rebuild kit parts with us please? cheers

[@zacharykoenig8254]

A manual Cherokee. Oh how I can dream.

[@carlostapia3512]

Great work 👏🏼 made my job easier thank you for your knowledge 👍🏼

[@ilhamdjs]

After seeing this video I wish I have the courage to do restoration of my Suzuki Sidekick undercarriage 😅

[@Smiley10070]

Was there a “parts kit”?

[@jeffevans254]

Great job! Except you didn't index the driveline before disassembly so is the drive line still balanced?

[@williamowens1325]

It's a front driveshaft. Pretty sure it's a yj. So that being said a yj front driveshaft doesn't turn all the time since it's split axle. It only turns in 4wd. People don't normally go at a speed in 4wd that would make that big of a difference with a minor imbalance. so let me say that this may be the only video on all of KZbin that answers people question about the front driveshaft grease seal and shows them how to change it. Excellent video from a clearly experienced mechanic. Just appreciate the video dude. If you want one with someone making the marks on the yoke and line and splines and talking for 45 minutes then maybe you can make one. Then people have a mostly balanced front driveshaft for their yj even though it won't matter

[@mightymikee]

​@@williamowens1325 He shows his XJ on his rear driveshaft restoration video.

[@georgemullin7772]

Now that's a nice build exalant job indeed

[@jeffr0]

Wayyyyyy better than new!

[@Notkyle388]

Love the jeep vids very much! Great job!

[@lolcec81]

Комментарий в поддержку канала и ролика, а также труда мастера.

[@Spruce-Bug]

What is the part called that seals the two drive shafts together? Mine is leaking bad and I'm trying to find a replacement on rock auto. Great video i found it really helpful taking apart my drive shaft at home!

[@williamowens1325]

It's a grease seal

[@williamowens1325]

Its pressed on the yoke. Quadratec sell them.

[@motomuso]

Bravo and well done sir!

[@petercarioscia9189]

I like to consider myself pretty handy; a decent driveway or even garage mechanic. I know how to turn a wrench....I have never messed with or refurbished a drive shaft. I had literally no idea so much was going on with that universal joint.

[@iles1995]

Magnificent Job. Say no more!

[@alb2571]

Excelent job man! I have the same cardan on my Excursion and i wonder if you could help me out ro find the replacement parts for it, particularly the center ball joint thig . Would really appreciate

[@dipf7705]

Did you find it?

[@hybrid_hawkins7206]

2:41 I wasn't expecting that to come out! Lol!

[@mark_osborne]

thank you so much ! I just did this job thanks to your guidance :-)

[@ecoshah]

thanks, your the first of a dozen cardan video rebuild that actually goes beyond the universal joints and fixes the cardan itself. I got a 68 buick electra. No replacement parts or kits available anymore. Any ideas?

[@larryyazzie4378]

Nice job .. thx for sharing 👍

[@NickHockaday]

When you do your first sand blast/rust remover/ silver coat, what is it? Is it like blasting it to raw metal or painting because it looks really good.

[@patriciareynolds2729]

good looking ujoints. what brand are they, the blue ones. dont see many greaser holes like that, if it takes grease wont some air have to be displaced?

[@SUROBLEDEKchannel]

Nice job👍

[@supertek6585]

Thank you for the video

[@bolt_husky]

I have 7 of these I have to rebuild 😂. The 2 ZJs, the 4 WJs and the one I took of back in 2006 and don’t remember which Jeep it came off of and don’t care to measure to see 😂😂

[@Kulio_ib3wc]

Do you consider Moog brand parts to be of good quality? I have used their suspension parts for years but alot of people say Moog parts have really went downhill recently.

[@oneshotme]

Here's another installment in my restoration video series on project rustbox (Cherokee XJ) So is this clean a rusty spot at a time?? LOL It's looking under there along with the newest job. Had to do that before but with out a sand blaster Great job!! Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@davearnold6350]

Very good video!!!

[@aaronkeiser6349]

This is so satisfying 🤠

[@davidhigle5427]

What kind of fluid is he using to clean the parts?

[@Ezekielchar]

He got me with the small hand! XD

[@norbert881]

Das ist wirklich klasse

[@johnnylove5826]

The rubber boot can be hard to find, and the auto parts stores around me had no idea what I was talking about. It is called a Spicer 2-86-418 Rubber Boot for CV Driveshaft.

[@devas522]

Great video very detailed

[@user-wb3lp6yv4v]

Отличная работа👍👍👍

[@user-dq7hn7yc2h]

Отличная работа ..мастерская !)

[@remembergodisalwayswithyou6862]

Hello from Morocco nice job bro 💟

[@Miricrafts]

Hard work but very nice result 👍

[@gabrielpadilla7508]

Sweet. I knew that was an xj as soon as i saw the tcase. Nice rig man. Manual with high pinion d30and 33s just like mine

[@DJ-fn3jm]

Looks great but if you're going to all that work might should have used Spicer. You'll have to swap those Moogs soon. 😂😂

[@kyle8546]

I didnt see you mark the slip yoke to the shaft to maintain balance?

[@linustha5675]

Is a very minimal play in the middle part (middle slip yoke?) normal for this kind of shaft? Jeep ZJ with dana 30, 242 and douple cardan front shaft (also little play in the front output shaft - rattles like crazy

[@shoneyman11]

So they make snap ring pliers to remove and install the snap rings and you should have marked the shaft before taking it apart to keep the balance correct. But with that said I did enjoy your video.

[@RestorationStation]

I have snap ring pliers. They don't work on that much rust lol