I have an 04 1500 4x4, Auto tranny and 241d t-case. I have a rip in the cv boot in the middle of the front driveshaft. truck has a 4.5 inch lift. I need to take the driveshaft of to measure for a custom one. My question is once i get it off the lead time for the custom one is a week or two. Can I just leave it off and still drive the truck till the new one is installed? I maybe put 30 miles on the truck a week. Will any fluid leak out?

 

the front shaft bolts on right? or is it slip in (xfer case side) for 1500's?? if it slips in then yes it will leak fluid..bolts on no...and you shouldnt have to take off ur shaft to measure for a new one..it's ifs it doesnt move much, just give them the measurement from xfer to diff and get like 4" of slip, should be good...

 

Its the slip yoke. Tom woods' shop and high angle both told me to pull shaft and measure from tip of shaft to flange were the driveshaft bolt to the axle. I have a 4.5 inch lift, maybe thats why. I dont really know. I just wonder if I have to cut the clamp that holds the boot on the propeller shaft. can I just use a small hose clap to hold it on till new shaft arrives. or do i have to buy new clamps and the crimp tool.

 

prolly cuz its slip and they need the measurement of the part inside the xfer too, but i would just pull it measure it and put it back...as for the boot, its just protecting the slip joint in the d-shaft...nothing to really worry about since ur getting a new shaft, might sling grease everywhere tho..

 

thats kinda what i was thinkin. Thats why i just thought to use a hose clamp for temporary. the grease from the stock shaft was enough for me. I hate that stuff everywhere.

 

Can you convert fom the two piece to a solid driveshaft, one with a U joint on both ends instead of the one with that crazy gear in the middle? Mine keeps going out (2004 4X4 Hemi, 5.5 inch lift), and it just seems like its not as strong... Anyone else have the same problem?

 

The drive shaft is actually pretty solid, that joint is a Cardan joint and I don't think it's your problem. Although you could have a good 4x4 shop fab you up a Double Cardan driveshaft which puts two joints perpendicular to each other. A lot of trail jeep builds utilize such a front drive shaft.

Did your lift kit supply you with a transfer case indexing ring? If not, there is your problem.

Spend your money on an indexing ring rather than a driveshaft. Skyjacker supplies them with all their lifts over 4" but sells it separately as well...


Description as per Skyjacker:

These Skyjacker transfer case indexing rings are designed to re-clock the transfer case in a better position. They will allow you to use your factory front driveshaft without making any modifications. A required transfer case seal adapter is sold separately.

 

The lift was on when I got it. Is there a way to tell if there is an indexing ring on it already? I looked it up and it definitely sounds like what I need. Thanks a ton. Nobody else has been able to help at all before.

 

Do you know if this one would wor? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SJA-DTSA10/
It's for a Ram 3500, but for some reason the only one I've found for a 1500 is like $270