1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Front Driveshaft Yoke Help/upgrade

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Mtnmax, Dec 3, 2018.

  1. Dec 3, 2018
    Mtnmax

    Mtnmax New Member

    Grand Lake, Colorado
    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2018
    Messages:
    19
    Not sure if this has been covered in another thread, I did a search and could not find anything.

    I've been working on a basket case 1971 CJ5 for about 8 months now. In the process of getting everything in good working order, I decided to replace all the u-joints, front and back. I managed the rear shaft without any trouble. Moving on to the front I got careless with my hydraulic press and messed-up (bent) the front driveshaft yoke. Crap!!

    I searched around online for a new shaft that fit my Dana 27 axle and Dana 18 transfer case, but did not have much luck.

    The problem I found was the u-joints for the original driveshaft are considered obsolete. So the best way to solve the problem (other than to not bend your original driveshaft in the first place!) is to upgrade the driveshaft to one that uses the very common 1310 u-joint. But that means you also have to upgrade the yokes on the transfer case and axle. Ok, fine.

    There is a yoke made by Dana to use on the transfer case (#2-4-2821) that up grades to a 1310 joint. But I could not find a yoke to fit the axle and a 1310 joint. Crap!

    I finally found Gabe at Northern Drivetrain in Wisconsin (1-866-907-8492). He was very helpful and custom made a yoke to fit the Dana 27 and accept a 1310 joint. So now I have a stronger front driveshaft and a more common 1310 u-joint, all thanks to me screwing up the original shaft and the valuable help from Gabe at Northern Drivetrain.

    So I just wanted to post this information in case someone else ran into this same problem or if you simply want to upgrade your front u-joints and driveshaft. Gabe said now that he has made a yoke for me, he can make one for anyone because he has all the proper specs. I think the part # is 2-4-2291.

    Thanks again to Gabe at Northern Drivetrain!
     
  2. Dec 3, 2018
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
    Messages:
    3,323
    I had a reputable driveline shop in SJ do the exact same thing to my 71' when I changed the transmission. Piece of mind and I only had to carry 1 or 2 - 1310 spares with me. Last year I went with a D30.
     
  3. Dec 3, 2018
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014
    Messages:
    1,725
    Welcome from Michigan, Mtnmax. Are you saying that they don't have the small U-Joints any longer? I have not heard that.
     
  4. Dec 3, 2018
    TIm E

    TIm E Aggressively average

    NW Arkansas
    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2017
    Messages:
    683
    If I read it right, sounds like he ruined the end of the driveshaft where the u-joint goes and couldn't find a new driveshaft or end that takes the small u-joints. The small u-joints are still available, bought some just a few weeks ago.
     
    Rick Whitson likes this.
  5. Dec 3, 2018
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2011
    Messages:
    5,407
    I am sitting on gold then (y) driveshafts
     
  6. Dec 3, 2018
    Mtnmax

    Mtnmax New Member

    Grand Lake, Colorado
    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2018
    Messages:
    19
    The original u-joints are still available, I was attempting to install new u-joints on the original driveshaft when I bent the yoke. The word that was used was 'obsolete'.

    My guess on the meaning of 'obsolete' in this case is the demand for the original u-joints is waning which will probably translate to the eventual end of their production... Just my guess. So, if I was planning to keep my Jeep that uses the original u-joints, I might stockpile a few back-ups in my Shop on a shelf for the future.
     
  7. Dec 3, 2018
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    Bonney Lake, WA
    Joined:
    May 25, 2006
    Messages:
    2,871
    I always change out the little joints for 1310s. The little ones serve no purpose and no there is not a clearance issue. The slip on the original drivelines were worn out by the time the Jeep made it home from the dealer when new. Junk parts from day one.
     
  8. Dec 4, 2018
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014
    Messages:
    1,725
    Thanks, I have two spare sets from my build, a set for a 64 F 134, and a set for a 66 V 6, just it case. I was hoping they didn't stop making the small U joints. Thanks for the reply.
     
  9. Dec 4, 2018
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2012
    Messages:
    2,356
    I changed my yokes and u-joints out a few years ago. I got the dana 27 from Herm the overdrive guy and the dana 18 from a member here (Don't remember who).

    The new drive shaft came from CJ Tatton on ebay. He makes replacement drive shafts for jeeps that are far superior to the original.

    Tattons Drive Lines
     
  10. Dec 4, 2018
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2006
    Messages:
    2,754
    whoah.
    just checked out his website. looks like he makes a very nice quality driveshaft!
     
  11. Dec 4, 2018
    Mtnmax

    Mtnmax New Member

    Grand Lake, Colorado
    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2018
    Messages:
    19
    I did not mention where I got my new driveshaft with the 1310 u-joints in my original post. I stumbled on Tattons website through Ebay and ordered the driveshaft from him. He does nice quality work.

    Thank you for mentioning that 'homersdog'.
     
  12. Dec 4, 2018
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    CJTatton does nice work. I've had stuff done by him, very pleased with all new components shipped right to my door. He even called me to verify what it was I wanted was correct.
    For the 27 yoke for 1310 joints, they are getting harder to find used but look at early IH Scout 80's and 800's. They used 27 fronts with 1310 joints and the 80's used a 27 rear with same.
     
New Posts