The CAD was just Jeeps way of eliminating rotating mass in the front, like selectable hubs would. By disco-ing the axle on one side, it stops the inner half of the P/S axle from spinning, and allowed the D/S shaft to just rotate the spider gears and not the whole carrier. Which in turn, would keep the front driveshaft stationary.
What is it for? To save rotating mass, and by having less stuff spinning, and slowing the truck, save fuel.
Does it work? Sure, when its all in good working order. A good idea, but was executed like a Rube Goldberg contraption. :roll: Lots of crap going on, just to do one job. Over-engineered.
Put the one-piece shaft in, plate 'er off and call it a job. ;)
Might lose some fuel milage (Yeah right, already driving something with the areodynamics of a brick).
You'll be fine with the one-piece.
Rob L. :thumbsup: