Driveshafts for 2wd to 4wd conversion

[Thorwon]

I've done a 2wd to 4wd conversion on my short wheel base 1988 MJ.

I'm confident the front driveshaft is the same as the XJ. What rear driveshaft do I use with an AW4/NP231J?

Is there a factory driveshaft

Or do I have to have one made?

[neohic]

You could track down a factory shaft, have something custom made, or have your current driveshaft shortened. 

[Pete M]

yup, those are the choices.  none are especially awesome.   

 

-used MJ shafts are getting hard to find and most every possible drivetrain has a different length.

 

-custom shafts from Dennys or Adams aren't especially cheap, but they are much stronger than factory.  maybe you have a shop locally to you that can make one?

 

-2wd shafts are weird and have a rubber isolator on the axle end.  it's possible to shorten them (I did), but you have to cut the t-case end and then hope the rubber is still good enough after 35 years.

 

 

the link in my signature has a thread with all the various MJ driveshaft lengths.   

 

[Thorwon]

Thanks for the info.

I'll probably cut mine down, I'm cheap. I've done it before.

[pizzaman09]

I had a driveshaft shortened for a Ford when we manual swapped it.  It was a great option, just went to the local heavy duty truck shop which built drive shafts.  They also fitted it with new Spicer u joints.  Price was way less than any other option and I'd argue the quality better.