How rare are 2.5 automatics?

[coheed]

So, since swapping in the 3.4 and 4L60e I haven't had 4wd because the stock front driveshaft is too short. I was looking through driveshaft lengths, and it looks like a front from a 2.5 auto would be the right length for what I need. How long would I be waiting to find a 2.5 automatic 4wd XJ to pull a driveshaft from? Thinking it might make more sense to pony up the money to get one made from Tom Woods.

[89 MJ]

Pretty rare. You might be able to find a driveshaft shop near you that would make one cheaper than Tom Woods would be. You could also make one yourself as long as you have a welder and a dial indicator to measure runout. 

[Eagle_SX4]

If you search on car-part.com for Jeep Cherokee front driveshaft 4 cylinder auto, there are several across the country. Prices range between $40 and $100.

[eaglescout526]

84-86 might be worth a shot to look too. Autos were more common there than the 87+. 

[ThatJeepGuy]

Seek a local driveshaft shop, if tour current is too long, its not going to cost much to have it shortened and rebalanced. ~$125?

[coheed]

2 hours ago, 89 MJ said:

Pretty rare. You might be able to find a driveshaft shop near you that would make one cheaper than Tom Woods would be. You could also make one yourself as long as you have a welder and a dial indicator to measure runout. 

Unfortunately, the closest shop that'll be under $300 is a 2 hour drive, that I've talked to so far anyway. And I don't trust myself enough to weld up a driveshaft lol.

2 hours ago, Eagle_SX4 said:

If you search on car-part.com for Jeep Cherokee front driveshaft 4 cylinder auto, there are several across the country. Prices range between $40 and $100.

This isn't a bad idea. I may call a few of them tomorrow.

1 hour ago, eaglescout526 said:

84-86 might be worth a shot to look too. Autos were more common there than the 87+. 

Man, 84-86's around here seem even rarer than finding a Comanche in a yard.

[eaglescout526]

49 minutes ago, coheed said:

Unfortunately, the closest shop that'll be under $300 is a 2 hour drive, that I've talked to so far anyway. And I don't trust myself enough to weld up a driveshaft lol.

This isn't a bad idea. I may call a few of them tomorrow.

Man, 84-86's around here seem even rarer than finding a Comanche in a yard.

Fair enough. Those were probably the first years to go at cash for clunkers. 

[Pete M]

what's the length difference between the autos and a manual?

[coheed]

Front Driveshaft Lengths | NAXJA Forums - North American XJ Association

 

I found this thread over on Naxja, and it seems accurate because the front I have from a 2.8/AX5/NP207 combo is 25.5" collapsed. Yoke to yoke with the 4L60e/NP242 is 29.5", so the first one on the thread should be just the right length.