Front driveshaft replacement

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

I took my KJ to a reputable 4WD shop to have my recent suspension update inspected as I've had some pops, creaks. All components checked out.

However, the front driveshaft has a lot of play and is the culprit of some of the noise. Which REMAN brand provides the best quality or is it best to replace with OEM Mopar ($505 Rockauto) in this case?

I also plan to replace the pinion seal but do not have the special tool, found it for $180. I've read where others went with shade tree methods and have nicked the seal lip trying to get it out. I am also bit nervous about setting preload torque, undecided if best to pay a shop with the proper tools to do that portion as I'm easily $300 in special tools I may never use again.

EDIT: spoke to the dealer in Huntsville that all the local Jeep club members use, quoted $308 for pinion seal, $600 if it needs the bearing. Not terrible and would be OEM parts, done by Mopar tech.

So that leaves me with the front driveshaft, are any of the REMAN's good quality or just bite the bullet for the Mopar?

 

[tommudd]

I took my KJ to a reputable 4WD shop to have my recent suspension update inspected as I've had some pops, creaks. All components checked out.

However, the front driveshaft has a lot of play and is the culprit of some of the noise. Which REMAN brand provides the best quality or is it best to replace with OEM Mopar ($505 Rockauto) in this case?

I also plan to replace the pinion seal but do not have the special tool, found it for $180. I've read where others went with shade tree methods and have nicked the seal lip trying to get it out. I am also bit nervous about setting preload torque, undecided if best to pay a shop with the proper tools to do that portion as I'm easily $300 in special tools I may never use again.

EDIT: spoke to the dealer in Huntsville that all the local Jeep club members use, quoted $308 for pinion seal, $600 if it needs the bearing. Not terrible and would be OEM parts, done by Mopar tech.

So that leaves me with the front driveshaft, are any of the REMAN's good quality or just bite the bullet for the Mopar?

You can replace the rear CV ( where most wear out) for 40 bucks or so
so why replace the whole driveshaft
Also is the pinion seal leaking or why do they want to replace it?

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

You can replace the rear CV ( where most wear out) for 40 bucks or so
so why replace the whole driveshaft
Also is the pinion seal leaking or why do they want to replace it?

What are the part numbers? I see on this post http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f196/front-drive-shaft-57921/index3.html you mention the rear being ME807, what other parts are needed to complete the rebuild?
I assume spline and boot kit with CV joint are what's needed for rebuild?
https://www.driveshaftparts.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=ME807 I called, spline is out of stock until end of May.....

I was told when I had my alignment pinion seal was leaking.

UPDATE: after reading this post http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f202/how-change-front-driveshaft-change-driveshaft-head-47161/ I see automotivepartsunlimited also carries the kit and is a forum member?
https://www.automotivepartsunlimited.com/shop/driveshaft-cv-head-5/

 

[uss2defiant]

Just the ME807
https://www.driveshaftparts.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=978&search=ME807

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

Thanks, the kit seems to be priced all over though I see this vendor recommended multiple time on here. Did they drop the price as it was quoted recently being priced at $50. A similar kit is $170 on Autozone.

 

[uss2defiant]

Probably supply and demand.
They're based in florida.
their CS is good as well if you have any issues.
My boot tore a month after I installed and they sent a replacement.

 

[tommudd]

Thanks, the kit seems to be priced all over though I see this vendor recommended multiple time on here. Did they drop the price as it was quoted recently being priced at $50. A similar kit is $170 on Autozone.

You see many prices, but when you need customer service very few come through.
Just like dealing with JBA, any issues its taken care of right then
same with this place, driveshaftparts
Most times price comes in second if I know a place has great CS

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

I ordered it yesterday, on its way. I was just curious why it was now cheaper. I didn't want to order an inferior quality kit.

 

[tommudd]

I ordered it yesterday, on its way. I was just curious why it was now cheaper. I didn't want to order an inferior quality kit.

When I started ordering them 10 years ago or longer they were 70 bucks or so from driveshaftparts , haven't ordered any lately since I usually order at least 6-8 at a time so always have them in stock , down to one now, time to reorder LOL

 

[ltd02]

When I started ordering them 10 years ago or longer they were 70 bucks or so from driveshaftparts , haven't ordered any lately since I usually order at least 6-8 at a time so always have them in stock , down to one now, time to reorder LOL

Tom if you do order more soon let us know if the quality is the same. I used one from them years ago on my 02 due to your recommendation and it was great quality and easy to install. Paid 45$ back then.

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

kit came in today, plan to knock it out this weekend along with u-joints for the rear main shaft.

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

I am noticing the play noise on the rear end towards the transmission which the ME807 kit does not address. https://youtu.be/7cGRzlXzwVU

Or am I turned around, this is the the rear ME807 kit? The boot has me thrown off as it goes on the front.

EDIT: opened the kit, no boot, so must be a generic photo. I assume this kit is for the rear where I hear the noise and have play? Forgive me, it's been a long week....

 

[artfull dodger]

The joints were both shot on my 04 when I bought it. Dealership put new ones on both ends of the front shaft along with new hub bearings. He was gonna get the whole new shaft till I told him the cv's were replaceable. So with what he saved, he put new hub bearings in for me!

 

[tommudd]

I am noticing the play noise on the rear end towards the transmission which the ME807 kit does not address. https://youtu.be/7cGRzlXzwVU

Or am I turned around, this is the the rear ME807 kit? The boot has me thrown off as it goes on the front.

EDIT: opened the kit, no boot, so must be a generic photo. I assume this kit is for the rear where I hear the noise and have play? Forgive me, it's been a long week....

Boot goes to the rear , it should have a boot in there

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

Boot goes to the rear , it should have a boot in there

no boot but there's a boot clamp. So the cv joint goes to the rear where I pinpointed the play? The one hidden partially under the brace?

And if there was a boot, it would replace the one on the front?
The red arrow points to the boot is the one not in the kit, the blue arrow points to the one in the kit.

 

[Gyro]

The blue arrow is the right one for the rear.More like a diaphragm,than a boot
The red arrow is a squeeze bottle with grease I think.

When i replaced mine the grease came in a foil pouch.

Gyro

 

[uss2defiant]

the ME807 kit is for the CV that mates to the transfer case which is what we assumed you were talking about.
If there is no boot currently in the rear CV of the front driveshaft parts then it was shot already.
you should replace it with the kit.
typically the rear CV of the front driveshaft is replaced as they are more prone to damage from debris being picked up.

If you wanted the kit for the differential side then it's this
https://www.driveshaftparts.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=969

For the ME807, follow the YT video on their page.
https://www.driveshaftparts.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=978&search=me807

I concur with Gyro to answer your last question.

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

The blue arrow is the right one for the rear.More like a diaphragm,than a boot
The red arrow is a squeeze bottle with grease I think.

When i replaced mine the grease came in a foil pouch.

Gyro

Yes grease is in a pouch, and the boot diaphragm is in the housing. What I assumed to be the shaft boot indicated by the red arrow threw me off as it looks like the boot that's currently on the front of the shaft so I thought I was missing a part.

I've attached the picture of my kit contents.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[tommudd]

no boot but there's a boot clamp. So the cv joint goes to the rear where I pinpointed the play? The one hidden partially under the brace?

And if there was a boot, it would replace the one on the front?
The red arrow points to the boot is the one not in the kit, the blue arrow points to the one in the kit.

No, boot that needs replacing is in the rear, there is no boot in front
and you have the boot , its right there in the picture

 

[tommudd]

Yes ya got it, makes sure you have the grease packed in there and worked in well
:signs1: