Jeep Rubicon Rear Drive Shaft

When lifting a Jeep Rubicon we suggest that you position the rear differential so the pinion points at the rear output of the transfer case and run a double cardan drive shaft in the rear. Generally, the stock front drive shaft will not need replacement or modification. This is because the front drive shaft is so much longer than the rear and the lift will not affect the length or angularity of the drive shaft as much.

If you are looking for information about a front drive shaft for the Jeep Rubicon, please click here.

The following information applies to the rear drive shaft of the Jeep TJ Rubicon edition for either the two door or four door versions and assumes a lifted vehicle.

Because even minimal amounts of lift will significantly affect the drive shaft operating angle, ultimately the smoothness of operation and life of the drive shaft, we suggest installing a double cardan (CV) drive shaft in the rear. Using this type of drive shaft will require rotating the rear differential so that the pinion points directly at the output of the transfer case (maintaining 3°, or less, a joint angle at the differential end). Most lift kits come with either adjustable control arms or new arms of the correct length. In any case, be sure to inquire with your lift kit supplier on this subject.

We are able to provide a double cardan shaft that will bolt directly to the stock output flange of the transfer case. This shaft uses a 1310 series CV socket flange that is manufactured exclusively for Tom Wood's. This part is made from steel rather than cast iron like other manufacturers. It is also serviceable with a grease fitting at the center pivot point with designed provisions for a positive greasing during service. This can be used on the TJ or LJ Rubicon models.

Go to TJ Rubicon Rear Drive Shaft product page.

For the 2005-2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ Rear ONLY! We can build the 1310 c.v. drive shaft with our premium full cut spline, this will give you the option to have a dust cap and grease fitting or a boot and no grease fitting for a sealed slip & spline. See below for spline options.

The benefits to this conversion, as we see them are:

• Ease of installation
• Does not require removal of the original equipment rear out-put flange & mass vibration dampener
• Retains the effect of the original equipment rear out-put flange & mass vibration dampener
• In the event of failure of the CV drive shaft, the original equipment drive shaft can be readily reinstalled with simple hand tools
• All wearing components have provision for easy and positive greasing
• Greatest flexibility: nominal 35° prior to binding compared to 30° with most others

While we can build a drive shaft with application information only, to insure that “glove fit” you deserve, we request a measurement from the vehicle. Simply measure from the face of the out-put flange/mass vibration dampener hub on the rear of the transfer case. (This will be the mating surface between this hub and the face of the flange on the drive shaft) To the centerline of the universal joint at the differential end.

NOTE: The X Spline will NOT work on the TJ Rubicon Rear. The X spline option is only available on the LJ Rubicon for the Rear.