Front drive shaft -- '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee
 

My front drive shaft was causing severe vibration. I removed it and the
vibration went away. I disassemble the double-cardan joint and found that
the centering post in the joint was worn to an oval shape and the needle
bearings that fit around it were completely gone.

Question #1: It looks like you have to replace the entire shaft to fix it,
but is it possible that the centering post can be replaced? Maybe it
screws out???

Question #2: Would drive shafts from a '97 or '98 ZJ fit on mine? I have
automatic transmission with NV242 transfer case, Dana 30 front axle, etc.
The shaft is approximately 32" (in relaxed position. it's about 31"
compressed) from center of front u-joint to center of rear u-joint. Would
a drive shaft from a '96 Cherokee fit? In short, what other shafts would
fit. I can't afford right now to buy a new one and need to find a good
used replacement.

Thanks for any help,
Troy

Re: Front drive shaft -- '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee
 

Forgot to say that it has 4.0L six engine.

Re: Front drive shaft -- '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee
 

Forgot to say that it has 4.0L six engine.

Re: Front drive shaft -- '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee
 

Forgot to say that it has 4.0L six engine.

Re: Front drive shaft -- '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee
 

TEM did pass the time by typing:
> My front drive shaft was causing severe vibration. I removed it and the
> vibration went away. I disassemble the double-cardan joint and found that
> the centering post in the joint was worn to an oval shape and the needle
> bearings that fit around it were completely gone.
>
> Question #1: It looks like you have to replace the entire shaft to fix it,
> but is it possible that the centering post can be replaced? Maybe it
> screws out???
>
> Question #2: Would drive shafts from a '97 or '98 ZJ fit on mine? I have
> automatic transmission with NV242 transfer case, Dana 30 front axle, etc.
> The shaft is approximately 32" (in relaxed position. it's about 31"
> compressed) from center of front u-joint to center of rear u-joint. Would
> a drive shaft from a '96 Cherokee fit? In short, what other shafts would
> fit. I can't afford right now to buy a new one and need to find a good
> used replacement.

I don't think the front from a XJ would fit your ZJ. Frame isn't the same.
The only way to know for sure is to stop by the dealer and ask. They can
look it up.. Or drop an email to the folks at buymopar.com

FWIW:

NAPA Prop Shafts Driveshaft - Front
12770 $ 223.76 Core $91.00

Drive Train=Four Wheel Drive
From 1995 1/2,
w/ Automatic Transmission,
w/ Spicer/Dana 30 Axle,
w/ Double Cardan "CV" at Transfer Case,
1310 Series,
w/ 249 Transfer Case

...
Double check, but there shouldn't be any difference between the 242 and
249 front shafts.

--
DougW

Re: Front drive shaft -- '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee
 

TEM did pass the time by typing:
> My front drive shaft was causing severe vibration. I removed it and the
> vibration went away. I disassemble the double-cardan joint and found that
> the centering post in the joint was worn to an oval shape and the needle
> bearings that fit around it were completely gone.
>
> Question #1: It looks like you have to replace the entire shaft to fix it,
> but is it possible that the centering post can be replaced? Maybe it
> screws out???
>
> Question #2: Would drive shafts from a '97 or '98 ZJ fit on mine? I have
> automatic transmission with NV242 transfer case, Dana 30 front axle, etc.
> The shaft is approximately 32" (in relaxed position. it's about 31"
> compressed) from center of front u-joint to center of rear u-joint. Would
> a drive shaft from a '96 Cherokee fit? In short, what other shafts would
> fit. I can't afford right now to buy a new one and need to find a good
> used replacement.

I don't think the front from a XJ would fit your ZJ. Frame isn't the same.
The only way to know for sure is to stop by the dealer and ask. They can
look it up.. Or drop an email to the folks at buymopar.com

FWIW:

NAPA Prop Shafts Driveshaft - Front
12770 $ 223.76 Core $91.00

Drive Train=Four Wheel Drive
From 1995 1/2,
w/ Automatic Transmission,
w/ Spicer/Dana 30 Axle,
w/ Double Cardan "CV" at Transfer Case,
1310 Series,
w/ 249 Transfer Case

...
Double check, but there shouldn't be any difference between the 242 and
249 front shafts.

--
DougW

Re: Front drive shaft -- '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee
 

TEM did pass the time by typing:
> My front drive shaft was causing severe vibration. I removed it and the
> vibration went away. I disassemble the double-cardan joint and found that
> the centering post in the joint was worn to an oval shape and the needle
> bearings that fit around it were completely gone.
>
> Question #1: It looks like you have to replace the entire shaft to fix it,
> but is it possible that the centering post can be replaced? Maybe it
> screws out???
>
> Question #2: Would drive shafts from a '97 or '98 ZJ fit on mine? I have
> automatic transmission with NV242 transfer case, Dana 30 front axle, etc.
> The shaft is approximately 32" (in relaxed position. it's about 31"
> compressed) from center of front u-joint to center of rear u-joint. Would
> a drive shaft from a '96 Cherokee fit? In short, what other shafts would
> fit. I can't afford right now to buy a new one and need to find a good
> used replacement.

I don't think the front from a XJ would fit your ZJ. Frame isn't the same.
The only way to know for sure is to stop by the dealer and ask. They can
look it up.. Or drop an email to the folks at buymopar.com

FWIW:

NAPA Prop Shafts Driveshaft - Front
12770 $ 223.76 Core $91.00

Drive Train=Four Wheel Drive
From 1995 1/2,
w/ Automatic Transmission,
w/ Spicer/Dana 30 Axle,
w/ Double Cardan "CV" at Transfer Case,
1310 Series,
w/ 249 Transfer Case

...
Double check, but there shouldn't be any difference between the 242 and
249 front shafts.

--
DougW