libtekguy
Active Member
- Joined
- May 1, 2022
- Threads
- 2
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- 40
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- 71
- Location
- Washington
- Vehicle(s)
- 2022 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon EcoDiesel
- Thread starter
- #1
I'm preparing to run the Rubicon this late summer. I'm thinking through and trying to prepare for the most common breaks and trail repairs. I am on stock shafts. The jeep is on 37s with a 3.5" metal cloak lift. Fully belly skids. I wheel with a light foot. I'll be going with a few other similarly equiped Gladiators.
Correct me if I am wrong:
1) If I break a front U-joint or even the axle shaft, and I am unable to repair or replace it on the trail, as long as I keep the stub shaft in the hub, I can remove the rest of the axle shaft, correct? Assuming something more catastrophic didn't damage the housing or bearings and I stuff a rag in the axle tube to mitigate fluid loss and trail debris/dirt. I did a little search and someone mentioned you don't even need to run the stub shaft?
To take this a little further... If I have one of the front shafts removed, unlocked (front) 4x4 is not going to any good for traction, but do you guys see any obvious danger in turning the front locker on when needed?
Any other advice for spares would be helpful. I plan to bring u-joints and the associated tools. I have a spare front driveshaft to bring (although I don't think it's very likely to use it). Duct tape, zip ties, ratchet straps. I don't have spare axle shafts. I want to upgrade my front axle shafts someday, but I don't think that's going to be this year. I'll be bringing some fluids as well. I have been wheeling for about 15 years, but the worst damage I have earned is a slightly bent tie rod and dinged up rocker panel on my old TJ. I may be lucky and I am concerned I am getting complacent with being "prepared".
Correct me if I am wrong:
1) If I break a front U-joint or even the axle shaft, and I am unable to repair or replace it on the trail, as long as I keep the stub shaft in the hub, I can remove the rest of the axle shaft, correct? Assuming something more catastrophic didn't damage the housing or bearings and I stuff a rag in the axle tube to mitigate fluid loss and trail debris/dirt. I did a little search and someone mentioned you don't even need to run the stub shaft?
To take this a little further... If I have one of the front shafts removed, unlocked (front) 4x4 is not going to any good for traction, but do you guys see any obvious danger in turning the front locker on when needed?
Any other advice for spares would be helpful. I plan to bring u-joints and the associated tools. I have a spare front driveshaft to bring (although I don't think it's very likely to use it). Duct tape, zip ties, ratchet straps. I don't have spare axle shafts. I want to upgrade my front axle shafts someday, but I don't think that's going to be this year. I'll be bringing some fluids as well. I have been wheeling for about 15 years, but the worst damage I have earned is a slightly bent tie rod and dinged up rocker panel on my old TJ. I may be lucky and I am concerned I am getting complacent with being "prepared".
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