5 Reasons Why A Custom Driveshaft Should Be One Of Your First Jeep Mods
If you have ever owned a Jeep you know there are all sorts of modifications and jeep accessories to consider. When your jeep comes out of the factory it may not feel like home on the road. There are all sorts of interior and exterior changes to make that vehicle your own. From seat covers and skid plates to a winch and recovery gear the kits and accessories can seem endless. But anyone who has ever had a custom drive shaft installed will tell you that it’s one of the best jeep modifications when customizing their new Jeep.
Whether you have a Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator an upgraded drive shaft can help make your ride smoother and safer, improve performance, and increase fuel efficiency. But why is upgrading your drive shaft such an important modification? Ultimately it will save you a lot of heartache and money down the trail. And we will tell you exactly why. So, consider this a helpful jeep guide that will give you the top 5 reasons why a custom driveshaft is one of your best jeep upgrades.
You are lifting your jeep
Most lifts are 2 1/2″ to 4 1/2″ of lift, you will also find some lift kits go up to 6 1/2″. Rough Country readily advertises a 6-inch lift kit. The higher the lift the more likely the stock drive shaft will no longer be long enough to reach the vehicle’s transmission or axle. The higher the lift the more angle to your driveline and the longer the driveshaft will need to be. There are lift shops that will try to cut corners but it ultimately will cut your ride short. A good jeep lift shop will explain this to you and make sure you have everything you need to avoid hassles.
When you go shopping for lift kits remember you are buying more than just a lift. When you decide to get a lift kit you aren’t just changing the height of the jeep you are also changing its operating angle. This creates more stress, friction, and heat on the drive shaft. Signs of this are if your driveline squeaks a lot, you have to exert a lot of force on the shifter, or there’s any abnormal noises coming from your transmission during acceleration, deceleration or turning. Another tale tell sign is you get vibrations from the drivetrain.
A good custom driveline shop will pour over every detail when they look at the specs for your lift kit. They need to make sure they don’t just order one piece without further considerations but instead should ensure everything works together perfectly so there isn’t any additional strain on either the axle or the transmission. The best drive shafts are the ones made specifically for your vehicle.
You want bigger tires on your jeep
The custom drive shaft is an absolute necessity for your jeep when you put bigger tires on it. Putting 37″ tires on a Jeep Wrangler is very common and putting even larger tires are common on a Jeep Gladiator. As the tire size increases the amount of torque applied to the drivetrain increases. Because of this a custom driveshaft is needed to support the added torque needed to move those larger tires. When in doubt ask a one of the guys at J.E. Reel Driveline and they will take a look at your specs and they can determine if you need an upgrade or not. But if you are getting bigger tires, you probably have a lift as well, so you will likely need an upgrade.
A lifted jeep with big tires always looks good, but you need to make sure you have the right parts underneath otherwise you just have a very expensive lawn ornament. With the big tires comes a bigger need to transfer power efficiently to those big tires. And that is not possible if you have a stock driveshaft that crumbles under pressure.
Prevent Driveline Failures
Engines are heard and tires are seen, but it is the driveshaft that connects the two. The driveline is the link between your engine and your wheels. The drive shaft works in unison with the transfer case and rest of your drivetrain to transfer engine power. If you don’t invest in a quality drive shaft then the power you are looking for will come at a hefty price; driveline failures that can leave you stranded on the trail.
Without a custom drive shaft, the extra torque needed for bigger tires, off roading, rock crawling, or just going on a trail will crush your driveline like an empty beer can at a frat party. Your custom driveline connects your engine to your wheels and without a strong and reliable one, you’ll only leave tire tracks where you sit.
When you are making modifications to your jeep the object is to improve its performance. This isn’t just the engine and wheels but everything in between as well. And to connect the two properly and sustain the horsepower you also need to consider the parts in between. What they say about a weak link is true, so your jeep will only be as strong as its weakest link. Therefore, it’s important to find a custom drive shaft that has been designed for improved performance.
You want to go off road with your jeep
When you get out there to explore the trails, you need to do it safely. And a big part of safety is making sure you can come back home. A big reason a lot of jeeps get stuck on the trail is due to driveline failure. There’s nothing worse than having no power when you’re halfway up a hill or mountain. When you go off-roading, no matter how careful and alert you are accidents can happen. So, prepare ahead of time.
When you are driving on a trail you aren’t driving on smooth level surfaces. When you change the terrain, you are asking for more power from your jeep. This doesn’t just mean more power and torque from your engine but your drive shaft as well. And when you decide to take that jeep for a crawl over that boulder you will crush that driveshaft like a tin can if you didn’t get an upgrade. Just think about the extra energy it takes to walk on a paved surface versus walking up a mountain trail or on the beach. If it takes more out of you it will take more out of your jeep as well.
You are making other modifications to your Jeep to get more horsepower or torque
Many changes people make to their vehicles are jeep accessories that don’t change the horsepower. But some of the best jeep upgrades do increase the horsepower and that makes a big difference. OEM driveshafts were not made for the extra power you plan to put in your jeep. If you put out more power from your engine then it is likely that the driveshaft will not be able to handle all of those extra ponies. If you’re customizing your jeep for some other reason, such as a transmission upgrade or changing out the gears, this can also affect how much torque and horsepower you need from your drive shaft to handle.
The bottom line is that even though a driveshaft is under the jeep and you rarely see it in pictures it has a big impact on how you enjoy your jeep. A lot of jeep owners are swapping out their axles to handle rougher terrain. Well, if you are making those changes you will need a driveline to match. In just a few minutes of research on the internet you will find many options for custom driveshafts. It is important to go to a driveshaft shop that understands your needs and has the expertise to get the job done right. JE Reel Driveline specializes in jeep, off road, and high performance driveshafts. If you have any questions or need help reach out to us and we can make a drive shaft that fits your specific needs.