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The 2018+ Jeep Wrangler JL makes it easier than ever to fit 37-inch tires on a Wrangler. Even 40-inch tires are not out of the question. Most people know that upgraded axles are a requirement for larger, heavier tires. But driveshafts are often overlooked. They are a vital component that literally transfers the power from your transfer case to the axles. Since the introduction of the JK Wrangler, Jeep has used Rzeppa joint-equipped drivelines instead of traditional U-joints. Rzeppa joints are inexpensive and offer a smooth ride. But they aren't particularly strong, cannot be rebuilt, and they wear out quickly in lifted applications. G2 Axle & Gear have you covered with their heavy-duty drive shafts for both two- and four-door JL Wranglers equipped with 3.6L Pentastar engines. They are available for front and rear applications for Jeeps with automatic or manual transmissions in every trim, from Sport to Sahara to Rubicon. All applications use heavy-duty 2.75-inch diameter DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel, aka no seams) tubing to resist denting and run smoothly at high RPMs. G2's drive shafts come with a double-Cardan joint that provides 32 degrees of motion, far more than the factory Rzeppa joint. One-ton rated 1350 U-joints maximize strength. While greasable 1350 joints are available, G2 engineers sourced solid body U-joints that are stronger and use superior seals to resist dust, dirt, and water ingress. All G2 Axle & Gear JL drive shafts include new yokes for the transfer case and axle for easy bolt-on installation with no surprises.  The Rzeppa joint used on the factory driveshaft (right) is smooth running and free of vibration but doesn't offer much angularity. They are marginal at factory ride height. Add a suspension lift and you will want to upgrade to a drive shaft with U-joints.  The G2 front driveshaft is available in two different part numbers depending on whether your JL is equipped with an automatic or manual transmission. Both applications bolt-on with simple hand tools and include new yokes for the transfer case and front axle.  The G2 front shaft includes a new flange for the transfer case end (shown) and a new yoke for the front axle. The steel transfer case flange uses twelve-point, fine spline 12.9 hardware to ensure that power transfers to your front axle. G2 drive shafts are built to handle high torque situations.  You may have seen front driveshafts with long slips and course splines. They were necessary on some leaf spring applications with or with homemade link suspensions with poor geometry. Long splines aren't required on the JL since the suspension geometry does not have these issues. Driveline length remains relatively constant.  The magic in G2's JL drivelines comes from the double Cardan joint (often referred to as a CV) that uses 1350 U-joints. The G2 double Cardan joint replaces the factory Rzeppa joint and offers 32 degrees of motion. The increase in angle and strength makes it perfect for lifted JLs running 37-inch or even 40-inch tires.  The G2 rear driveshaft includes everything you need to upgrade your JL Wrangler, including new yokes for the transfer case and rear axle. The shaft is constructed from 2.75-inch diameter DOM tubing to maximize strength. G2 engineered the perfect tubing thickness to maximize strength off-road without excessive weight that can rob horsepower.  The Dana 44 axles in the JL Wrangler use a 29-spline pinion that is unique to the 2018- current Wrangler. As a result, G2 had to manufacture a new yoke for their driveline kits since older, off-the-shelf yokes did not fit this new application. The yoke uses U-bolts to retain the 1350 U-joint rather than less expensive straps that can loosen or break when subjected to hard use.  Why 1350 Series U-joints? These joints are incredibly strong and easy to source at parts stores all over the country should they wear out. They are physically larger than half-ton 1310 Series U-joints. That size increase provides more strength through the larger trunnions. It also allows for increased angularity before binding since the larger body means that the trunnions are physically further apart. Binding a U-joint almost always results in breakage. Products We Used In This Article G2 Axle & Gear Jeep Wrangler JL Front Driveshaft G2 Axle & Gear Jeep JL Rear Driveshaft |
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