'95 Wrangler Rear U-Joint Issues

[yjjeeper]

In the 7 years I've owned my YJ, the rear U-joint, connecting the driveshaft to the rear axle has busted 4 times. Two of those 4 times the driveshaft has tore my muffler up. I added 1.5" extended shackles to the leaf springs about 3 years, but I don't think that is the problem, since it happened twice before that. Has anyone else had this issue?

[soldierp89]

do you have a lift kit on it? the only problem that i would see would be that your pinion angle is too much. If you added more height to your rear, then you just messed it up more. the only way the i can see to reduce the angle is either do a t-case lowering, put some degree shims on the rear axle, or doing the most expensive (SYE). or also, i was thinking of my 89', if your jeep is bone stock, your rear springs might be warped and negative arched. this would also cause your u joint to be put under stress to the breaking point. (happened to me).

[yjjeeper]

You have a good point. The suspension is bone stock and negatively arched. It's tough getting replacement parts in Juneau, AK with the shipping and all, so my YJ will have to endure it for another year, then lower 48, here we come. I did add the 1.5" extended shackles to the front and rear leafs just to add clearance for the 31's that came on it. But like I said, the u-joint blew out twice before I put those on. I cannot remember, but the leafs may have already been sagging before then. Thanks for you thoughts.

[soldierp89]

Yea Alaska would be tough to get parts to. I am just trying to help with wat i know and what i have been through. if u find a good fix, post it for future help. good luck on the u joint and on the move from AK.
Patrick