Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Is this scarring on the front drive shaft normal?

DaveC

DaveC

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While under the Jeep, I noticed this scarring on the front drive shaft that I hadn't noticed before (pics are looking under from the driver side). It's directly above the skid plate, as if the drive line is dropping down and contacting the skid.

Is this normal? Could it be from articulating when the front sway bar is disconnected and if so, should I be concerned?
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Yikes! That's what I thought could happen in the extreme if not addressed. A couple others I've checked with outside the forum said no big deal....which didn't sound right.

Thanks everyone for the replies!
 
Really common for the shaft to hit the transmission skid plate when you lift the Jeep. That's why almost all the aftermarket skids aren't made like that. You don't want it to happen again, I'd remove the transmission skid until you find another one. It looks like you aren't using it now anyway so it's not a huge deal. Just keep the exposed pan in mind when you go out on the trail. If you spend time on the skids it's important but yours look clean.
 
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DaveC said:
While under the Jeep, I noticed this scarring on the front drive shaft that I hadn't noticed before (pics are looking under from the driver side). It's directly above the skid plate, as if the drive line is dropping down and contacting the skid.

Is this normal? Could it be from articulating when the front sway bar is disconnected and if so, should I be concerned?
View attachment 169057View attachment 169058 I
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A good solution would be to buy an oil pan skid such as the Savvy or UCF. Either of those will attach to the stock belly skid and doing so would allow you to remove the cross-member and factory transmission skid.

https://savvyoffroad.com/product/sav-uaeng/https://undercoverfab.com/aluminum-...num-engine-skid-plate-for-03-06-tjlj-40l.html
 
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I had the same problem & cut out some of the skid plate cross bar then welded in a plate to beef it up that cleared the drive shaft when the left front wheel is down & right wheel is up (which is when it hits).
You can also buy a aftermarket skid plate that will clear the drive shaft. My fix was 0 cost.
 
2004 TJ w/ automatic, 2" OME lift, 31's... ditto the hit of front driveline and the crossmember.

I have to ask (I'm sure it's not the first time), but so many comments read "ditch the crossmember and come up with a new skid..." - is the only reason the crossmember is there is to support the skid plate? It seems like it is built more substantial than to just support the skid plate.

I'm not going off road much or heavy at the moment and have the crossmember off, but plan on notching and reinstalling. She's no rock crawler, just a Forest Service road picnic cruiser...

Cheers!
 

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