It may be. As stated we do not know any history. I do agree to move forward on a new shaft if bent. I have reached out to Tom Woods and will be sending it to them for inspection. I also have to drop the trans because we found a huge Crack in the bell housing. So will be replacing the clutch set up while in there. Not opposed to do the driveshaft myself if it is not bent and can be rebuilt.
I agree with that plan on the driveshaft. Certainly no harm in having it looked at - just appeared to be bent to my eye.
Damn...who did you buy this thing from? This sounds exactly like the '82 CJ7 my brother and I tried to nurse back to health in 2014. The hillbilly that owned it previously molested seriously every single aspect on it. Was a nightmare and eventually we ran out of money (high school kids) and sold it. Hopefully you can bring this one back to good. POs suck.
Also, I suppose maybe it isn't bent but just has super worn splines. It seems the center of the driveshaft is sagging downwards...so unless it's an optical illusion, I expect it's either bent or has worn splines.
