CV Weak Link

[The_War_Wagon]

Here's a funkadelic thought...

Anyone ever tried to install a Dodge truck manual transmission into their Commander?

The reason I ask is, I've only 4-Lo'd it ONCE in snow since buying mine in October - during a heavy squall when I happened to be 'hill climbing' here in Pittsburgh. This being my FIRST 4x4 with an automatic transmission, I noticed how the transmission/transfer case liked to bind up, sitting in traffic, and I had to let off the brake a bit, to allow the drivetrain to 'unbind.' I NEVER felt that binding sensation in the geartrain in my old '79 Bronco with the Borg Warner T-18 tranny and NP205 transfer case.

Or is something completely unrelated, putting stress on your CV joint?

[TrialByFire]

Here's a funkadelic thought...

Anyone ever tried to install a Dodge truck manual transmission into their Commander?

The reason I ask is, I've only 4-Lo'd it ONCE in snow since buying mine in October - during a heavy squall when I happened to be 'hill climbing' here in Pittsburgh. This being my FIRST 4x4 with an automatic transmission, I noticed how the transmission/transfer case liked to bind up, sitting in traffic, and I had to let off the brake a bit, to allow the drivetrain to 'unbind.' I NEVER felt that binding sensation in the geartrain in my old '79 Bronco with the Borg Warner T-18 tranny and NP205 transfer case.

Or is something completely unrelated, putting stress on your CV joint?

That's an idea but I think mounting a clutch pedal and master cylinder could be problematic.

I don't have a clue what the computer is doing sometimes during power 'surges' while climbing. I would assume most torque would be directed to the rear wheels so it's puzzling why the front driver's CV snaps so easily.

FYI: I broke my fourth (YES 4th) CV yesterday! I'm in Moab and was doing Flat Iron Mesa in the reverse direction and climbing up Easter Egg Hill when it went. I was up against a rock on the drivers side but wasn't going hard at all. This time the collar was intact and something inside went. We winched the rest of the way up, drove to a flat spot and swapped it out in 45 minutes while the rest of the group ate lunch. (A 3 ft adjustable pry bar is a necessity to pop the shaft!) Finished the trail with no other incidents.

We did the 'Trifecta' (Poison Spider/Golden Spike/Gold Bar Rim) today with no spare half shaft and a bent tie rod and were pretty nervous but, thankfully, got through OK (didn't drag the new steel bumper on Golden Crack!). Our reasoning was that we could 'adapt or rob' parts from the passenger side spare ;-) if we broke.

At any rate, I have the guys at the NAPA in Rio Rancho checking on a 'quality' issue. They are telling me that the 'new' CV that NAPA lists will be available shortly but I would be happy to 'test' any aftermarket CV one of our sponsors makes available...hint, hint!

[Omelet]

So are you still rocking the OEM passenger shaft? We need to see some pics from your trip!!!

[Holaday07 4.7]

Pics

[Matt]

Snapping them like twigs.... I sure hope you get to the bottom of this before I need a new CV!

[TrialByFire]

Pics and video are coming. Patience, my friends...
I'm too busy wheelin' to upload. Sadly, I leave for home tomorrow--hopefully, after Moab Rim!

[Omelet]

You know, since you are so familiar with the process of replacing a shaft, you should make a write up for everyone! Whet do you say?

[Sal-XK]

You know, since you are so familiar with the process of replacing a shaft, you should make a write up for everyone! Whet do you say?

Awesome idea


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[Matt]

Soooooo.... i might need a new CV shaft (or two)

What ever came of this? Should I steer clear of NAPA and try another brand? Rockauto has a few different brands for CV's....

Since mine arent completely toast yet (trying to track down a popping noise and think it might be one of the joints going), figured I'd replace them with some aftermarket CV's and keep my OEM ones as spares for the trail.

[pjmjr508]

I am still using the replacement I got from napa. No complaints.