Cardan Joint gone!

[HouseMouse]

(New Member, First Post) Was snooping under my 2026 3500 about a week ago and noticed the front axel is a High Angle Ring and Pinion unit. So, I got to wondering if being that the front drive shaft is more aligned with the transfer case, was the Cardan Joint still necessary. Well, I just confirmed it. There is no longer a Cardan Joint. But, some sort of bulbus "thing" (not sure what it is} next to the front axel. Sorry if this subject has already been posted.

 

[79 300]

I know my 2024 does not have the sticker under the hood telling you to grease the front driveshaft like my 2013 had.

 

[Brutal_HO]

It's now a CV joint and has been since 2019.

Axles, driveshafts, and all the rest of the truck has been lube point free since 2019.

 

[jsalbre]

It's now a CV joint and has been since 2019.

Axles, driveshafts, and all the rest of the truck has been lube point free since 2019.

Not a very good CV joint though. I went through 4 front shafts under warranty because the seals ripped, and now that I’m out of warranty the 5th has gone too. Makes a hell of a mess of grease under there.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Not a very good CV joint though. I went through 4 front shafts under warranty because the seals ripped, and now that I’m out of warranty the 5th has gone too. Makes a hell of a mess of grease under there.

I believe there's an aftermarket alternative that uses the old double cardan joint. If I was wheeling and tearing through CV's, that's where I'd be. I think someone had one for sale here not too far back?

 

[jsalbre]

I believe there's an aftermarket alternative that uses the old double cardan joint. If I was wheeling and tearing through CV's, that's where I'd be. I think someone had one for sale here not too far back?

Yeah, there’s a few options out there I think. I’m definitely not buying another factory shaft. I’ll have to check the sales section to see if there’s one out there for a good price.

I’m curious what the issue with these is, since I’ve had Jeeps with CV shafts for 20 years and never had any problem with them. They probably cheaped out on the boot.