Signs You Need a Stronger Driveshaft for Off-Roading

Off-roading is one of the most popular hobbies for SUV owners due to its adventurous nature and a close community. Most offroad vehicles include some type of modification, whether it’s on the suspension, or both. What most people don’t consider is the effect of these modifications on other components.

Let’s talk about an offroad driveshaft upgrade as a necessity due to other modifications. We’ll also cover some of the most common signs that point to the need for a heavy-duty driveshaft.

Which Offroad Modifications Require Upgrading to a Heavy-Duty Driveshaft?

Driveshafts are made to last for a long time, however, due to regular wear and tear, they’ll need to be replaced at some point. There are certain off-road modifications that put too much stress on factory driveshafts and can lead to driveshaft failure quickly. Even if the best Jeep driveshaft isn’t made to withstand additional power and stress, it won’t be enough to provide a safe and comfortable ride.

Suspension upgrades, especially lift kits, require an off-road driveshaft upgrade. 1- to 2-inch lift kits are usually not that stressful on the driveshafts, however, everything above that requires a driveshaft with improved durability.

The same applies to fitting larger wheels and tires to your rig. A slight increase in size slightly increases wear and tear, however, a larger difference compared to stock size may lead to driveshaft failure instantly.

Significant engine upgrades like engine swaps or adding a turbo or supercharger to your engine can put significant amounts of stress on the driveshaft, especially during hard acceleration. This can also lead to driveshaft failure and requires a heavy-duty driveshaft to withstand the additional stress.

There are other mods that may require upgrading the driveshaft, but these three are the most common ones.

Signs of a Failing Driveshaft

There are a couple of common signs that point out to a failing driveshaft. These can occur due to regular wear and tear, but also because of the modifications that increase a SUVs offroad capability. Either way, noticing these signs in time can prevent getting stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Vibrations

Vibration is one of the most common signs of a failing driveshaft. It will first occur at highway speeds or while accelerating. This is commonly caused by a disbalance in the driveshaft, or when there’s too much mud or debris that’s stuck on the driveshaft. After a significant engine upgrade, it can occur due to the additional horsepower and torque, especially if you’re hard on the accelerator pedal. Replacing the stock driveshaft with a heavy-duty driveshaft will solve the issue and increase the SUVs durability.

Blowing Up U-Joints

Frequent U-joint failures don’t necessarily mean you’re using lower quality parts. It can also mean that your driveshaft is under too much stress. An off-road driveshaft upgrade includes stronger U-joints that are made to withstand off-road and harsh driving conditions.

Dents, Dings, and Creases

Visible damage on the driveshaft is the most obvious sign that it’s time for a replacement. Even the best Jeep driveshaft isn’t immune to impacts while conquering difficult terrain, and regularly doing a visual inspection can save you from finding yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Dents, peeling paint, cracked welds, corrosion, leaks, and warping are all signs that the driveshaft is ready for a replacement. Inspecting your rig’s driveshaft regularly is recommended if you’re often navigating off-road trails and difficult terrain.

Risks Related to a Failing Driveshaft

To understand why an offroad driveshaft upgrade is important, it’s essential to mention a few risks that can occur due to it failing.

The most serious risk is having your driveshaft snap at high speed. This doesn’t just mean loss of power, but the ability to control your vehicle in certain situations. It can lead to a breakdown that requires towing, but it can also lead to catastrophic results in case it happens in the middle of a takeover.

Other than losing power when you need it most, a failing driveshaft can damage other vital components such as the transmission, differential, or transfer case. Fixing or replacing these parts alongside the driveshaft is significantly more expensive than choosing a high-quality heavy-duty driveshaft in time.

Final Words

Building an offroad rig includes a wide variety of upgrades that improve the vehicle’s off-road capability. The most common upgrades include engine upgrades that result in more power and torque, suspension upgrades such as lift kits, and larger wheels and tires. All of these upgrades have an effect on the driveshaft and can cause premature wear and tear if the driveshaft isn’t upgraded to match the performance characteristics of other upgrades.

Here you’ll find excellent options that adhere to the highest quality standards. By selecting your year, make, and model, you’ll find driveshafts and driveshaft components made to fit by brands such as Teraflex and Yukon Gear.