Am I measuring wrong for drive shafts?

[joshua]

Ok, I have a 3.5 inch lift, ax15, and the d20.

My rear measurement I’m getting is 33.25 but when I have my og shaft in in can only may pull it past the yoke a 1/4 to half inch past the yoke on the axle. Seems kinda short.

The front shaft it coming up 23.5 to 24 ish. I had the borgwarner shaft so I couldn’t install it with the 44 up front to verify stock length.

I’m measuring from the center of where the yokes meet. Shouldn’t it be a greater distance than stock??? Also is it worth/necessary to order a shaft at 33.25 vs 33.5? I’m in a pretty big hurry and don’t want to wait if I don’t have to on a custom shaft.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Still don't know if you are measuring right or wrong. Ideally you want to measure at both fully compressed and fully drooped. This gives min and max lengths. This will let you know that the slip travel is correct or if you need a long travel shaft. And while at full droop, what angle is the CV at? Might need a high angle CV as well. I know when I did my 3½" lift I had to limit rear droop slightly to keep the CV angle to where it wouldn't bind. And I had the pinion angled up more than typical which really helped with the CV angle.

Try putting the shaft on the transfer case, but don't attach to the rear axle. With jackstands under the frame (axle full droop), rotate the shaft. As the CV rotates through the limits, does it ALWAYS stay below the pinion? Yes, the CV will work. No, will need to be addressed. Think "I'll never jump this, not an issue", wrong. If the CV happens to be in that spot the day you rotate tires, or the day you take it to the tire shop for new tires, you just did it in.