I have been searching this and other forums for info about front drive shafts. My 81 did not have one when I got it, so rebuilding is not an option. I have not been able to find one locally, so it seems like I have two options:
1 Order new (LROR has one for an out $250 delivered)
2. find one from a newer truck, and have it shortened and re-drill the flanges to fit a first Gen.

Any opinions on which option would be best?

 

what are your plans for the truck?
If you are going to do anything as far as flexible springs up front (rears up front, or any thing like that) I would recommend you wait until you get your springs installed. and than order something with a long spline shaft
If not the new shaft that you mentioned in option 1 from LROR at $250 delivered (especially if balanced) seems like a reasonable deal to me.
however if this is the one you are thinking of,http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index...t-10-inch.html you will still need to have it completed by a d/s shop
If you don't need to use 4WD in DD winter conditions a square front driveshaft is an option, but since you don't have an thing to work with it is kind of out..

 

You'll come out cheaper building one locally.

:wabbit2:

 

Dang, I thought that LROR DS was complete. I guess Wab is right, I might as well get it built. I do not plan to make any changes to the truck. I like the way it sits right now.

I do have an XJ front drive shaft with a double cardone and slip joint. I could probably make that work if I had the flange yokes for either end. I have called all the parts places and the dealership though, no luck.

 

Thanks man, I am the guy that wrote you yesterday BTW, although you probably already figured that out.

Do you know of a shop in Birmingham that will build me one? I am thinking about going to that place across from pull a part in Birmingham and see what I can find.

 

If you're looking for an original, try:

yotayard.com or yodajims.com

Or you may want to try http://www.davezoffroadperformance.com/

 

forgot about my parts source thread
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f114...rs-etc-221643/

 

Thanks for the leads. I went to the local pull a part looking for a DS. No luck but I did find this sweet, rust free bed. I just need lights and a tailgate.

 

That bed is really nice, where did you find it?

 

Thanks. It came from Pull A Part.

http://www.pullapart.com