98 5speed 4x4 rear drive shaft compatibly

[Salty4Life]

I’m looking to swap out the drive shaft in a 98 5speed 4x4. I have access to a 2000 auto 4x4 I can pull the shaft out of. Are these compatible? The 2000 seem to have an aftermarket driveshaft that could be serviced in the future if needed. Both flanges line up.

 

[spartacus]

I’m looking to swap out the drive shaft in a 98 5speed 4x4. I have access to a 2000 auto 4x4 I can pull the shaft out of. Are these compatible? The 2000 seem to have an aftermarket driveshaft that could be serviced in the future if needed. Both flanges line up.

The manual shaft is longer . You can use a spacer and the 2000 shaft. low range offroad sells spacers in different thicknesses.

 

[phattyduck]

The manual shaft is longer . You can use a spacer and the 2000 shaft. low range offroad sells spacers in different thicknesses.

Also, in 99/00, there are two different lengths of 4x4 Auto rear shafts - the j-shift and the multi-mode transfer cases are different lengths. (in both cases, longer than the MT rear shaft, as mentioned)

You could still have a drive shaft shop modify the aftermarket shaft to fit your truck...

-Charlie

 

[Salty4Life]

Also, in 99/00, there are two different lengths of 4x4 Auto rear shafts - the j-shift and the multi-mode transfer cases are different lengths. (in both cases, longer than the MT rear shaft, as mentioned)

You could still have a drive shaft shop modify the aftermarket shaft to fit your truck...

-Charlie

So the 2000 is a j shift auto with a saggy rear end. The 98 has a 2-3 inch lift. Wouldn’t the extra length help in this application?

 

[IsacFignewton]

So the 2000 is a j shift auto with a saggy rear end. The 98 has a 2-3 inch lift. Wouldn’t the extra length help in this application?

If it was longer you'll still have the same suspension up travel which could cause the driveshaft to bottom out in the extension housing, but since yours is manual both the auto's will be shorter. I think the J-shift auto driveshaft is very close in length to the manual. The multi-matic driveshafts are about 4" shorter than the J-shift.