Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0L Rear Driveshaft 936-075

A clunk from under the back seat every time you let the clutch out, a shake that shows up around 40-50 mph, a squeak that keeps time with the tires, or a ripped rubber boot at the transfer case end are the usual reasons Wrangler TJ owners start shopping for a rear driveshaft. This is a complete 17.56 in. rear driveshaft assembly for the 4WD Jeep Wrangler TJ with the 4.0L inline six and the Dana 35 rear axle. It replaces Mopar 52098784AB and 52098784AC and cross-references to aftermarket number 936-075, with 1310 series U-joints and a 27-spline slip yoke.

What the rear driveshaft does in a Wrangler TJ

On the TJ the transfer case sits close to the rear axle, so the rear shaft is short and runs at a steep angle from the transfer case output down to the pinion yoke. The slip yoke on the front of the shaft rides on the transfer case output splines and slides in and out as the rear suspension moves; a rubber boot keeps dirt and water off those splines. The shaft uses two single-cardan 1310 U-joints. Because it is so short, any wear in a joint or in the slip splines shows up quickly, and the steep working angle makes the shaft sensitive to ride height changes.

Symptoms of a worn TJ rear driveshaft

• A clunk on take-off, when shifting into gear, or when getting on and off the throttle
• Vibration that builds through the 40-50 mph range and gets worse under load
• A chirp or squeak from a dry U-joint that speeds up with road speed
• A torn slip yoke boot, rust in the splines, or a shaft that binds when you try to slide it
• Visible play when you twist the shaft against the pinion yoke by hand

How to confirm it is the driveshaft

Chock the wheels, put the transfer case in neutral, and twist the shaft hard in both directions while watching each U-joint. Any knock or movement between the cross and the caps means a worn joint. Push the shaft up and down at the slip yoke; more than a slight amount of movement means worn splines. Check the boot for tears. If the TJ has been lifted and the vibration started after the lift, the cause may be the angle rather than worn parts, so read our vibration after lift and pinion angle articles, before buying. Rear end whine that changes with throttle is an axle problem, not a shaft problem; for that see the Dana 35 master bearing kit.

Fitment

Listed fitment is the 1997-2002 Wrangler TJ 4.0L with the manual transmission and the 2003-2006 Wrangler TJ 4.0L, both 4WD with sales code DRJ (Dana M35, 194 mm rear axle). It is not listed for the 2.5L four cylinder, for 1997-2002 automatic models, or for trucks with sales code DRK (Dana 44, 226 mm). Mopar has superseded 52098784AB to 52098784AC and then 52098784AD, so any of those numbers on your old shaft or parts paperwork point to the same service part. Measure your old shaft end to end, check the axle tag or the sales code sticker, or send us your year and VIN before ordering. If your TJ has a slip yoke eliminator and a longer CV-style shaft, this is not the right part; see the TJ rear driveshaft for SYE lift builds instead.

Install notes

• Mark the rear U-joint to the pinion yoke before removal so you can see how it came out.
• Unbolt the rear straps, push the shaft forward and drop the pinion end, then slide the slip yoke out of the transfer case. Expect a little fluid to drip from the tail housing.
• The 27-spline slip yoke has one tooth missing, so it only goes on one way. Grease the splines lightly and slide it onto the output shaft.
• Install new straps and bolts at the pinion and torque them to the factory spec. If you would rather rebuild the old shaft as a spare, a U-joint press kit pushes the 1310 caps out without damaging the yokes.
• Top off the transfer case with the fluid called for in your owner manual if any was lost.
• If the TJ is lifted 2 in. or more and vibrates after the swap, the fix is usually a NP231 slip yoke eliminator with a matching shaft, not another stock shaft.

More reading: U-joint replacement symptoms and cost, slip yoke buyer's guide, and Dana 35 rear axle problems.

Will this fit a 2005 Wrangler Rubicon?

No. The Rubicon uses the Dana 44 rear axle (sales code DRK). This shaft is listed only for 4.0L TJs with the Dana 35 rear axle (sales code DRJ).

Does it fit a 1999 Wrangler with an automatic?

It is listed for 1997-2002 manual-transmission TJs and all 2003-2006 4.0L TJs. 1997-2002 automatics are not listed, so measure your old shaft or send us your VIN.

What part numbers does it replace?

Mopar 52098784AB and 52098784AC. Mopar has since superseded the number to 52098784AD. It also cross-references to 936-075.

How long is it and what U-joints does it use?

17.56 in. end to end, with 1310 series U-joints and a 27-spline slip yoke that has one missing tooth so it installs only one way.

My TJ is lifted and the rear shaft vibrates. Will a new stock shaft fix it?

Only if the old shaft is worn. If the vibration started with the lift, the problem is usually the U-joint angle. A slip yoke eliminator with a longer CV shaft is the common fix.