WOD 1350 Driveshaft DIY Builder Kit

Universal Fitment for Custom Driveshaft Fabrication

Recommended Applications:

Common Uses:

• Front driveshafts
• Rear driveshafts
• Jeep driveline upgrades
• Custom-length driveshafts
• Rock crawlers and trail rigs
• Off-road buggies
• Multi-piece driveshaft systems
• Custom tube chassis vehicles

Fitment Notes:

• This is a universal builder kit and is not supplied for a predetermined finished length.
• Measure the vehicle at ride height and through its complete suspension cycle before cutting the driveshaft tube.
• Verify compatibility with the transmission or transfer-case output, axle yoke, pinion yoke, carrier bearing, selected U-joints, and retention hardware.
• Confirm adequate slip-yoke engagement and travel at full suspension compression, full droop, and maximum axle articulation.
• Check driveshaft clearance around chassis tubing, skid plates, suspension links, exhaust, transmission components, and crossmembers.
• Verify operating angles at ride height and throughout the complete suspension cycle.
• Consider finished shaft length, operating RPM, tube dimensions, vehicle speed, and critical-speed requirements when selecting tubing.
• Final welding should be completed by an experienced driveline fabricator.
• The completed shaft must be inspected for runout and professionally balanced before operation.

What U-joints work with this driveshaft kit?

This kit is designed around standard 1350-series universal joints. Genuine Spicer 1350 Universal Joint and U-Bolt Kits with properly matched retention hardware are recommended for dependable fitment, durability, and serviceability.

Is this driveshaft assembled and ready to install?

No. This is a DIY builder kit intended for experienced fabricators and driveline shops. Measuring, tube cutting, component fitting, welding, alignment, runout inspection, balancing, and final assembly are required before installation.

What driveshaft tube is recommended?

For many off-road applications, 2.5" O.D. x .250" wall DOM tubing provides excellent resistance to dents, bending, torsional loads, and trail impacts. Final tubing selection should also account for finished driveshaft length, operating speed, vehicle weight, available clearance, and critical-speed requirements.

Is a 1350 driveshaft strong enough for rock crawling?

A properly designed and fabricated 1350 driveshaft is commonly used in Jeeps, trail rigs, recreational rock crawlers, Ultra4 Sportsman vehicles, and lightweight buggies. Actual strength requirements depend on vehicle weight, gearing, transfer-case reduction, tire size, traction, horsepower, driveshaft length, operating angles, and driving style.

Why is slip-yoke travel important?

The distance between the transfer case and axle can change as the suspension cycles. Adequate slip travel prevents the driveshaft from bottoming out and damaging the transfer case, shaft, or pinion while also preventing the splines from pulling apart at full droop.

How much slip-yoke engagement should be maintained?

The slip assembly must remain safely engaged at full suspension droop while retaining enough compression travel to avoid bottoming out at full compression. The required engagement and travel depend on the vehicle's suspension geometry and axle movement.

Why should driveshaft operating angles be checked?

Excessive or mismatched operating angles can create vibration, heat, accelerated U-joint wear, and reduced driveline life. Check the shaft at ride height and throughout the full suspension cycle to ensure the joints do not bind and the shaft maintains adequate clearance.

Why should the finished shaft be balanced?

Welding and component tolerances can introduce runout or weight imbalance. A professionally balanced shaft reduces vibration and helps protect U-joints, pinion bearings, carrier bearings, transfer-case bearings, seals, and transmission output components.

What other components are commonly paired with this kit?

• WOD 1350 Carrier Bearing Shaft Builder Kit
• WOD Single-Ended Carrier Bearing
• Spicer 1350 Universal Joint and U-Bolt Kit
• Spicer 1350 1.5" x 10-Spline Yoke
• GM 14-Bolt Pinion Tie-In with Pinion Guard

Should I choose a 1350, 1410, or 1480 driveshaft?

A 1350 driveline is a strong choice for most Jeeps, trail rigs, lightweight buggies, and recreational crawlers. Heavier vehicles, larger tires, higher horsepower, or more severe shock loading may justify moving to a WOD 1410 Driveshaft Builder Kit or WOD 1480 Heavy-Duty Driveshaft Builder Kit.

What other driveshaft configurations does Wide Open Design offer?

Wide Open Design offers several builder-kit configurations for different driveline combinations and load requirements:

• 1350 Weld/Slip Driveshaft Builder Kit
• 1410 Weld/Slip Driveshaft Builder Kit
• 1480 Weld/Slip Driveshaft Builder Kit
• 1350 Weld/1410 Slip Hybrid Driveshaft Builder Kit
• 1410 Weld/1350 Slip Hybrid Driveshaft Builder Kit