The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are engineered to be trail-capable from the factory, but once lifts, larger tires, and axle upgrades enter the equation, the driveshafts quickly becomes one of the most stressed systems on the vehicle. Changes in suspension height alter operating angles, increase rotational load, and introduce vibration issues that stock driveshafts were never designed to handle long-term. This is where purpose-built aftermarket driveshafts move from “nice to have” to essential.
Dana’s Spicer Performance Driveshafts are engineered specifically for these realities. Optimized for vehicles running anywhere from stock height to six inches of lift, they address clearance, strength, and critical speed concerns while maintaining the refinement Jeep owners expect on the street.
Why The Factory Driveshaft Becomes A Limitation
From the Wrangler JL to the Gladiator JT, factory driveshafts are designed around stock ride height, stock tire size, and predictable operating angles. Once those parameters change, several issues tend to surface. Increased angles can accelerate u-joint and CV wear, thinner OE tubing may flex under higher torque loads, and longer shafts—especially on the Gladiator—can approach critical speed ranges that introduce vibration at highway speeds.
Ignoring these concerns doesn’t just affect comfort. Over time, excessive vibration and driveline stress can lead to premature failure of joints, transfer case components, or even differential internals. A properly engineered aftermarket driveshaft isn’t just stronger; it restores balance to the entire system.
Spicer Performance Driveshafts For The Jeep Wrangler JL
Dana offers high-performance Spicer 1310 and 1350 Series driveshafts specifically for the Wrangler JL, giving owners options based on their build, driving style, and power demands. These driveshafts are engineered with smaller diameters to improve clearance around the JL’s exhaust system, a critical consideration as suspension travel and articulation increase. Thicker tubing than original equipment delivers added strength, often exceeding OE durability, while maintaining compact packaging.
Each driveshaft is designed as a direct-fit, bolt-in solution. The inclusion of a direct-fit flange simplifies installation and eliminates the need for adapters, ensuring proper alignment and reduced run-out. As with all lifted applications, Dana recommends measuring after axle and lift installation to ensure ideal fitment, but these systems are optimized for lifts ranging from zero to six inches.
Spicer 1310 Series Front Driveshaft For Wrangler JL
The Spicer 1310 Series front driveshaft for the Wrangler JL is a direct replacement engineered to improve strength without sacrificing clearance. Its smaller diameter prevents interference with the factory exhaust while still delivering a significant durability upgrade. The one-piece flange design bolts directly to the stock Jeep axle, eliminating adapters that can introduce imbalance or additional failure points.
Compared to the factory shaft, the tubing is approximately 50 percent thicker, providing added resistance to trail damage and torque-induced deflection. Designed for zero- to six-inch lifts, it supports larger tires, improves ground clearance, and delivers more confidence when the front axle is fully loaded during climbs or technical crawling.
Spicer 1350 Series Driveshafts For Wrangler JL
For JL owners running higher horsepower, increased torque, or more aggressive off-road use, the Spicer 1350 Series driveshafts provide a substantial step up in capability. Built from high-quality steel, these shafts mirror the ruggedness found in Dana axles themselves and are intended for demanding applications.
The maintenance-free SPL 1350 Series double cardan design eliminates the need for routine greasing while improving lube retention and resistance to contaminants. Lubed-for-life u-joints and a sealed centering package ensure long-term reliability without sacrificing operating angle potential. Smaller diameter 2×0.120 DOM tubing is used for front shafts to maximize clearance, while rear shafts utilize 3×0.083 DOM tubing to avoid critical speed issues.
Slip members are engineered with strength and serviceability in mind. Front shafts feature a robust 1.375-inch spline with a re-lube zerk integrated into the seal, while rear shafts use a 1.5-inch spline with a re-lube zerk in the slip yoke. Each slip yoke is capped with a high-performance SPL 1350 series u-joint, completing a system designed for durability under extreme conditions.
All genuine Spicer driveshafts for the JL include a Spicer transfer case yoke and the necessary hardware, further reinforcing the bolt-in, OE-style installation approach.
Spicer Performance Driveshafts For The Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator JT presents unique driveline challenges due to its longer wheelbase and factory two-piece rear driveshaft. Following common modifications such as suspension lifts or tire upgrades, the factory shaft may struggle with increased torque loads and steeper operating angles, often contributing to vibration and reduced driveline longevity.
Dana’s solution is a lineup of Spicer Performance Driveshafts for the Gladiator JT, available in both 1310 and 1350 Series configurations and optimized for lifted vehicles. These driveshafts are engineered to deliver increased strength while addressing critical speed concerns that are especially relevant on longer shafts.
Two-Piece 1350 Series Rear Driveshaft For Gladiator
The two-piece Spicer 1350 Series rear driveshaft for the Jeep Gladiator is designed as a complete, direct bolt-in upgrade. Featuring high-strength 3-inch DOM tubing, it delivers the durability required for trail use without introducing drivability compromises. A Dana-engineered center bearing drop bracket kit is included to maintain proper alignment on lifted vehicles, ensuring smooth operation both on and off the road.
High-angle flange yokes at the axle support increased articulation, while permanently sealed, high-temperature CV boots protect the Dana-designed CV joints from heat and contamination. The use of lubed-for-life SPL 1350 series u-joints minimizes maintenance and maximizes trail time, reinforcing the service-free philosophy behind the design.
The two-piece configuration not only prevents critical speed issues but also allows for a smaller overall diameter, improving breakover angle and reducing vulnerability when navigating obstacles.
The Cost Of Not Upgrading The Driveline
When suspension, tire, and axle upgrades outpace driveline capability, the results are rarely immediate—but they are inevitable. Excess vibration, accelerated joint wear, and driveline noise often precede more serious failures. Over time, these stresses can affect transfer case outputs, differential pinions, and even transmission components.
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