Prop Shafts

Factory shafts might pass for gentler riding conditions, but “gentle” doesn’t exactly describe you, now does it? Thankfully, Side by Side Source carries a selection of heavy-duty prop shafts and complete driveline solutions engineered to handle the increased angles, torque, and abuse that modified machines create, from direct replacements that upgrade weak stock components to complete driveline systems that address every failure point simultaneously. Whether you need a single heavy-duty prop shaft to replace one that failed or prevent future failures, a complete driveline solution that upgrades shafts and carrier bearings together, or specialty components for extreme builds with portal gears and massive power, we've got driveline solutions from manufacturers who understand that prop shafts are critical components that can't be allowed to fail.

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Buyer's Guide for UTV Prop Shafts: Helping You Shop!

Understanding When Stock Prop Shafts Become Inadequate

Stock prop shafts work within their design parameters, but modifications quickly push them beyond safe limits. Lift kits increase operating angles. The shafts must articulate more to connect your transmission to differentials as suspension travels through its range. Stock u-joints have angle limits (typically 15-20 degrees maximum) before they bind, vibrate, or fail prematurely. Lifts beyond 2-3 inches often exceed these angles, particularly at full suspension compression or droop.

You don’t exactly need to be a side-by-side sleuth to know that throwing on larger tires and/or portal gears is going to seriously ramp up the load on your drivelines. Your engine’s torque is greatly multiplied by these additions, which means you need an equally powerful solution in the form of a super robust side-by-side prop shaft.

If you’re still not sure whether or not you may need an upgraded UTV prop shaft, look for any of the following signs:

Vibrations at certain speeds
Clicking or clunking when accelerating (or slowing down)
Catastrophic failure (when u-joints explode!)

Know Your Heavy-Duty UTV Shaft Materials and Design

Quality upgraded prop shafts use superior materials and construction compared to stock. When it comes to the shaft itself, for example, you’ll want to see super-robust materials like chromoly steel. These will seriously outdo stock on raw power and longevity. They can handle those powerful twisting forces while holding their shape. It’s the heat-treating step of the manufacturing process that makes these things so darn tough.

You also don’t want to sleep on your u-joints. Heavy-duty u-joints with big beefy caps and needle bearings will fare much better than stock joints when you’re dealing with high torque. You should see greaseable designs with zerk fittings, which allow you to lubricate regularly and increase longevity.

Finally, balance is absolutely key if you want a smooth ride. An improperly balanced shaft will vibrate (most unpleasantly) at higher speeds.

Complete UTV Driveline Solutions vs. Individual Components

When driveline issues develop, you can replace individual failed components or address the entire system at once. Complete driveline solutions include upgraded front and rear prop shafts, carrier bearings (if applicable), and sometimes upgraded u-joints or CV joints. This is everything need for a comprehensive upgrade. They're more expensive upfront ($800-1500+) but ensure all components work together and prevent the frustration of replacing one component only to have another fail shortly after.

Individual component replacement costs less initially and makes sense if only one component has actually failed and your modifications are mild. However, if you've significantly modified your machine, the component that failed probably indicates the entire driveline is stressed beyond stock capacity. Replacing just the failed part means other components will likely fail soon. Carrier bearing upgrades deserve special mention. These support the middle of long prop shafts on crew cab or longer machines.

Aftermarket UTV Prop Shaft Installation Considerations and Alignment

Prop shaft installation seems straightforward. Just unbolt the old, bolt on the new, right? Right, but proper execution matters. Making sure you’ve got the right alignment between the U-joints at each end of the shaft, also known as phasing, is a must for avoiding that unwanted vibration. Mind you, most shafts will come with this already done, but it’s always a good idea to double-check this.

It’s also important to note that keeping a record of your driveline angles and preserving them as much as possible will help you to understand the issue better if you do end up with a vibration problem. Greasing intervals for u-joints with zerk fittings should be established—typically every 25-50 hours or more frequently in wet/muddy conditions. Regular lubrication dramatically extends u-joint life.

3 Top Selling Prop Shaft Brands

SuperATV/Rhino Driveline manufactures heavy-duty prop shafts engineered specifically for modified machines with increased angles and torque loads.
Sandcraft produces complete driveline solutions proven in demanding desert racing and high-performance applications.
Rugged ATV Parts offers upgraded driveline components designed to handle the abuse that modified machines create.

5 Top Selling Prop Shaft Products

Upgrade your Honda Talon's driveline with this Heavy-Duty Prop Shaft Rhino Driveline by SuperATV, engineered to handle increased torque and angles from modifications.
Address RZR 900 driveline issues comprehensively with this Driveline Gen 2 Carrier Bearing Combo by Sandcraft, upgrading both shafts and carrier bearings together.
Replace weak RZR Turbo prop shafts with this Propeller Shaft by Rugged ATV Parts, designed to handle the Turbo's power without failure.
Get complete peace of mind for your RZR 4 Turbo with this Complete Drivetrain Solution by Sandcraft, addressing every driveline weakness in one comprehensive package.
Pro XP owners need this Heavy-Duty Prop Shaft Rhino Driveline by SuperATV, specifically engineered for Pro XP's power and the modifications owners typically make.

UTV Prop Shaft Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my prop shaft vibration is from the shaft itself or other components?

Load-sensitive vibration (occurs under acceleration or deceleration, disappears at steady speed) often points to u-joint problems. Tire balance issues create vibrations that match wheel speed, while driveline vibrations typically relate to driveshaft speed (which differs from wheel speed based on gearing). Start by verifying tires are balanced, then check for play in u-joints (grab the shaft and try rotating—any looseness indicates worn joints).

Is repairing or rebuilding prop shafts a thing? Do I always have to replace?

This depends on what’s wrong. U-joints, for example, can typically be replaced if your tubing is sound.

Will I need to make other mods when upgrading prop shafts?

Since you can now go with bolt-in replacements that work with your stock mounting points, you shouldn’t have to worry about other mods. Now, if you’re looking for a prop shaft because of a lift kit, then keep in mind you may need to upgrade other components.