I love driving in full time FRONT wheel drive......

mongo75 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 07:14 PM

Well if it ain't one thing it's another right? Well this morning I was kinda getting on it in the 140 setting as some joker in a Hemi 300c had to prove something I guess.... So after smoking him, I'm doing about 8o mph, when I hear something hit the underside of the bed, like a rock, and then followed by another "tap". Then I hear a short scraping sound, and I look in my rear view to see what the hell I "ran over" that I didn't see.... Well, I see my damn Rear driveshaft rolling into the break-down lane!!

I pull over, and inspect for damage. Luckily the only thing that happened was one of those skimpy u-joint straps broke off (the bolts sheared off) and it seems to just have slipped right off the intermediate drive shaft. I say lucky because it didn't pole-vault my truck, damage the pumpkin, cut through my frame, bed, steel fuel tank an inch away, or any of the other possible disasters.

So I lock her in 4wd and back up to get my shaft (LOL) the only damge there is I need a new u-joint because the old one threw the bearing caps who knows where. I limp home to the dealership doing about 40mph and of course they don't have the parts in stock. New u-joint, straps, boot, grand total of $146. Now I gotta go pick up the kids in my front wheel drive dually......

Any ideas what caused this? I'm pretty sure the bolts that sheared are the same 10 year old bolts, and I was pushing it hard (320hp/704tq) but I know others are putting down a lot more and not shearing bolts off. Is there a way to beef up the bolts or cheesy little strap?

F350-6 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 07:40 PM

I don't have anything to offer on beefing up the strap, but I'd recommend getting the driveshaft checked out at a local drive line shop. Remember those things are balanced to rotate without vibrating a bunch. It's little 80 mph trip down the pavement may have affected the balance.

ron's power stroke · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 07:45 PM

man ..if it wasnt for bad luck..you would have no luck at all...i got a new strap and bolt kit from Napa..the straps are a little stronger..not sure about the bolts..

mongo75 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 08:00 PM

Well, I already got the stuff on order, but I'll see how the NAPA ones look, so I may replace them. However I think they were ok, the bolts were the problem. Sad thing is, I bought new bolts about 4-5 months ago, and just never got around to installing them (lazy)

I'm pretty sure the shaft is ok, just looking it over quickly showed a very minimum of scraping, thankfully it didn't get dented or anything else.

Ron- the reason I posted this here vice the SD forum is because I like to confide in my fellow 7.3'ers who are pretty well versed in my illustrious history LOL

King0581 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 10:49 PM

Yeah i know the feeling of a pole vault!! Had a 99 dodge 1500 that spent more time in the shop than I did driving it for the year i kept it and one of the times it went in for the tranny, a day after getting it back the front shaft fell out and caught a pot hole in the road and made a heck of a fuss. It ripped a 3/4" wide 7" long gap in the floor board beside my go fast foot, completely destroyed the transfer case. The mechanic at the shop forgot to tighten the bolts apparently.

CampSpringsJohn · #6 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F350-6

I don't have anything to offer on beefing up the strap, but I'd recommend getting the driveshaft checked out at a local drive line shop. Remember those things are balanced to rotate without vibrating a bunch. It's little 80 mph trip down the pavement may have affected the balance.

Along with checking the driveshaft, I would carefully inspect the yolk on the pumpkin. If there are signs that the u-joint caps had been spinning, you will want to replace the yolk too.

1957F100 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King0581

Yeah i know the feeling of a pole vault!! Had a 99 dodge 1500 that spent more time in the shop than I did driving it for the year i kept it and one of the times it went in for the tranny, a day after getting it back the front shaft fell out and caught a pot hole in the road and made a heck of a fuss. It ripped a 3/4" wide 7" long gap in the floor board beside my go fast foot, completely destroyed the transfer case. The mechanic at the shop forgot to tighten the bolts apparently.

i know how that feels. what was suppose to be a simple carrier bearing and u joint replacement...turned into a new driveshaft, new joke and strap kit. apparently the guy at the drive line shop didnt torque the bolts on the yoke properly the first time and the driveshaft decided to pop out while i was driving. luckily i had just taken off from a stop and wasnt moving to fast.

Tenn01PSD350 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 11:19 PM

Damn Danny,

. Only you. I don't think there is a big secret on the straps or bolts but maybe I will learn something. I'm sure the other half is loving every minute of this. Hope it gets better.

rebelchevy02 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008, 12:14 AM

Call Jesse, at High angle driveline. High Angle Drivline-Call Jesse at 530-877-2875 Theres a yoke available that uses small ujoints, instead of straps. The offroading world absolutely love these things. (specially on big HP/Tires/axle combos) And alot refuse to run the straps for the very reason you experienced. The ujoint setup is a much better setup. If Jesse cant get them, hell tell you were to get them.

rebelchevy02 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008, 12:16 AM

Heres a picture for inquiring minds

These are 1350 series joints, and for reference only

Left is the strap style, right is ujoint style.

Top is the strap style, bottom is ujoint style.

He doesnt list sterling yokes on his site, but I imagine he has them, or could find them for you.

xgatorx1976 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008, 12:23 AM

Remember when installing your shaft it can be 180* out of time and that will throw it of balance. Your better off to take the front slip yoke off and take it in to be sure its it time and balanced, 180* out could cause more damage.

Tenn01PSD350 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008, 12:25 AM

Very good rebel. Reps given and my hopes for a source for the better ones.

Tenn01PSD350 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xgatorx1976

Remember when installing your shaft it can be 180* out of time and that will throw it of balance. Your better off to take the front slip yoke off and take it in to be sure its it time and balanced, 180* out could cause more damage.

This brings back memories of when me and Jeremy were on the side of I-40 dropping his drive shaft IOT to tow it. We didn't mark diddly. I wonder how he is addressing that. He is a smart fella. I bet he had a previous mark, or at least I hope so.

rebelchevy02 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tenn01PSD350

Very good rebel. Reps given and my hopes for a source for the better ones.

Like I said, one phone call to Jesse, and youll either have an order, or know were to get one. Hes very much into his work.

thanks for the reps!

mongo75 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008, 01:14 AM

Well as Mike would know, I replaced my shaft about umm, has it been a year and a half already??? Well, there should still be the same two yellow balance / alignment dots on the shafts, that the shop put on them .

As for the straps, yeah I hate them too. I do like the bigger beefier yoke and u-bolts. I actually met a guy at the Western Nats here in SoCal last month that is local. Plus he's a former Marine, so I'm gonna give him a call and see what he deals with.

If I want to change the yoke myself it's just a matter of taking off that big a$$ nut on the input shaft, and replacing the seal right?