I have an 88 F350 4x4 SRW with 7.3 C6 BW 1356

The front driveshaft has the double Joint assembly at the trans case end. The joints are worn as usual, but the most slop is at the ball joint in between them, very loose. I need to take it apart, it may even be broken. If not broken, is the middle part rebuildable, or must you buy the whole driveshaft new?

Is this joint necessary, or could I replace it with a normal driveshaft of the same length? The truck has the stock springs, blocks, etc.....

Any guidance, is much appreciated!

 

they can be rebuilt if the center support bearing is not gone, and if they wobble - its gone. fairly cheap for reman ones at advance tho....bring in the old one.

 

Yes, the double joint is probably necessary. They are usually installed where the angles/differences are too severe between the two components it connects, and are engineered to relieve the strain.

 

You could try going to a junkyard and just buying another driveshaft. I have bought driveshafts at junkyards before and they are pretty affordable.

 

That is what GM calls a constant velocity joint, I think, I suppose Ford does too. You need to pay attention to what order you reassemble them.

 

It is actually called a double-cardan joint. A constant velocity joint is entirely different.

 

exactly. a CV is a ball/cage assembly.

 

Thanks! I have been racking my brain off, and on, all day trying to remember the proper term for that. I knew CV joint wasn't exactly right, but, couldn't remember what was for the life of me.

 

Quaddriver, the joint that is being talked about here is an assembly with two u-joints and an intermediate shaft, not a ball and cage assembly. Two completely different things. Google double-cardan joint and look at images.

 

No Im aware what it is, the cardan is the right term - I was agreeing with him, a CV joint is another animal.

My only point is that if the center support bearing is gone - there is a cylidrical socket in the center with a rolelr bearing - when it goes the cup portion of the socket physically breaks off - once it does - wobble = shot = unfixable

 

Sorry, I guess I misunderstood you. You are absolutely correct about the center support bearing. I hate double-cardan joints (but they are a necessary evil), replacing u-joints in them is so much more of a PITA than the regular single u-joints.

 

I changed mine to a single joint with no problems. I think them double joints are stupid. RB