So, I noticed lately that when I use 4WD I get a clinking sound from the front. Upon first inspection I found it's coming from inside the front driveshaft. Has anyone else had this issue? I'm thinking of just getting a new front driveshaft with u-joints and such.

Also, I'm thinking of rebuilding all the driveshafts with new u-joints and I know I need to rebuild the carrier bearing as well. Are there any upgrades to be had or a certain manufacturer that's better than others? Thanks!

 

Why not just replace the u joints on the shaft?

 

It's not the u-joints causing it. There's something physically loose inside the shaft. When you simply hit it with your hand it rattles.

 

Bump for info. Curious if anyone else had this.

 

Figured it out.

Ever since I got my truck a year ago I've noticed that there's a clunking noise coming from the front end when using 4WD at low speeds. I ended up finding out that it's something physically rattling inside the front driveshaft. I dug up a thread where someone said there was a cap that comes loose and rattles around in there. The only way to fix it was cut the driveshaft open, weld the cap back on, and re-weld the driveshaft. I know I could have a driveshaft shop in town do this, but I'm wondering if I should just get a new driveshaft. I've been kind of thinking of putting new u-joints in the driveshafts but I don't want to deal with the front double cardian. I figure by the time I pay a driveshaft shop to rebuild the double cardian and fix the rattle I could just buy a completely new and ready to go shaft. I haven't been able to find any "upgraded" driveshafts for the front, just factory replacements. This would probably be fine for me, but it's nice to be able to compare pricing.

As far as the rear driveshaft goes my carrier bearing is toast and needs replaced. I've also been wanting to put new u-joints in the rear shaft too and re-paint it, but I'm thinking of also going to a one-piece shaft. I've got a small vibration at highway speeds when I get into the throttle and figure most of it is the carrier bearing. From what I have read through the one-piece driveshaft is the cat's meow and will eliminate any possible vibration, plus it means al new u-joints and not having to worry about shimming the carrier bearing.

What are your guys' thoughts?

 

I can't tell you much about the front drive shaft, but had my rear rebuilt with a new slip joint, one u-joint, and the carrier bearing. I think it was about $300 at local drive shaft repair shop. They cut the old male spline off and welded new one on, then balanced ect.

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I have the same problem with mine,I live with it

 

As far as the rear goes I've seen one piece driveshafts for around 600 bucks with shipping. Yes, about double, but is a completely brand new one piece unit. Kind of tempting.

Haha, it just gets really annoying at times.

 

Chuck did you have the shop diagnose this first or did you go in and tell them that's what you needed? I suspect my u-joints and/or carrier bearing needs replacing, but the only thing I have to go on is an intermittent vibration at highway speeds (60 mph+ only, never lower).

I'd rather not take the truck in and have them jerk me around for a new driveshaft or something...

 

What's interesting, and may be something to consider, is what happens to pinion angle (in relation to drive shaft) during acceleration and deceleration. IIRC the pinion angle decreases during acceleration, which as I understand it, rotates more in line with drive shaft. This in turn puts less stress on the u-joint.

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No, I diagnosed it myself. I was getting a vibration on deceleration about 50mph.

I grabbed the drive shaft and jerked on it and could feel a little play at the slip joint. I then removed it and beat it apart.

This is part of the coating on the male end of the slip joint spline.



The splines were rusted under this.

I took the whole drive shaft to the shop and he replaced all the bad parts.

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Most of the problems with drive shaft vibration are from the carrier bearing. At least that's what I read about. This may be your only issue.

I had my carrier bearing replaced while the drive shaft was being rebuilt. I got it back from the drive shaft shop repaired, balanced and ready to install. It has been great, no vibration.

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IIRC isn't the factory driveshaft not rebuildable? If I'm gonna pay to rebuild the driveshaft I think I'll just get a one piece shaft. I'm gonna call around tomorrow and see about getting one made locally.

 

A-1 Driveshaft in Baltimore Md did mine. They cut the old male spline off, welded a new one on, replaced two u-joints and a carrier bearing. Balanced the whole thing and gave it back to me. I put it back on and has worked great, no more vibration.

I believe he got all the replacement parts from Spicer.

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I'll check locally and see what I can find. Apparently there's quite a few guys that said they had one piece driveshafts custom made at a local shop for about 300 bucks.