Driveshaft installation question
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 982
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From: Northern Kentucky
Driveshaft installation question
Due to severe frame rust, I'm transplanting my "84 351W engine, C-6 transmission and NP-208 transfer case and drive shafts into another 4x4. I know that I should have marked the yokes of both drive shafts at the transfer case but didn't (I know, stupid). I'm not sure how effective that would have been, in any case, since original front and rear differentials are not being used.
With all that said, what can I do now to eliminate balance problems with the drive shafts. Is it as simple as taking them to a shop and having them balanced individually? Are there other options? Trial and error doesn't seem like a good idea but this is the first time I have had to address this problem.
Any and all information and suggestions welcome (except "don't do that again"- I have already marked that one down).
With all that said, what can I do now to eliminate balance problems with the drive shafts. Is it as simple as taking them to a shop and having them balanced individually? Are there other options? Trial and error doesn't seem like a good idea but this is the first time I have had to address this problem.
Any and all information and suggestions welcome (except "don't do that again"- I have already marked that one down).
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
Having the driveshafts balanced individually is generally the best way to go. I'm not sure I've ever even heard of them being balanced on the vehicle. Personally I've never bothered doing anything to make sure I got a driveshaft back in the same orientation it was, and I've never noticed any vibration issues.
The main thing to keep straight is that the yokes on both ends of the driveshaft need to be lined up with each other. If you pull the slip joint apart and put it back together off a spline or two you'll have a vibration you can't get rid of, even with everything perfectly balanced.
The main thing to keep straight is that the yokes on both ends of the driveshaft need to be lined up with each other. If you pull the slip joint apart and put it back together off a spline or two you'll have a vibration you can't get rid of, even with everything perfectly balanced.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,980
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From: Virginia
The only thing you have to worry about is the yoke alignment. Don't worry about the balance. When you put the splines together, make sure the yokes on each end line up. If you never disengaged the splines then they are probably ok but double check them anyway.
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