Marking Driveshaft
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 13
From: Glendive, MT
When taking the splined sections apart such as the slip joints/yokes you would mark them. If they are assembled with the u-joints out of phase, you will get a serious vibration.
there is no need to mark it if you are just changing a u-joint.
there is no need to mark it if you are just changing a u-joint.
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FTE-Spread The Knowledge
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Douglassville, PA
I am not sure what you're asking here. One end is male and the other is female. IDK how many splines there are but none of them are offset to insure that you only install it correctly, that would be too easy. If there are 16 splines there are 16 different ways they can be put together.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: San Diego, CA
Yes, it is keyed so that it only fits together one way.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Douglassville, PA
Why do they have to be marked when disassembled then? I'm missing something here.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 13
From: Glendive, MT
I never count on any piece of equipment having a dead spline so it can only be put together One Direction. It is safer and easier to Mark it with a permanent marker so you simply line up the marks and slide it together.
Last edited by HD Rider; Apr 2, 2018 at 01:42 PM. Reason: Spelling
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
Admittedly I don't have much experience with drive shafts, and I've only had a handful of them removed over all the decades I've wrenched, but I've never come across a keyed shaft that only allows it to be installed one way. 
Stewart
Stewart
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 145
From: San Diego, CA
The slip yoke is only one example and a small portion of the driveline. If I took it all apart without marking anything I'm pretty sure I would not put it back together exactly as it was.
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FTE-Spread The Knowledge
Joined: Feb 2008
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I learned exactly what Brian42 just wrote. The spline only goes in the female receiver one way. If you do not mark it, you can spend the extra time finding the magic spot, or simply conform and mark it and make it easy on yourself and you assistant if one is present. I also learned my Beagle is a thief and stole my boot, now I need a new one.
Thanks again to ALL!
Thanks again to ALL!