I installed a Rough Country F250 6 inch lift onto my 2001 Ford Excursion and encountered two issues. 1) rear shock mounts on the X use a bar pin through the shock bushing versus the sleeve style that came with the kit for use by the F250; 2) the slip yoke appears pulled out by 2 inches.

Issue 1 was solved with a quick call to Rough Country. Issue 2 seems a little more challenging. I see two possible solves. Either get a spacer plate for the drive shaft or go to a driveline specialist to extend the driveshaft.

Are there any other options? Is there a longer slip yoke that I could swap on from another model? Has anyone else run into this and how did you solve?

 

If you don't legenthen the shaft it will pull out of the splines in a panic stop.

6" lift typically requires a longer shaft, any driveline shop should be able to retube yours.

 

A local shop, Associated Truck Parts, specializes in drive shafts among other things. I spoke with them and they can extend it per my specifications.

Do I want the shaft extended to the exact distance between transfer case and rear differential? How much travel should remain in the main shaft and slip yoke?

 

Current spline dis-engagement.

 

Seems to me a competent driveline shop with some 4x4 experience will be able to recommend some options for you, instead of leaving you hanging: 'per your specifications'. Did they have issues in the past?

 

They aren't a lift shop, but they build custom driveshafts. I was recommended the shop by someone who ran into the same issue, and they walked away happy.

The shop told me to measure plate to plate for overall length, take the driveshaft off, and bring it in with the length dimensions.

They had five or six driveshafts laying on the table waiting for pickup, so they must be doing something right.

 

Could anyone provide a picture of what the driveshaft to slip yoke looks like on a stock suspension, and length measurement between the transfer case and rear differential?

I didn't look at my stock setup closely and would like to know how far into the slip yoke the drive shaft should be.

 

I have the opposite problem. I'm removing a lift from my 00 X and wondering if I'll need to put a different shaft on because its too long. My front shaft is really wobbly and has exposed splines, so I'm betting its factory. The rear shaft seems that it may have been elongated. Its all up on stands right now so I can't take any measurements. Hopefully, it'll be on the ground later tonight and I can take some then. What is the length of your shaft from the face of the axle flange to right where the splines are cut? I can take those measurements and see how they compare. I may just swap shafts with you!

 

Oh the irony! How big was your lift?

I'll be taking measurements and will post this weekend.

 

Some info from Tom Woods

Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts - Ford Excursion and Expedition

 

Measured the length from flange to flange and get 56 1/4" with wheels on the ground. The shaft splines are currently 5/8" out of the yoke. This is less than my original guestimate.

Ill be going to the shop next week to see of they will extend accordingly. I wish I took a measurement before I changed my suspension. Pictures below.

Attached tape to inside of flange.
Measured 56 1/4 to flange at axle housing with wheels on ground.
Driveshaft splines 5/8" out of slip yoke with wheels on ground after installing rough country F250 6inch lift on 2001 ford excursion v10 limited.

 

Driveshaft came back from the shop yesterday retubed to be 1.5 inches longer. Strapped back on and feeling am much more comfortable to drive without fear of dropping the shaft.