Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Anyone go to a one piece driveshaft?

[Gary - K7GLD]

... On a quad cab length truck?



I did that on my '91 standard cab when I installed an aftermarket US Gear overdrive unit - was a BIG improvement in eliminating the common "shudder" those trucks had when moving from a dead stop - but in that case, the driveshaft was shortened anyway by about 20 inches, which made the single shaft more possible.



I wonder if it's do-able on a truck like my Quad Cab, or if there are definite hazards involved in eliminating the center support bearing assembly?



I realize one function of that center support is to maintain shaft alignment to the transmission - and another MIGHT be to provide for a pivot/length compensation point as the differential raises and lowers thru it's range of movement - so are those functions outside the ability of a one-piece driveshaft to overcome?



I sure wouldn't want to place the NV-5600 at risk...

 

[SnoKing]

The early GM Durimax extended cabs had a lot of issues with "shudder" and they had a TSB to replace the two piece driveline with an Aluminum one piece unit. I got my friend the info and he had it done and was very happy with the results. SNOKING

 

[Nate]

I thought a 1 piece rear shaft was factory? That's what my truck has.

 

[wtfd6]

I have a one piece since I installed the gear vendors o/d. I get a vibration from 45-50. I am thinking about finding a shaft with a center support bearing and shortening it to fit.

 

[fox]

The std. cab trucks are one pc. from the factory.

 

[NIsaacs]

The standard cab, long bed, two wheel drive models use two piece drive shaft's.



The only thing I can see that might be a problem with a one piece, in place of a two piece, is the ground clearance would be less. However I am not sure if that would ever be a problem with a four by two. Maybe loading it on a flat bed trailer with steep, short ramps?



As far as the weight, balance, strength and overall usability of an overlly long shaft, I duno?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I was under the truck today installing my Walbro pump - and while I was there, looked at the driveline, MAN it's a long ways from the rear if the transmission to the differential! My greatest fear would be the increased load on the rear of the transmission - with the 2-piece shaft, the angle of shaft from the transmission is straight, light, and short.



That wouldn't be the case with a 1-piece shaft, and I'm not sure the design of the back end of the NV5600 would deal well with the added stress over the long haul. Might be smarter and safer to just replace the center support every few years to take the "rubber band" out...

 

[wtfd6]

I had a chevy in today. it was a four door long bed 4x4. it had a one piece shaft from the transfer case to the diff. it was long, and huge. it was aluminum and had an outside diameter of about 8 inches or so. I am amazed that they dont have vibration problems.

 

[muchsnow]

Vibration with Gear Vendors unit

I have a one piece since I installed the gear vendors o/d. I get a vibration from 45-50. I am thinking about finding a shaft with a center support bearing and shortening it to fit.

I have the same problem with mine, the output shaft also eats the inboard splines on the yoke over time and requires periodic tightening and replacement of the yoke. Vibe is right around 50 mph then you engage the unit and it is significantly reduced.

I don't get it, the angles are good... ... ...

You ever figure yours out??

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The main reason for a two-piece driveshaft is to keep the critical speed up to a reasonable level. The shaft will “whip” if it is too long for a given rpm range. You can use different material (aluminum or carbon fiber, for example), and increase the diameter to raise the critical speed. You might check out the technical discussion at Mark Williams Enterprises- Homepage

 

[wtfd6]

there was a little slop in the slip joint. I have removed the Gear Vendors now and have no more vibration.