Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Hello,
I'm chasing down my dreaded 70 MPH vibration on my 2004.5 long-bed quad-cab automatic Ram 2500. The vibration disappears when I remove my front driveshaft. I'd like to borrow a known good working/non-vibrating front driveshaft from someone in the Golden CO area to swap in and perform a test drive.
Here is what I've done so far:
1.) Rebuilt NV273 T-case (ALL input/output bearing races had spun in the cases. I glued them back in with loctite bearing and seal retainer, no radial play anymore); all new bearings and seals throughout.
2.) Rebuilt front driveshaft with Spicer XL non-greaseable joints (by a shop) - quality joints. The cardon joint is not brand-new, but was replaced 20k ago with a new unit and still feels good.
3.) Had two different driveline shops (both very reputable) check phasing, straightness, run-out, and balance FOUR different times (3x at one shop and 1x at the other)... read, the shaft should be good, both thought the cardon joint was in fine shape so no need to replace... or so I'm thinking...
As a side note; I replaced my rear two-piece driveshaft with a single-piece aluminum unit. When the recently balanced/checked front driveshaft is removed the truck is smooth as silk, no vibes. When I put it back in the mirror vibrates so bad I can't see the cars behind me.
I'd like to swap in a known good front shaft and try it before spending any more $$ on new/rebuilt shafts, etc. Anyone have a line on a spare front shaft to borrow? Please advise.
Eric in Golden CO.
I'm chasing down my dreaded 70 MPH vibration on my 2004.5 long-bed quad-cab automatic Ram 2500. The vibration disappears when I remove my front driveshaft. I'd like to borrow a known good working/non-vibrating front driveshaft from someone in the Golden CO area to swap in and perform a test drive.
Here is what I've done so far:
1.) Rebuilt NV273 T-case (ALL input/output bearing races had spun in the cases. I glued them back in with loctite bearing and seal retainer, no radial play anymore); all new bearings and seals throughout.
2.) Rebuilt front driveshaft with Spicer XL non-greaseable joints (by a shop) - quality joints. The cardon joint is not brand-new, but was replaced 20k ago with a new unit and still feels good.
3.) Had two different driveline shops (both very reputable) check phasing, straightness, run-out, and balance FOUR different times (3x at one shop and 1x at the other)... read, the shaft should be good, both thought the cardon joint was in fine shape so no need to replace... or so I'm thinking...
As a side note; I replaced my rear two-piece driveshaft with a single-piece aluminum unit. When the recently balanced/checked front driveshaft is removed the truck is smooth as silk, no vibes. When I put it back in the mirror vibrates so bad I can't see the cars behind me.
I'd like to swap in a known good front shaft and try it before spending any more $$ on new/rebuilt shafts, etc. Anyone have a line on a spare front shaft to borrow? Please advise.
Eric in Golden CO.
