Front Driveshaft Replacement - Full CV Design?

[eastmentCTD600]

2004. 5 QC, LB, 2500 auto with a front driveshaft vibration. Below is a summary of how I arrived at this conclusion.



Question: I swear I've seen a front driveshaft that had actual CV joints at both ends (no cardon joint, just two CV's like a front wheel drive car), was wondering if anyone is aware of a design like this or am I hallucinating?



Summary of problem:

• Stock shaft had 120 kmi on it, no problems, but rebuilt anyway for preventative maintenance purposes…

• Local driveshaft shop that I’ve had good luck (same guys doing the work) rebuild w/new cardon joint and all new greaseable U-joints.

• Immediately after installing rebuilt shaft noticed vibration @60 -75 mph, removed shaft, vibration went away. Installed shaft it came back instantly.

• Shaft returned to rebuilder, balanced again.

• Installed shaft, vibration returned.

• Shaft returned to rebuilder, checked & balanced a second time.

• Installed shaft, vibration shows up again.

• Removed shaft vibration went away.

Problem is with the shaft, no doubt . Looking for a good shaft builder in CO or a full CV design as described above.

 

[AH64ID]

I have seen the design for the drive axle shafts, but not the driveshaft so I am curious as well.

 

[rscurtis]

Installation of one of the free-spin kits will solve a lot of your problems, and you won't be wearing out your DS when you don't need it.

 

[jelag]

Are you sure that you don't have another issue... with the drag of that shaft installed you might have another joint that's bad... . thus the vibration...

 

[cerberusiam]

Yeah, they are a favorite of lifted crawlers. http://www.4xshaft.com/

Definitely on the spendy side, and, not sure they will solve your problem if you are not in a high angle situation. Have you checked for any play in the t-case shaft? Front axle joints?

 

[eastmentCTD600]

Would love to go to free spin hubs but thats about $1k; I don't have the cash for that kit just yet...

I'm stock, no lift... so its not a high angle situation, but thanks for the link, totally forgot about Tom Woods D-shaft!

I do have some play in the t-case front output, its not much; regardless, the owners manual does not say how much is acceptable... Anyone have any idea what might be good/bad radial play? 0. 005"? 0. 010"?... .

 

[Bob4x4]

Your shaft may have a wear issue in the splines. Many shops collapse the shaft for balancing and will not see it while being spun up

 

[eastmentCTD600]

Your shaft may have a wear issue in the splines. Many shops collapse the shaft for balancing and will not see it while being spun up

Didn't know that, thanks. I'll check with the shop that did mine...