One piece driveshaft for '04 (160" WB?)

[Briman]

Does anyone make a ready to go, bolt in, one piece replacement, for our two piece drive shafts? I know that I can go get one made up. For the right price I would rather order one and replace it in my garage over the weekend. I did a search and came up empty. It seems like I read about this in the past but could not find it. Any ideas?

 

[bighammer]

Reviving a 5 year old thread....I'm also looking for one for my 03.

 

[cerberusiam]

Not for the early 6 speeds, those are made to order and you have to tell them certain parameters. The autos are a lot easier as they can be had from dealer.

 

[Alaskaskiff]

I had a vibration for years in my truck at 35 and 70. The problem was there from day I got the truck new. Thought long and hard about the one piece driveshaft, but between being in Alaska and knowing there was not a perfect fit for a 2004 six speed, I pulled the shaft and brought it to a local drivetrain shop that does nothing but that and gear work. They changed the u-joints with new Spicers and put on a new center support bearing that I got from Quad 4x4 in Montana. For way less than a new driveshaft (at least for me), my vibration issues are now completely gone.

 

[jelag]

Here's a suggestion for a new one piece shaft.... http://www.driveshaftspecialist.com/Truckhtml/Dodge truck.html

If you try one of these I'd like to hear your opinion....

 

[rscurtis]

I had them supply a rebuilt DS for my '83 Mercedes, and it was perfect. It also included new flex discs and hardware.

 

[butchb]

jelag have been running one of these for about2 years pulling 14000 lb fifth wheel so far ok

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Thinking of going with Driveshaft Specialist out of San Antonio for both a one-piece rear shaft and a rebuild of the original front shaft (their link is in jelag's reply, above). Craig, the guy I spoke with there, really seemed to know what he was talking about. Though their one-piece shaft is expensive, it'd pay for itself after a couple of rebuilds of the stock two-piece shaft (I keep my vehicles for a LONG time). I have a couple of questions:

1. Has anybody used one of their one-piece rear shafts? If so, how did it work out for you?

2. I seem to remember that a long-shank Torx bit is required to remove the front shaft. How long of one is needed and in what size?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[CBari]

SJBrooks, I can't comment on this company's one-piece shafts, but I will comment that the Mopar one I put on my 03 was well worth it. As to the long shaft Torx I have had my front shaft off of both my trucks and don't really remember any trouble getting them off and I don't own a long shaft one. Mine are all stubby I could have used a socket extension or a socket universal joint with my torx I just don't remember.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

CBari,

Thanks for the quick reply. Would you mind telling me where you got your Mopar shaft from and how much you paid for it?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[seafish]

There is NO correct Mopar part# for YOUR truck as your 2003 6spd trannyis equipped with the NV5600 transmission (unless you or someone else installed the G56 afterwards) which means any Mopar aluminum one piece driveshaft would have to be shortened a little to work in your application.
If you are needing to have a brand new DS shortened, it may well be cheaper and easier to have Driveshaft Specialists make you the correct length in the first place. I have read only good things about Driveshaft Specialists.

That beings said, the part # for a G56 equipped, quad cab, long bed truck is 52123162AA, though I believe that the "AA" at the end has been superseded by now to AJ. I am posting this part # ONLY for your reference to finding out the cost of this DS online. It will NOT be plug n' play for your truck as it is too long if you have the NV5600 transmission.

 

[CBari]

Yes my shaft was for an Auto not 6sp. I wasn't trying to say that Mopar made one for your truck only that I was very happy that I had changed mine to a one piece. What I paid for it is anyone's guess as I have slept a whole bunch since then. I think it was close to what some of the online mopar dealers charge for it.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Thanks all for the replies!

Steve

 

[bighammer]

I ended up having one made by Action Machine Inc. in South Bend, IN. http://www.actionmachineinc.com/driveshaftshop.aspx

I took some measurements, mailed my ends to them, (need a complete shaft for balancing and saved some $$ not buying new ends) and got a new, ready to install, 5" aluminum one-piece shaft a few days later.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Mines bigger. :-laf

I know, I know, it's all how you use it!

 

[AH64ID]

I ordered one from the local six-states and the one they gave me has a mopar sticker on it. I am not sure, however, if they shortened it or not.

It also has 1550 u-joints vs the 1480's I had OEM.

I should search the part number and see what it was off of.

Price was less than 3 new u-joints and a carrier bearing for my OEM 2 piece, including the transfer case output seal.

#ad

 

[Kry226]

I know you guys are mostly talking two-piece DSs, but just about all of the 3rd Gens have the 70 mph vibes; long box, short box, etc. Is a new aluminum DS the supposed cure for the 3rd Gen vibes? I've had my current OE drive shaft balance by a place in Longview, Texas, but it didn't really change much at all. I would love to cure this vibe in my truck, even after 11 years.

 

[AH64ID]

Must be an auto trans thing??

 

[Kry226]

Possibly, but when we were going through this years ago, it seemed like trucks from every trim and configuration had the issue.

 

[AH64ID]

Possibly, but when we were going through this years ago, it seemed like trucks from every trim and configuration had the issue.

Interesting.. Never experienced it in my 05, or dad's 06. I have a NV5600 he has a G56.