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

[Kry226]

Several truck configurations with the vibe in this thread.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/120838-How-many-with-the-vibes?highlight=vibe

 

[AH64ID]

Several truck configurations with the vibe in this thread.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/120838-How-many-with-the-vibes?highlight=vibe

I just skimmed thru it and it does seem to be mainly an auto problem, at least systemically. I noticed 1 manual guy who a new DS fixed it, and 1 manual who it didn't (but RC LB, odd config for a vib).

 

[Prairie Dog]

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.

Really? I didn't know it was that common (I have it too). I also have an odd low frequency vibe at 41 mph.
Besides going to the DC 1 piece DS, I've replaced or balanced everything that spins under my truck.
I've pretty much given up trying to figure this out.

I wonder if it could be my junky SBC clutch...

Scott

 

[bighammer]

Mine was mostly launch shudder, but it seemed to be getting worse. It's possible it was just bothering me more, despite all the attempts to correct it. My center bearing was feeling really sloppy and it seemed like a good time to just eliminate it and the other issues. I'm very happy with it and it finally feels like it should have from the begining.

(Mine is NOT auto, BTW)

 

[AH64ID]

Yeah the 1 piece has a big impact on launch shudder, as that is typically the carrier bearing and effects both auto and man trans.



On a side note, if anyone gets a alum 1 piece with 1550's plan on at least 1500-2000 miles for the u-joints to break in and stop vibrating at low speed. I thought I made a horrible mistake going with them, but after a couple thousand miles they loosened up.

The vib occurred around the same rpms that I would get gear rollover and transmission noise, so the new/stiff u-joints were probably exaggerating the trans gear rollover.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Yeah the 1 piece has a big impact on launch shudder, as that is typically the carrier bearing and effects both auto and man trans.



On a side note, if anyone gets a alum 1 piece with 1550's plan on at least 1500-2000 miles for the u-joints to break in and stop vibrating at low speed. I thought I made a horrible mistake going with them, but after a couple thousand miles they loosened up.

The vib occurred around the same rpms that I would get gear rollover and transmission noise, so the new/stiff u-joints were probably exaggerating the trans gear rollover.

John, what do you mean by "Trans gear rollover"?
I've never heard that before.

Thx,
'Scott

 

[AH64ID]

John, what do you mean by "Trans gear rollover"?
I've never heard that before.

Thx,
'Scott

That annoying low rpm noise you probably get with your OFE.. At least that's what I understand it to be called.

 

[Prairie Dog]

That annoying low rpm noise you probably get with your OFE.. At least that's what I understand it to be called.

Oh ya, I know that sound LOL.

An odd thing about the 70 mph vibe; A local tire shop was trying to figure out what is causing it on my truck. They could feel it going down the road but when the truck was on the rack and supported by its axles, it was dead smooth. (tires and wheels check out good)
Almost has to be related to tires, or some odd sensitivity to them. Next time it needs them Ill go with yet another brand.

Scott

 

[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

Well, I did end up going with the Driveshaft Specialists one-piece rear shaft. I just returned from the 500-mile drive from San Antonio, and the difference between the new shaft and the old two-piece shaft are quite noticeable. From takeoff up to 80 mph, the truck is SO much smoother. I'll be towing my 5er sometime within the next month or so, and we'll see how it does at that task too. I haven't yet re-installed the fully-rebuilt front shaft yet, but it looks like they did a great job on that one too. I'd highly recommend Driveshaft Specialists for anyone looking to get a custom-made one-piece rear shaft for their truck.

Steve

 

[cerberusiam]

The one thing we have noticed is the amount of noticeable axle wrap when loaded is enhanced with these drive shafts. You will have to try your and see how it reacts with your trailer and truck setup. On both my sons truck and mine the 1 piece shafts have made that a LOT more noticeable whne loaded. That said, both of us are running Smarty's with 450 HP tunes so the TQ management redcution is probably the largest contriubutor. with stock power and a manual it may not show the same.

 

[Prairie Dog]

The one thing we have noticed is the amount of noticeable axle wrap when loaded is enhanced with these drive shafts. You will have to try your and see how it reacts with your trailer and truck setup. On both my sons truck and mine the 1 piece shafts have made that a LOT more noticeable whne loaded. That said, both of us are running Smarty's with 450 HP tunes so the TQ management redcution is probably the largest contriubutor. with stock power and a manual it may not show the same.

Time for ladder bars?
Actually I've been wondering if a HD sway bar could have the ends that attach to the frame reinforced so they couldn't move diagonally at all. Seems like that would cause them to keep the axle form rotating much.
Yes, I have a lot of free time on my hands.

Scott

 

[Prairie Dog]

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.

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Hey John, is that a seem under the lower label on the new DS?
Mine didn't have anything like that so I suspect that's where they shortened it.

Scott

 

[cerberusiam]

Time for ladder bars?

Yup, that is the plan. Both trucks are terrible with a load and a tune on them. Mine even more so because of the build and pressures. On wet roads, even down on the overloads and truck leveled, it is bouncing the rear axle and breaking traction. Disconcerting to say the least, veddy veddy careful on the throttle.

 

[AH64ID]

Hey John, is that a seem under the lower label on the new DS?
Mine didn't have anything like that so I suspect that's where they shortened it.

Scott

No it's just a mark.