Painted driveshaft

[PJ]

My 04 Cummins had a "rusted" driveshaft within a few months of ownership. That really bothered me to look under the truck and see this rusty shaft. On my new 05, I wiped it down with thinner and shot the complete driveshaft with a few coats of satin black Rustolium spray paint before the rust started. It sure looks alot better under there! I also feel alot better knowing my driveshaft isnt going to rust in 1/2 in the next few years! Just one of my ideas to keep the truck a bit nicer for a few years.

 

[rbattelle]

Will a driveshaft actually ever "rust in half"? I've had 2 vehicles over 15 years old with very rusty driveshafts but they never rusted through.



I have not painted mine...

 

[MLimpert]

I sprayed clearcoat on my 02's when I got it. It lasted the 3 years I had it with very minimal rust. I just did it a couple of days ago to my 05. We'll see how it holds up.

 

[KO_RAM]

I did the same to mine within the first couple days I had it. I used Rustoleum primer and then the Rustoleum Satin Black I did everything I could see under the truck that was missing paint. I went through about 3 cans of paint by the time I got done. That 6 speed rusts real fast too! Just be careful on the drive shafts to put on an EVEN coat of paint so you don't throw it out of balance. I've got some pictures in my photo gallery on my web site at http://kevin. ortners.com/gallery/RAM-3500-CTD Look in the "Underbody Paint" album.

 

[rbattelle]

I, too, painted everything under the truck that wasn't painted. Mostly Rustoleum flat black (except for some of the cab undersides, which I used Duplicolor truck bed coating which is now peeling off). I didn't bother to paint the transmission or driveshafts (surface rust doesn't bother me on these particular parts).

 

[Warwagon]

Will a driveshaft actually ever "rust in half"? I've had 2 vehicles over 15 years old with very rusty driveshafts but they never rusted through.



I have not painted mine...

RB,

Did you vote to not paint before you voted to paint?

 

[Guest]

On my 02 and the 04. 5 I spent two entire days when the trucks were new and POR-15'd everything I could physically get to, AXLE Housings, inner fender wells, etc etc etc, I put it on the driveshafts too, but extremely thin since they are balanced and all. Looks killer and sprays off at the carwash with ease... ... .

 

[rbattelle]

RB,

Did you vote to not paint before you voted to paint?

LOL, you must've misinterpreted what I meant (or I wasn't clear). What I meant was:



I've never painted any of my driveshafts on any vehicle and I've never actually had one rust through.



And, for the record, I actually did vote for the driveshaft painting, before I voted against it. :-laf

 

[Tony T.]

Painting Driveshafts

I have not took the time to do this yet, but when I do find the time, will probaly use a rust converter product with a sponge paint brush. Also have noticed other parts that could use some attention also. Living here in North Texas I'm far enough North from the coast not to worry about salt spray an far enough South not to worry about salty roads in winter.

 

[drandre]

KO_RAM where did you get your wheel liners?

 

[edgrim]

try www.mopar4less.com or 800 748 2139. For wheelliners :-laf

 

[KO_RAM]

KO_RAM where did you get your wheel liners?

I got them from my dealer. I ordered them the day I picked up the truck. I think they were something like $89. They're pretty expensive plastic, but a good investment in protecting the truck.

 

[y-knot]

Well I think it is not wise to leave any bare metal untreated. I don't know why Dodge don't paint them (Cheaper) or go to the aluminum drive shafts like Ford, but I am not going to leave it alone to rust for no good reason. Too me it is just another part on the trucks that needs attention, so I keep it painted. Same goes for the hitch, and anything else exposes to the elements. I find it very easy and re-warding to keep painted. The guy's always get a kick out of it at the service departments, and so do the ones we meet with at the local TDR round-ups.

I just jacked up the rear so the drive shaft spins easily, took a side grinder with a wire brush attached and cleaned it up. Then used a sanding disk to finish it off before painting it, oh yell, don't forget to wipe it down with paint thinner or some other cleaner. If you have a 4x4 like myself, the front shaft is very easy and short, takes no time at all. Then I just painted the shafts with a quality metal paint, I chose light blue to match my trucks theme, plus it stands out nicely. Oh yell, don't forget the decals, you got to have them, yes sir.



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[rbattelle]

Well I think it is not wise to leave any bare metal untreated. I don't know why Dodge don't paint them (Cheaper) or go to the aluminum drive shafts like Ford,

My neighbor just bought a brand new F-150. It has a steel driveshaft, not aluminum. I say this because I was under the truck yesterday and the shaft is getting surface rust.



I guess I better go paint mine. Reading this site makes too much work for me!

 

[Byershome]

My 03' has a aluminum drive shaft so no rust here. Must be because it has the SO engine in it?