Rear U Joints and Carrier Bearing for Driveshaft again....help!

[KaiHartman]

Hopefully this is posted in the correct forum:



37k on a truck that doesn't seem extreme use (I can see your eyes rolling now) or very much towing, and the carrier bearing is toast (I think). It squeaks like crazy. From my last post, I learned that Quad 4x4 carries replacement carrier bearing units for a little over $200. From what I've read and believe, I think it would be good [preventative] maintenance to replace all three of the rear U-joints (I have the 2-piece rear driveshaft). However, after doing some searching through the forums, I have found that SOME people recommend going to a one-piece rear drive shaft. If you have done this, can you PLEASE off some input!?:{



1) Approximately what kinda cash are we talking here for a truck like this?



2) Where on earth can I find a shop that I can trust to do this kind of "custom" or out of the ordinary work (I am about an hour and a half north of Dallas, TX if you wanna get that helpful!)



3) Is this the right step to be taking (aka elminating the 2-piece rear shaft) for durability over time?



If you guys/gals don't recommend going to the single-piece rear driveshaft, where should I be buying replacement OEM quality U-joints from for my current set up? I've read that the spicer and AAM units have other issues regarding fit and quality... .



what a headache! Any input is very appreciated!!

 

[KaiHartman]

Come on!! I know there are other Quad Cab Long Bed trucks out there with around 40k miles... . according to a lot of the posts in the forums, the U-joints on this set up seem to go out around 40k miles (how ridiculuous that a $40k+ truck needs U-joints within 40k miles of being new... . an engineering team needs slapped!). What are you guys/gals doing to remedy the situation on your trucks? Are you simply replacing the parts or "upgrading" to a single-piece rear driveshaft? If ANYONE has sourcing info on parts it would be greatly appreciated... . I am going to do some TDR research on the "Precision" U-joints that someone has mentioned... . any recommendations for or against?

 

[05mxdiesel]

I had a low speed vibration at 50k which turned out to be the middle u-joint when I replaced all three with precision greasables. They are 351's which cost around $25 a piece. If you do infact have a carrier bearing issue, quad4x4 is the place to go.

 

[berman2000]

where did you locate these

hey mxd... ... . where did you purchase these? would like to upgrade before they make some noise and break out in a shimmy. thanks

 

[05mxdiesel]

rockauto.com

 

[berman2000]

mxd........

stupid question. it lists man. trans. only. am i missing something? i was thinking driveshafts were basically the same stick or auto. true? thanks again.

berm

 

[05mxdiesel]

Autos take the 330 precision. Different driveshafts, not sure on the difference why they take different u-joints.



PRECISION Part # 330A {U Joint - Premium}

2WD; w/Auto. Trans. ; Quad Cab w/Long Bed; Position: At Transmission

2WD; w/Auto. Trans. ; Reg. Cab or Quad Cab w/Short Bed; Position: At Rear Axle

2WD; w/Auto. Trans. ; Quad Cab w/Long Bed; Position: At Center Bearing

2WD; w/Auto. Trans. ; Quad Cab w/Long Bed; Position: At Rear Axle

2WD; w/Auto. Trans. ; Reg. Cab or Quad Cab w/Short Bed; Position: At Transmission

 

[berman2000]

mxd......thanks

one more question? 330 listed 2wd? 4wd same? also, @ transmission and rear axle. how bout center bearing? same as 2wd mega cab? i would only assume this is the same. but, then again, i am not the brightest bulb on your average x-mas tree. how is the longevity? thanks again, berm

 

[05mxdiesel]

This might help out a little more, it seems Dodge set these trucks up with different u-joints for manual versus auto with no differance between 4wd and 2wd in the rear.



PRECISION Part # 330A {U Joint - Premium}

2WD; w/Auto. Trans. ; Quad Cab or Mega Cab; Position: At Transmission

2WD; w/Auto. Trans. ; Reg. Cab or Quad Cab w/Short Bed; Position: At Rear Axle

2WD; w/Auto. Trans. ; Quad Cab or Mega Cab; Position: At Rear Axle

2WD; w/Auto. Trans. ; Reg. Cab or Quad Cab w/Short Bed; Position: At Transmission

2WD; w/Auto. Trans. ; Quad Cab or Mega Cab; Position: At Center Bearing



Mine have a little over 30k on them. I grease them once a month or so, more often in the winter time due to water washout. The frontend on my truck has all the original joints but I have precisions waiting to go in. They are a little messy though and require wiping excess grease off the underside of the bed every so often, good for rust prevention though.

 

[F-15I Ra'am]

Looks like 08 Megacabs are coming from the factory with a one piece driveshaft, havent noticed the longbed quads but figure they are too. Wonder if you could retrofit it to an earlier year truck like yours?

 

[DPKetchum]

Posts on other sites about using the late model one piece shaft with no issues. About $450 I think.

 

[KaiHartman]

DPKetchum: Which "other" sites?



Thanks to everyone for the responses!!



I called a reputable diesel shop (name omitted for anonymity only) yesterday and asked for the shop manager's input. He told me that for the guys who pull over the road a lot, he's had good luck with the NAPA Gold greasable U-joints and the NAPA brand carrier bearing. In addition, he told me they had good experiences with shimming the stock carrier bearing down 3/8".



Has anyone ever tried this brand and/or using the shim idea? I can't find much in the searches... .



THANKS!

 

[DPKetchum]

Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource - Cummins - Home Wasn't to long ago. About a month or so back I think. He priced having a shaft built,realized new trucks came with one piece,priced it through a dealer(maybe got a deal) and ordered one. Had to remove the bolt on bracket for the center support. Posted that it fixed his issue and truck drove fine. Use the SEARCH function of the forum. Ought to be able to find the post on it.

 

[KaiHartman]

Thanks!

THANKS! I'll look as soon as I can get a few spare minutes. Do you have to be a member to search the forums? Oo. j/wondering I'll post back what I find.

 

[DPKetchum]

Its a FREE forum but yes you have to register. I think the SEARCH function on the other forum is easier for some reason then this one.

 

[F-15I Ra'am]

Looks like it's doable! Link: Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forums

 

[F-15I Ra'am]

Look's like my link doesnt work for some reason. Anyway one of the guys over there replaced the two piece driveshaft on his 06',QC,4x4,LB,6sp with a one piece for an 08'. It worked fine and cured his launch shudder. Part #52123162AA WC , list was $549 and he got it for $450. Said you will need a 15mm socket and wrench plus some blue locktite. Also you need to remove the bracket for the carrier bearing as it is no longer needed and may interfere with the new driveshaft. Dont know if the part # would be the same for an auto but I will find out.

 

[KaiHartman]

Thanks

THANKS for the info!!

 

[KaiHartman]

Does anyone have any experience with (or input about) shimming the stock carrier bearing assembly down 3/8" to get longer life out of it? Thanks in advance!!