Think twice before getting a one piece driveshaft....

[BigPapa]

Well, hello, cerb. Where you been? Hope all is well.

 

[endoscott]

My 1 piece aluminum custom built was a disaster on my 2003 3500. Went back to the steel 2 piece original. It's very difficult to weld aluminum correctly. The guy who built it was an experiened guy, did a lot of race cars and probably 30 years of experience working on drive trains and suspensions. He just didn't do very well on my aluminum one.

 

[bighammer]

I had one built for my '03 quad long bed NV5600 a few years back. Nice setup, but my oil pan rusted thru (along with a lot of other parts) so now it's just sitting in my barn.

 

[spin05]

Based on what most driveline builders say it is not heavy enough for a diesel application. Even the larger aluminum DS's are border line if you have a lot of TQ.

Doesn't every Ram after 07' Run a one piece aluminum???? Or are you saying stock is the way to go and this one is too thin???? My truck is bone stock still.

 

[cerberusiam]

Stock power it is probably ok if you are not towing heavy. Towing is another whole animal because you get into axle wrap trying to start out and it is easy to ding and inadequate DS. AFAIK, factory is a steel DS, especially on these longbeds.

 

[AH64ID]

Doesn't every Ram after 07' Run a one piece aluminum????

No. I’m not sure which do, but I know that neither of my 07+ trucks have had a 1 piece shaft.

 

[Signal73]

11 5500 cab n chassis has a 2 piece.

 

[spin05]

Stock power it is probably ok if you are not towing heavy. Towing is another whole animal because you get into axle wrap trying to start out and it is easy to ding and inadequate DS. AFAIK, factory is a steel DS, especially on these longbeds.

hhhmmmm i have not seen one guy on any forum have a problem with em. Im heading for my 3rd carrier bearing in 4 years at $200 a pop by the time its pressed on. This **** getting old.

 

[spin05]

Update: Bought the 1-piece aluminum shaft from Drive Shaft Power. $703 total and free shipping. Is made to order so that took 5 days but shipping was only 2 days. Is OEM spec but 0.125 thick instead of 0.85(OEM) and comes with Spicer U-joints although stock size. Seems well built. Truck drives nice and smooth now and quiet. My carrier bearing was shot again for the 3rd time in 85k miles. Glad to be done with that piece of crap 2 piece shaft. Anyone want to buy my old one????

 

[Signal73]

Curious, anyone experience a 65mph vibration in the floor when the carrier bearing starts to fail?

 

[bcbender]

Before chasing vibration issues in the main shaft, pull your front DS and go for a spin.. My 04 had a bad vibration at or around 70 the dealer replaced the carrier, front yoke, and all u joints, never could fix it... I pulled the front shaft and it was gone!.. they did not listen or try it so I got all new parts under warranty, but if cost me about 100$ to have the double cardan rebuilt and balanced no more vibration.

 

[AH64ID]

Update: Bought the 1-piece aluminum shaft from Drive Shaft Power. $703 total and free shipping. Is made to order so that took 5 days but shipping was only 2 days. Is OEM spec but 0.125 thick instead of 0.85(OEM) and comes with Spicer U-joints although stock size. Seems well built. Truck drives nice and smooth now and quiet. My carrier bearing was shot again for the 3rd time in 85k miles. Glad to be done with that piece of crap 2 piece shaft. Anyone want to buy my old one????

I presume you mean the OEM shaft was 0.085”?

 

[spin05]

Correct. Ive read the OEM one from dodge are 0.85 thick tubing.

 

[AH64ID]

Correct. Ive read the OEM one from dodge are 0.85 thick tubing.

Huge difference in 0.85” and 0.085”. You have said 0.85” twice.

If the OEM was 0.85”, seems too thick, and you got a 0.125” the new one is much thinner.

 

[spin05]

Huge difference in 0.85” and 0.085”. You have said 0.85” twice.

If the OEM was 0.85”, seems too thick, and you got a 0.125” the new one is much thinner.

hahaha yea sorry didnt catch that the first time. 0.085 would be correct.

 

[VFabricius]

Wish I'd known this before paying $1000 for mine 2 years ago. The previous owner had installed an upgraded Borg Warner turbo and Industrial Injuection I2 injectors and the dual disk Southbend clutch twisted mid bearings on this 6 speed 2500 long bed so we ordered/installed the one piece shaft which apparently I got when I purchased this. lol.

 

[plumberjack]

Before ordering one online check with your dealership parts department... List price from Dodge is $696. 90 but they'll let them go for $552. 00. I've seen them online from $490 to $570 and that does not include the $50 to $65 shipping charge. I just ordered one today... . I'll have it Monday along with about $50 more in my pocket Oo.

I've had mine for about 2-3 years . I got tired of changing out carrier bearings. Driveshaft King in Dallas made it for me and I had it the next day . 700 dollars . I would highly recommend them . I might add that I pull my mini excavator (10,000) lbs on my trailer approx . 4,000 lbs. with no problem .

 

[Randomrunner12]

I've had mine for about 2-3 years . I got tired of changing out carrier bearings. Driveshaft King in Dallas made it for me and I had it the next day . 700 dollars . I would highly recommend them . I might add that I pull my mini excavator (10,000) lbs on my trailer approx . 4,000 lbs. with no problem .

Drive shaft king is the best is the business