4wd front drive shaft - need help

[liftlawssuck]

Originally Posted by CCCC

DavTay, I think that you are correct about the source of the problem now that I have inspected the ball portion of the double cardan joint. The splined slip joint looks good upon inspection - no significnat wear or play, and the side to side wiggle seems very minor now that the shaft is off the vehicle.

Now am looking for a good source and decent price to buy the Spicer brand ball/socket portion of the double cardan CV assembly and also three new U joints. Although the three current U joints are tight and clean, I would just as soon replace them while I have this shaft apart - then will never have to do it again in my lifetime. Next time will be a grand son's task.

The slip joint won't be as bad off the vehicle as it is on. It's just too hard to really tell the amount of movement without the whole thing supported unless it's really bad. I would send the whole thing out and get a new one built up. At least get it rebuilt and balanced. The CV joint should snap around as you move the whole joint. If not the center pivot is worn. 73 and up will work as long as it's the same tranny and transfer case. Hope this helps.

[brad_man_72]

this style double cardan will have alot of snap when moving across center (watch your fingers) since you need to have a driveline shop weld in a new slip stub and supply a new slip yoke it would insanity to do the double cardan yourself. Be sure they ballance your like new shaft.

I'm pretty sure theirs no way to get a standard grease gun on a zerk fitting in the DC joint. Get spicer life ujoints and then all you have to worry about is greasing the center kit of the DC joint and the slip.

building driveshafts is my job. A professional knows what to look for and how to fix it and how to make the repairs last a long time.