prop shaft boot gone,,, so what?

Ross L

Member
My 40K mile truck had the prop shaft boot come apart( possibly on the power tour). My question is what happens if I keep driving it? Will it die a slow death? I assume I'll have to buy a new HD shaft anyway so what's the harm in continuing to drive it? I cant find a replacement boot at any parts store. Any input is appreciated.
 

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: prop shaft boot gone,,, so what?

The problem is that if the prop shaft breaks, it often dents floor & damages the shifter cable. It can also break the transmission case or damage the shifter in the cab (the shifter cable get tangled and rips out the cable). IMO I would replace it ASAP, the potential damage is far more of PIA and potential expensive vs the gain of postponing a repair.
 

Rice Eater

New member
Re: prop shaft boot gone,,, so what?

I would assume a slow death. I haven't had one apart but typically there is lubricant around the joint that will dry up and you now open the joint up for potential contamination - dirt, rain, etc.

Depending on your budget and goals you can typically find them used here, a donor bravada on ebay (I believe a direct swap), or a new HD shaft through a supporting vendor.

I am sure a more seasoned member will chime in.

Chris
 

Ross L

Member
Re: prop shaft boot gone,,, so what?

Gottcha, Thanks Dave and Chris. Guess I'll park it until I can come up with what,,, $400-500 for a replacement? I guess the HD shaft is our only option? (don't really trust a used shaft due to the boot on mile failing with only 40k)
 

Ross L

Member
Re: prop shaft boot gone,,, so what?

Cool , A black one wouldn't look half bad. May give that a try! Thanks:tup:
 

blue83z

Donating Member
Re: prop shaft boot gone,,, so what?

Really? Where and by whom?

The stock front joint is not serviced from any source. I queried Dynotech back in 98 about sourcing a new front joint, and it was NLA even back then from the source that built the shafts for GM / PAS. If the OEM supplier couldn't source the part 15 years ago, it isn't likely that it is available from any source now.

Most of the "repaired" stock SyTy front joint repairs I've seen involve substituting a slip-yoke and single 1210 series cross-style u-joint. Like this one that was on DesertSy.:

IMG_2943_zps09f2577f.jpg


Or this 2" tube Bravada shaft that Ron Redd found in a junk yard. The front joint for the Bravada shaft IS available from Dorman. See the mentioned threads.

1113131737a_zpsde795624.jpg



Dave, Henderson driveline in Westlake ohio is only a few miles from my office. I stopped in there and asked them one day. They said they rebuilt them all the time in the 90's, but it's been a few years since they have seen one in.
They do a lot of driveline repairs for local dealers so they probably did warranty repairs back then too. I have not had one done myself.
 

atomicmecha

I hate rust
Re: prop shaft boot gone,,, so what?

I can confirm one downside of driving with a torn boot... you'll get that axle grease everywhere...
P1140908.JPG
 
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