Propshaft Question

[GM TURBO]

What am I looking for in a bad propshaft? I know to check the boot and make sure it isn't torn. How much play is acceptable on the T-case side of the propshaft.

Here is why I ask. I had a killer vibration at 75 the other day. Wheels balanced (or so I thought - more on that later). SO I did a search on the list archives. A guy said he had the same problem and shortly after that his propshaft went bye bye. So I get under the truck yesterday to check the boot. To give you an idea of the pampered life my truck has had - 102K miles and the boot is still intact - never replaced by me in the 60K I have put on it and I BELIEVE it is the original. Anyway. I checked for severe amounts of play and there isn't on the differential side - but there is SOME on the T-case side. Normal?

On to the balance issue. The nice pretty wheels I bought didn't come with a hub centering ring. What this means is http://www.tirerack.com messed up. There is a pretty substantial gap with the wheels bolted up and the lugs tightened. I tried to make it work and really couldn't get it to work well - so I am calling the Rack today to have them send me the rings. I am sure this is my problem - but I would still like to hear about the propshaft.

Thanks.

 

[jwaller]

the double cardin joint at the rear of the shaft near the case should have almost no play in it....it should be very solid.....but the good part about that is you can fix it or have a local do it...there is nothing special about that end of the shaft

 

[GM TURBO]

OK - sounds good. I was pretty surprised on the front not being hosed up - but then I felt the back and thought it might be an issue.

Thanks.

 

[Mprt Kla]

one quick comment, you better make sure your propshaft isnt goin cause when it does it can take other shit out with it, speaking with prior expierience. When mine went out, i was cruisin on the highway and it took me a minute to get off the road when it went, boy did that ever mess up shifter cable, amongst other things

Neil
Mach V

 

[GM TURBO]

Well, my problem is everything up front seems tight. The T-case side feels slightly loose - but not BAD. What am I looking for if it going to take a crap? I tried to pull it out but the torque gods were working against me. I read to apply a little heat to it - but the only heat I have is my Zippo - and I don't think that is gonna work :smile:

 

[atc82]

Me and Tyler tried to take my propshaft out this weekend, but couldn't get the bolts off because freakin Paul Bunyan must have put them on there. Or it might have been blue ox :smile:

 

[myclone]

Yes, the bolts are TIGHT from the factory. Gorilla tight. Myclones had never been out until I got my greasey hands on it and I had to resort to an air impact. Couple of burps on each one is all it took with that. I wouldnt wanna try to remove one ever again without an impact.

FWIW, be sure to remove the xfer case end bolts first then do the diff end. That way the cross member supports the loose end of the prop shaft while you remove the other end. Do it the other way around and you get the pleasure of fighting a ~25lb drive shaft that REALLY wants to put as many lumps on your head as it can. BTDT.. Got lumps to prove it.

 

[SY2932]

Dave, do yourself a favor and replace the torx bolts with grade 10.9 hex head cap screws when you take your propshaft off. The "blue tipped wrench" (a.k.a. propane torch) will aid GREATLY in removing the bolts if you don't have impact capability. The bolt size is M10-1.50 X 25 mm for the front and M12-1.75 X 25 mm for the rear. Torque is 70 Nm or 52 ft. lbs. BTW.

Mike

 

[ty1on]

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ty1on on 2002-02-27 23:57 ]</font>

 

[ty1on]

is the cardan joint is the coffe can looking part, how would you repair that? or would that be replaced? thanks

_________________
40 ford 2dr sedan streetrod [family sedan]
41 ford p/u streetrod 12sec 1/4mile 106mph
92 ty 13.28sec 1/4 mile 99mph
95 buell s/2 thunderbolt currently for sale

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ty1on on 2002-02-27 23:58 ]</font>

 

[atc82]

no, the cardan joint is the other end.

 

[ty1on]

so the cardan joint is just a 50cent word for 2 universal on flanges?? lol

 

[protosy]

the joint at the tcase end of the front prop shaft is a double carden, constant velocity type joint. it is used in applications where there is low angle, and no plunge, and has less 2nd order vibration than a single carden joint or universal. in our application the plunge comes from the front doj can style cv joint.

chad