Comstock100

I have a peculiar feel in the drivetrain- feels like a bad u joint but they are all new. I noticed a great deal of play in the slip yoke where it enters the tranfer case tailshaft( lots of up and down and side to side movement).
I am convinced this is my problem but am unable to locate any info about it. I talked to a local trans shop and even he didn't have any answers.
Does anyone know- does the slip yoke ride in a bushing or bearing. and if so- how difficult to replace it?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Purplezr2

I always though they rode on the splines of the output shaft, no bearing to it. I would assume the output shaft has a bearing.

Comstock100

Perhaps my output shaft bearing is bad then or the splines are worn. Any idea where to find a schematic of the tailshaft and bearing assembly? Thanks for the input.

cdennyb

The output shaft is contained in a bearing pair within the overdrive tailhousing. There is NO bushings. It has a front roller bearing and rear bearing. The output yoke (which contains the u-joint assembly) is riding on greased splines. On some 4 x 4's with a big lift kit the installer of the lift kit fails to account for the change in driveline length and the yoke is actually engaging a very small length of splines. In some cases the 4 x 4 goes over some uneven terrain and the yoke slides off completely! Bad news. On stock vehicles they seldom wear enough to be an issue but if you have some good mileage (100K or so) you might find the rear tailshaft housing bushing needs changed. It's usually done when you do a rebuild on the trans but you can't change it without removing the trans OD housing and gutting it. The output shaft needs to be removed from inside the OD case and then you can grab ahold of the bearing and remove it. On our 48RE's you can remove the OD housing in some cases and from there put it on the bench and do what you have to. Also NOTE the pressure on the spring pack in the OD unit is incredible! Read this, that if you don't have a hydraulic press don't try to do it with a hand operated press. It has something like 750 lbs of pressure on it and you'll get hurt at the very least. Trust me on this fact. A trans shop usually has the right tools so if that's your problem, do a few estimate calls and see what the charge will be. Probably around $200 if your location is like they are around here. Hope this helps.

Comstock100

Thanks Cdeny. I jsut found a schematic and parts list at http://allstategear.com/NP271,273.htm.
Looks like the bushing is part #54.
I have a stock ride height and stock size tires. Lots of offroad use and 130,000 miles- I live several miles out a dirt road.
I have a 48 re trans.
To confirm: You say I need to take the transfer case apart to replace the bushing?
I can't simply pull the tailcone and replace the bushing?
Thanks for your assistance. Much appreciated.

cdennyb

re-read my previous post. I edited it after I checked the manual.

cdennyb

Depending on which one is loose, front driveline or rear one. Maybe the item 54 is the correct part. You should be able to remove that support cone housing and change it out if it's the front one. Good luck.

Comstock100

Thanks again- very informative. Think I will let a shop handle this one.

Comstock100

Went tot he dealer today and questioned a mechanic.- Turns out there is in fact a a bushing in the tailpiece but not serviceable. Necessary to replace the entire tailpiece( ($133 plus $48 for the rear seal.)

farmerger

I looked at your link and diagram and from what I understand that diagram is from the Ford version of the transfer case which has a rear output flange that the drive shaft is then bolted to. On my 04, and from the sounds of your description the same holds on your 05, there is a slip yoke connecting the drive shaft to the transfer case output shaft. There is no bushing in the tail piece with the slip yoke connection. The only thing that sits in the end of the tail piece is the seal. I just replaced the chain in my transfer case and can tell you there is no bushing there. Where the tail piece mounts to the back of the transfer case there is a ball bearing that supports the transfer case output shaft to the drive shaft, that's it. So if your output shaft is moving around then it would be this bearing that needs replacing. If it is though, then I'd be worried that the front bearing supporting the same shaft in the transfer case is also shot.

Do you have a lot of leakage around the rear output shaft seal on the transfer case? You didn't mention, but I would think that if your shaft is wobbling around back there then it must have wrecked the seal allowing the transfer case oil to be liberally applied to the underside of your truck.

Comstock100

THanks for the info. Out of all the different answers I have recieved yours sounds correct since you just pulled yours apart.
I do not have any leakage at the seal but can feel some play in the yoke.
My symptoms are a feeling like a bad ujoint when I let off the excellerator- the ujoints are good.
I am thinking it may be my ring and pinion that has the play I am feeling.

Comstock100

Can the bearing you spoke of be replaced without dissassembly of the entire transfer case?
Thanks again.

farmerger

No, to replace the bearing you need to pull the transfer case and split it so that the bearing can be pressed out of the case and the new one pressed back in.

Honestly I don't think its anything in your transfer case. If it was a bearing in the transfer case I would expect your seal to be leaking and you would be hearing and feeling bad things all the time. I was going to suggest that it might be your drive shaft carrier bearing but being a short box with an automatic I don't think you have one of those.

You said the rear drive shaft u-joints were new. Did you do them or a shop? Have you had a look at them and gotten a big screw driver in between them to see if they are tight? (Not trying to be a smart you know what just making sure the basics are covered.) What about your front drive shaft and front axle u-joints?

SpeedyWS6

If there is slop in the yolk it is from the tail shaft housing. If there is no bushing then the tech is correct and the tail shaft housing must be replaced. Replacing the bearings will do little to nothing to fix the yolk slop.

Comstock100

Think I found the issue today- it has been suspect for some time.
I 2 miles out a rugged road and after 130,000 miles of hard off road use every day the leaf springs are simply worn out- leaf spring wrap I believe is the term.
It was quite obvious when I finally witnessed it- put it in reverse- let it roll back, hit the breaks, clunk and the springs twist. hoping an add a leaf will cure the problem.
Thanks for all input everyone.