My switch to a 1 piece rear drive shaft
 

The best $500.00 I have spent on my truck. I used Dodge P/N 52123220AB, to replace my 2 piece shaft. Absoutely no drive-line slop and no vibration at any speeds. In my opinnion, the 2 piece drive shaft with the carrier bearing is junk. But, if you have a lifted truck, then that's a different story. Took right at an hour to switch out shafts.

Chip

Now that is some good info. I may look into that when the time comes.

Dave

Chip, are you saying that because depending on how much lift, it may need a longer shaft?

Ace,
I'm saying that because having a 2 piece shaft, which incorporates an extra u-joint and a carrier, the greater angles put on your shaft with the lift, the 2 piece is a little more forgiving.

Well, now there is a 'good' part number for the Quad Cabs with an auto tranny, should fit the 2003's and 2004's. Nowwe just have to find out a good part number for the guys with the stick shifts in those years.


I totally AGREE with you Chip, after I changed out that junk 2-piece and went to the one piece, it was like having a whole new truck. WELL worth the investment. By the time you buy new joints a couple times, you could have a one piece andnever look at it again, or at least look at it less with less parts to buy.


CD

Just curious (guess I could look under mine and see) . . . is this just for long beds? I have a short bed and it has had a 70mph vibration since it was new. There was a lot of discussion about this widespread problem several years ago. Some folks put radiator clamps on the drive shaft to "balance" them. Others had them replaced. There were lots of attempts to fix, but none (to my knowledge) were definitive.

Only long beds and Mega cabs have 2 piece drive shafts. Got my one piece from Doghouse Diesl performance. Best thing I have done for my truck. It will get rid of vibrations you did not know you had. Its like driving a different truck.

I wish you guys would quit posting this stuff up here. I really don't want to spend that money right now but I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger because of you! A group buy would be sweet.....

I second that!!!!

Im in, I'll third that.

Let me see what I can do....

Also recently installed the 1 piece shaft, and man, what a difference.

Since new, my truck has a had a shutter when you are first starting to move, it was noticeable empty and much worse loaded. I had just learned to live with over the past 170,000 miles. Several months back i installed a 2" block in the rear of my truck along with a leveling kit, and the shutter was even worse. I noticed while under the truck that the carrier bearing was getting pretty bad, but figured i would nurse a few more miles out it. That went fine for about 10k miles, at which point the vibrations got so bad that my feet were getting numb on the way back from a 3 hour trip.....

Finally installed the one piece shaft, and everything is fixed. It worked perfect, even with my 2" block it was plenty long enough, and the installation took all of about 10 minutes. Couldn't be happier with the results.

Zilla,
You're a funny dude!!!!!!!!
I promise it will be the best mod/truck alt you have ever done!!!

Chip

A one piece aluminum bolt in for a 2004 6 speed long bed would be great!

Check with www.doghousediesel.com