Drive shaft decided to separate from truck while towing 5th wheel to campsite.
U-joint between slip yoke and drive shaft exploded, tore the end of the drive shaft up a bit. Can't tell if I should use it as is (the ears where the bearings press in are chewed up a bit) or not. Going to take to a drive shaft place tomorrow. Never had to have one repaired. If they cut the end off and weld a new one on (and rebalance), will that be strong enough? Or should I start looking for a new or used (from junk yard) drive shaft?
Dodge wanted $98 just for the u-joint Would have to rob a bank to buy the drive shaft from them

Thanks,
~Rob

 

If they replace the yoke it will be a good repair as long as they inspect the shaft and balace it. You should consider replacing the steady bearing I have replaced two on mine in 350,000 km.

 

Thanks for the info dieselcamp
Pardon my ignorance, but what is the steady bearing?

Thanks,
~Rob

 

Wondered same thing. All I can think of is the 'Center' or Carrier Bearing.... but your short bed doesn't have one.
Sorry for your mishap, Rob.
Not heard of that happening before! For a while, 2-3 yrs ago, seems like everyone was replacing U-Joints around 100,000 miles.
Haven't heard that so much lately. Your total Mileage?

I would not want weld/repair job, with your tow load ... just me! Maybe check with LazarSmith for advise?

RJ

 

Dang Rob! Bet that was a little scary!

 

When it happened Thursday, Rob initiated a series of phone consultations... eventually culminating into his plan of action Friday afternoon.

 

Little bit scary Charlie
Pulled the drive shaft out on the side of 377 north of Aubrey, put truck in 4 Hi and took camper to Ray Roberts SP

RJ,
117k on truck, not original u joints though. Napa u joints about 3 years old.

~Rob

 

I brought the slip yoke and drive shaft to a repair shop this AM. Thought that if they could fix the drive shaft, they could then install a new u-joint in the slip yoke and drive shaft and I would be good to go. Turns out the slip yoke is dorked up too
After they determined the drive shaft was not warped, they told me they will weld a new yoke end on the drive shaft, balance drive shaft, install new greaseable u-joints at both ends of drive shaft and give me a slip yoke they have in stock (not sure if new or reman'd) for $252 out the door. Very happy with the price, hopefully they do good work and the slip yoke is acceptable. Find out tomorrow.

~Rob

 

My buddy Scott (RedScooter , Red 05.) is laying under his truck as I type doing a U joint job, He is getting ready to stab it back in now, new ujoints front and rear and new tail housing seal after he trashed his earlier .

 

Yikes.. That doesn't sound like anything fun!! Surprised I haven't destroyed one of the 4 on my rear shaft by now... 160k miles and a good number of those pulling 30k plus loads out of pastures! Umm.. surprised Aggie Justin hasn't blown one either then!

 

Do you think the Lazarsmith Traction bars might be playing in a role in their longevity? Course that doesn't explain Justin's good fortune, yet.

..

 

I'm sure they help... Without and when I was running 315s, I had made the tires rub the front of the rear fenders a couple time in the past... Hate to know what my pinion angle looked like then!

 

Perhaps something like this...??







and now...perhaps this?

 

WOW to the videos.

I need bars.

 

Impressive video!

Made a believer out of me!