Driveshaft timing question

[Bracket racer]

I pulled the driveshaft out of my 91 ranger to change a u joint. When it was apart on the bench I noticed the driveshaft is not timed correctly. It appears to never have been apart, is this normal.

 

[adsm08]

There should be larger clocking splines to keep it from being put together wrong, but I see what you mean, where it looks like the joints aren't aligned correctly.

It also looks like that boot it together with zip ties, which would indicate it HAS been apart before.

 

[scotts90ranger]

yes, from the factory they would have been stepless clamps, so it has been apart at some point

 

[19Walt93]

You are correct sir, that is clocked wrong and no, Ford didn't assemble it that way. I would expect that to cause vibration.

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

the splines usually have a keyed section and only go on one way so im confused on how they got it together incorrectly

 

[Dirtman]

My only thought is that the two peices are perhaps not from the same truck. If one peice was replaced, even though it can only go on one way, they could potentially not be aligned the same way.

Or a new yoke was welded on at some point... poorly.

Ive also seen splines with 4 alignments so it could be clocked at every 90 degrees. But that apears to be more like 45 degrees off.

I'd take it apart and see whats up with the splines. If there is no alignment then simply fix it so its straight inline. If it has an alignment and its off, go to the junkyard and get a new shaft.

 

[19Walt93]

I've seen many driveshafts without master splines. I'd suggest pulling the darn thing apart and looking at it.

 

[Bracket racer]

Thanks guys, after I posted it I looked at the picture and thought, is that tie wraps?? Lol, good eye everyone! I've never seen a driveshaft not clocked and thought it weird, but, fighting with the inside u joint on the double-cardan I just got it back together and installed it. (Mama wanted to go for a rip and I was already an hour late)
So, I'll pull it apart and re clock it.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Bracket racer]

Well crap, was under the front end and noticed....the front right axle is not timed either!!!!!!!

 

[Snoranger]

I've seen many driveshafts without master splines. I'd suggest pulling the darn thing apart and looking at it.

I watched as a “mechanic” (who is now a supervisor at my job.) made a new master spline by smashing the 2 halves of the driveshaft together with a sledgehammer.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

You work for the government?

 

[Snoranger]

You work for the government?

Yup

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Oh, you poor guy....lol

 

[19Walt93]

I watched as a “mechanic” (who is now a supervisor at my job.) made a new master spline by smashing the 2 halves of the driveshaft together with a sledgehammer.

That's not a mechanic, that's a failed blacksmith.

 

[RussCowdin]

I'm having trouble finding a replacement boot for my front drive shaft. Anybody know what part number I can look for? I measured the shaft areas at 1.7 and 2 inches but can't find a boot with those dimensions. And now I have to go check if I timed the shafts correctly before I resinstall them.