Drive shaft question

[MikeR]

So I prolly can find the answer to this in the tech library but I am on my phone and do not have internet. Is there a drive shaft that will bolt on to my 88 ranger 4x4 that does not have the double cardian at the top. With 6 in of lift it is way too much angle for it and it is clicking and popping. I was going to try to make a junk yard run. But wanted to make sure that I was looking for the wright one.

 

[4x4junkie]

Sounds like your double-cardan joint is simply on it's way out if it's making noise. 6" lift should be nowhere near maxing it out.
You can swap to a shaft without a DC joint though (I don't know of anything bolt-in, but you could have a longbed Ranger shaft shortened for it), however it's pretty likely you'll get some vibration with it though (you'll also need to readjust your pinion angle for it also).

I'd suggest having yours rebuilt (or find another one from the junkyard, take it apart, lube everything, and throw some new u-joints in it).

 

[MikeR]

Umm I mean i honestly haven't driven the truck in probably 2 years it went through a frame off and a 6 inch lift. Maybe the joints just need rebuilt. The rear end piñon angle is deff to much though it came out of a 2wd setup and is like 2dg of angle. I will try to get some pick up here tomorrow. I am a mechanic on bmws so rebuilding the dc should be something I can handle lol.

 

[adsm08]

That sucks that you didn't post this yesterday Mike. I am down in Exton for training right now, I have an Explorer rear shaft and the long chunk of my old 2-piece that I'd have brought down for you if I'd know you were looking for something.

They probably aren't right, but they could probably be made into what you need.

 

[MikeR]

Yea lol well yesterday I got up early went over to my parents house and finished getting the truck together. Backed it out of the shop and was checking making sure everything was tight and good. Jumped in it and hit the brakes to throw it in reverse and the Peale went to the floor. Lol brand new James Duff line on the pass front blew off where it was crimped on. Wtf. And then went and grabbed the trailer to winch it up on to get it to my house at least so I could work on it and got it half way up and the winch locked up lol. Bad planetary on a brand new winch. So a clamped off the line and drove the dam thing up on the trailer. So now it's sitting in the new garage but In the presses I drove it up and down the ally behind my house and noticed that the rear drive shaft was vibrating and making a loud clicking noise lol. That just topped off my day. At least the ravens won haha.