Drive shaft Snapped!

[1993Ranger4x4]

1993 Ranger 4x4 XLT 5speed Stick. 111,000 Miles.

Looks sheared off. Wierd break never seen one break in the middle of the shaft before. I have never truly driven it hard. I did however just pull down a few rotten trees, but went gently and in 4hi. I was taking a turn about 5 mph and it just snapped.

Is there anything that could have caused it? Also is there a straight drive shaft for replacement to eliminate the weakspot at the cv? Also is the 4.0 shaft compatable and is it built heavier?

Thank you.

Zach

 

[martin]

Rust will do that. It tends to get under the balance weights and eventually causes a weak spot. Same thing happened to my sons truck a couple of months ago.

 

[pcollins]

a one piece swap might not be a bad thought.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/June04/offroad.htm

 

[wahlstrom1]

Looke like a bad weld on the slip yoke spud let go. It was probably cracked for a long time and eventually fatigued to the point of failure.

I'm on my third rear driveshaft now....but mine all fail due to the candycane/barberpole treatment I seem to give them.

 

[RollinWOT]

All that unrestrained VULCAN POWER snapped it!

 

[1993Ranger4x4]

I saw that article on the one piece swap but it can only be done on the extended cabs. And i crossed the numbers on the 3.0 and 4.0 driveshafts and they are both the same. Is there any aftermarket driveshafts that are better than the stock one?

I think the exhaust tip I put on it added roughly 40 horse power and the chrome shift handle another 10 h.p. haha

 

[bobbywalter]

thats not from power.......wish i had some pics of a few of mine....the power twisty style usually pulls the slips apart pretty ugly


good ol rot there