Driveshaft 8.8 Swap issue

[Dugan]

I guess im the most unlucky mfer, I have the smaller u joint d-shaft and I thought I could easily just flip the driveshaft and add the 8.8 slip yoke onto it, but it seems like the splines are 0.15" wider on the 8.8 yoke rather than the 7.5. I havent seen anyone else have this problem yet.

And the local jyard doesnt have a 5spd 4x4 std cab long bed. Anyone know of a fullsize or other that would have a 38" weld to weld tube and 51" overall length d shaft?

Im running the larger slipyoke on the dshaft, and it only gives a slight vibration at 43mph and faster when slowing down. I know this will eventually ruin something though.

 

[FritzTKatt]

I thought the 7.5 and 8.8 had the same pinion flanges? So you could just bolt the new rear right on?

Thilmans? They never have anything RBV. And if they can get it, it's an outrageous price.

 

[adsm08]

I think we have some terminology issues here. An 89 will not have a slip yoke, but slip joint in the middle.

The flanges at the end are what need to be swapped. The same u-joint should fit both of the flanges.

Your vibration is likely because you now have the drive shaft out of phase with the rear, or the u-joint install was done poorly.


Start by balancing the drive shaft. Take a crayon or paint marker and draw 4 lines on the drive shaft in line with the bolts. Then get a hose clamp and put the screw in one of the 4 quadrants you marked out. Drive it. Move the screw around the drive shaft into different quadrants until you find the best one. If two of them seem about the same get a second clamp and put one of the screws in each spot.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I just drilled and tapped the smaller pattern into the 8.8 pinion flange, it worked great.

 

[Dugan]

I was trying to upgrade the joints,

The 7.5 slip joint has smaller splines, the 8.8 slip joint has larger (same count)

My current 7.5 D shaft is in the 8.8 slip joint. 0.15" of play between threads and joint.

This is the reason for the vibration not the U joints, because they are brand new. You can actually grab the slip part of the shaft and move it back and forth.


Thilmans is a joke, im trying blaceys tomorrow if this snow lets up, friendship was useless. I have one of the rarest ranger setups I guess... my luck

We packed the slip joint with grease to help the vibrations aswell

I was gonna swap the pinion flanges, but I didnt wanna mess with the crush sleeve, and could drill and tap but would like to upgrade being that its lock and 4.56 now

 

[adsm08]

You need to get your drive shaft put back together correctly. Quick.

I have a few assorted shafts around. Let me see if I have something that might be in the size you need.

 

[Dugan]

It hasnt spun the splines yet, I didnt want to but I had to beat on it pretty hard the night I put it in because some got stuck and I had to go get em, frozen in a hole...

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, but I didn't originally understand what you did. Now that I do, I agree with your initial assessment that it will break something.

 

[Dugan]

Yea I have no other choice atm till I find a shaft, checking a few more Jys. I just try and keep it low speed to get to school etc.

I have D-shaft loops front and rear from doing hill-and-hole events so if anything happened it wouldnt harm me or anyone else.

 

[holyford86]

Longbed 4x4 driveshafts are a bear to find up here too, I buy and stockpile them when i can, the teflon on the splines seems to chip and fall off with regularity, causing a shake

 

[BLOODBANE]

Go back to your original shaft set up. Go down to your local auto parts store and you can get a odd sized U-Joint that will fit your 7.5 shaft and the other side will fit the 8.8 flange. Its not super strong, but will work (I had to do this when I first put my 8.8 in, and no I don't have the PN anymore, but mine were from CarQuest). I have a new shaft thats made for my D20 on one end and the 8.8 on the other now, but that will keep you mobile for now.