Driveshaft help please

[99RangerKrazy]

I put in a two inch block, Belltech 6400 shackles, and new four inch Skyjacker leaf springs last week. I took the driveshaft off so I could get the leaves on more easily. However, now the axle moved forwards (towards the front of the truck) by about an inch to two inches or so...which means the driveshaft is now about an inch to two inches too long. I found a related thread about this occurring; however, that person was able to get the driveshaft back on but it had a bad vibration. I can't even get mine back on. Any possible solutions?

1 piece drive shaft from 98-00 Ranger? I've been planning on doing this anyways. Is the lengths of the shaft the same?

Or am I going to need a custom driveshaft made?

Thanks for the help.

 

[wahlstrom1]

Grab a one piece to eliminate the vibration you will have, but the driveshaft should go back on.....

Make sure to grab one from a truck with the same wheelbase if you go the junkyard route. You can also get one custom made, around here it costs the same as a junkyard shaft. Mount the flange's on each end and measure to their centers, then take this measurement to the driveline shop. Wouldn't be a bad idea to get them to build you one with thicker wall material while they're at it.

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Is there enough play in the driveshaft to pull it back an inch? I've pulled on it pretty good and I can't get it so the flange gets to where it needs to be so it can be bolted back on.

 

[wahlstrom1]

If the slip yoke has never really been 'used' the grease in front of it may be hard, and not letting the shaft move as it should. I'd recommend pulling it apart to clean out all the old grease, regreasing it then try to install it again. It should have plenty of travel for your application.

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Thank you for the info. I'll try that tomorrow

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Well this is interesting.

I never really noticed before, but I went out to mess with it today and the truck already has a one piece (the kid I bought it from must have put it on).

However, after 'compressing' the driveshaft so it is as short as possible, I still need about half an inch before it will go on. I'm going to go mess with it some more to see if I can get it a little shorter.

 

[wahlstrom1]

If it's not an extended cab it'll have a one piece stock. If it's that much too long, take it to a driveline shop and have them shorten it for you, as you may bottom out the slip and cause damage to the tcase/tranny/engine depending on how hard you bottom it out.

When I installed my chevy leafs, the axle sat too far rearward causing rubbing under compression. To fix the issue, I drilled a hole in my lift block, about 1 1/2" off center and drilled a matching hole in my spring plate so that the axle would sit farther forward....might be something to consider.