usable 1 piece driveshaft?

[crawlin91]

Ive got a single piece driveshaft which I believe came from a newer 1998 Fx4. Its got a small dent in it on one side. the dent might be 2"x2" at the largest. Is this a big problem? Can I get away with hooking it up, or should I look for a new one and trash this one. Is there a simple test that a driveshaft shop could do to see if its jacked up? How much would they run at a junkyard? He threw it in with a lift I bought so it didnt cost me anything, so I guess no big loss if it wont work. Just dont want to get it all bolted together to have it F*ck up my new gears or worse.

 

[Sunk]

I used a 2 piece shaft for a while the was dented in a few spots and bent so much my friends driving behind me could see it wobbling. It vibrated like a SOB and I think it may have worn out my rear end. If the dent isn't that big, maybe have it checked out by a shop but if you're going to bolt it to a fresh axle, I'd lean towards getting another.

 

[engdept]

Take it to a drive shaft shop. They will be able to test it and see if it is out of balance. They can also cut that section out and repair it.

 

[crawlin91]

alright I'll get it checked.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Take it to a drive shaft shop. They will be able to test it and see if it is out of balance. They can also cut that section out and repair it.

Cut a section of the shaft out and repair it? I don't think so, they'll have to retube the entire thing and rebalance, they won't put a weld in the middle of the shaft.

 

[Kyle M.]

I would put it on, if it vibrates, take it off and have it looked at. I will guess you will not have any issues with it.