UPDATE:
First, I got underneath and checked where I put the U clamps on the U joint. I loosened the bolts and tightened the bolts, I don’t think it made any difference.
Then, I took another spin (yuck yuck) to better evaluate the vibration. I don’t feel it till I’m going about 45 miles an hour, and it does get worse, but not much by the time you’re going 65 miles an hour. A little less, and I probably wouldn’t do anything, but it’s just enough to drive you crazy even though I don’t think it would hurt anything.
Obviously, I do all this myself because I just enjoy tinkering with the toys. A couple thoughts.
Remember that bearing went out when I was going about 30 miles an hour, and those driveshafts bounced around in the housing, I thought the truck was coming apart, and then I drove it home at about 10 mph. I was only 3/4 of a mile from the house.
I called the driveshaft place, and he said to take both drive shifts out, test them, straighten them, and balance them would cost me about $300 and they’d do it in about two or three hours. It would probably take me three times as long, and if something is bent or out of balance, I’d still have to head that way. But I could save $125 if I pulled it out myself and brought it to them.
And remember, I’m still recovering from surgery on my right arm. Amazingly, even the day of the surgery I didn’t have much pain in my arm, but it has been one colossal pain in my ass.
And I can be selfish sometimes. Tomorrow is my 70th birthday. Birthdays are not a big deal to me, but I guess this is a big one. There’s this cute little brunette in my life who wants to do something special.
And then there’s the Carlisle Ford Nationals in three weeks. If you remember when I went to the truck nationals last year and the year before, 12 hour drive, both times I ended up driving half the night or all night due to a couple problems. I prefer to avoid that part of the experience, so I don’t want to be fixing this thing the day before I have to leave like the last two times.
So, for the brunette, for my health, for my sleep, for my birthday - but mostly for you guys, so you won’t have to live without me at the Carlisle Ford Nationals - I have an appointment at 8 o’clock Wednesday morning to get it fixed.
Y’all can breathe lighter now…