One Piece Driveshaft for 150$!

I bent my rear driveshaft wheelin in the mountains this weekend. Called Tom Woods and got a quote for a replacement driveshaft that ranged from 370-480 depending on whether or not I went with the double cardan joints or stock joints, and they didn't guarantee it would be free of vibrations (understandable since it's an out of stater and they don't know the condition of my vehicle). So instead I went down to Ron @ Drive Line Services of Boulder (colorado). He's going to build me a one piece that eliminates that carrier bearing using the hardware from my stock driveshaft for 140-150$ with a dyno balance and he'll stand behind his work! My question is: what are the possible downsides? Ive been looking at going one piece for awhile anyways because my carrier bearing was showing wear, and I don't lose a lot of clearance having it solid because im only lifted about 1.5 in the rear. The carrier bearing itself is 160 not including the required pressing. Also Will I gain more torque having a solid driveshaft as well? Lol sorry for the lengthy post, I tend to ramble

 

I want one! How much for shipping to 38058?

 

try this man, go down to a small driveshaft joint that has some good ole boys working in it, ask them how much they would charge to make one using your existing joints and slip yoke. chances are they will be close to this price. I think Tom Woods cost more because he gives all new hardware. I'd be cautious about shipping, because if it wobbles you cant go right back down to the shop and have them tune it. i just like that this is a cheaper solution than replacing that carrier bearing! ... anybody know why they used a 2 piece? the clearance isn't that big a difference

 

Thanks dude! I will. I have no idea why they use a 2 piece

 

Yea I don't blame him for not guaranteeing it. His reputation is one of the best out there, especially with the rock crawlers.

 

Wouldn't the 2 piece design have been more for additional clearance? (and additional shit to replace and give toyota more $)

Anyway I doubt you'll see more torque. About all you can hope for is less or eliminated vibration and possibly some rotational mass loss if it's lighter (which I guess could ever so slightly bump your wheel rated torque up a tad).

 

I was concerned about the clearance till I crawled under there, due to the shaft running along the gas tank I'll loose a fraction of an inch. If I was lifted higher it might be more exposed, but my XJ rock crawler has a solid driveshaft and its never been an issue.

 

Just make sure they check the shaft angle. One-piece can be a nice way to lose weight from the driveline, shifting the hp/tq curve to the left and eliminating issues w/ the center support bearing. Downsides of one improperly installed would probably be some vibrations and potential early driveline wear.

 

Where would you go to get this done???

 

ok cool. thanks man

 

i have a one piece! stock! bwahahaha

 

Where do the shims go and what type of shims are you referring to? Axel shims? diffy shims? other?

 

I wonder what he would charge to lengthen and balance my stock shaft. There are a few post out there about the Regular cab trucks having vibes once lifted due to the drive shaft length.

 

I put my one piece driveshaft on last night and I am very impressed. My carrier bearing was starting to wear and get slack in it. When I'd floor it I used to feel the two piece pop up a little bit (due to the bearing movement in its casing), with this one piece it feels more responsive and all my vibrations are gone.

 

Not sure, I highly recommend his though (drive line services of boulder). I dropped the shaft off at 9 am, he had it ready for me at 2. He also repainted the whole thing, looks brand new lol

 

thats what I told her

 

Man, that sounds like a pretty good deal. What did the total cost end up being? Where exactly are they located? I may need to have him make me one.

 

Total cost was 149. He dyno tuned it and gave it a new paint job. Just came off the freeway and absolutely no vibrations! His location is in Boulder (2738 47th Street, Boulder, CO 80301-2317 (303) 447-1641).

 

sub'd in market for shaft