Tom Woods Driveshafts

Yes, have a boat so tow a lot and load equipment in the back but then I have OME Dakars.
If you have stock springs they can sag down to the stops so that's a good point on TW driveshafts and clearance with stock junk Toyota rear springs.
Maybe that's why Toyota used the center bearing to begin with as when I first put my TW shaft in and towed the Tacoma dropped to the stops and seems like on hard bumps the driveshaft hit the top of the tunnel at the center bearing mount but not the mounting bracket so I got the Dakars - never sagged or hit again in many years.

Bottom line is I would replace the rear springs as they are the cause of the axle wrap that causes the vibrations to start with and as the center bearing wears that multiples the effect. 5100 shocks helped me too.

 

@muddog321 Been doing some research on the TW one-piece driveshaft to cure the take off vibes. I pulled the trigger and it's arriving tomorrow. I'm wondering if you have had any additional issues with yours? After purchasing, I became a bit more hesitant about hitting the driveshaft's critical speed. With the one-piece I think this will occur around 85 mph. Granted, I'm not driving that often, but I have hit 85-90 mph when passing. It also sounds like axle wrap is the cause. How are the OME Dakars holding up? Did you go with the medium or heavy duty option?

 

100k on the TW 3.5" shaft with 1350 U-joints and no problems. Have the driveshaft installed with the slip joint on the transfer case end for better rock protection while many mount it the other way around. The Dakars ate the rear spring hanger poly bushings and got a clunking so replaced them with OME yellow same as came with - note rear was in salt water with my boat and bushings did not like that and probably the mud and sand that floated in there too. Funny the lower rear spring hanger and front both have stock Toyota rubber bushings and they are fine. Pulling a 26 foot trailer trailer for awhile too and that didn't help. Dakars only came in heavy duty I believe when I put them in and with towing and a shell plus some tools rides OK. As for the critical speed at 100mph had no issues but normal cruising is at 75mph. Off to Moab in a few weeks from FL for a 2000 mile run each way and no worries at 168k now.

 

Thanks for the info. I’ll see how the one piece bolts up and hopefully fixes my vibrations. I think Dakars might be next to hell with the axle wrap. I’ll keep the OEM bushings in mind.

 

Just ordered mine-be here next week. You need to get the over all length flange to flange and the dimensions at each end for the bolts (C to C in both directions). Takes 5 minutes under the truck. Their default is the U-joints with zerks. Give them a call once you have the measurements... they are easy to talk too, know their stuff and will answer any questions as well as do your order.

 

Looking into this solution. let me know if this fixes the vibrations fellas

 

Definitely fixed my vibrations. Do it!

 

1 piece solution has been around and discussed since the 2 gen first appeared to have a driveline/spring problem so guess you like to wait and be sure (since 2005).
I'd follow the insane 100s of ways to fix the stock junk for a while more. Could not resist, sorry.

 

Solved all of my original vibration issues. I have since created more fixing other stuff. Seems Taco's want to vibrate...

 

nice buddy way to be. I forgot to go back 17 years and research every possible solution....

I dont lurk the site like some people. Just wondering if other people had a positive outcome. Havnt spent a dime chasing the vibrations and want to know what might be the best option. Not sure why that would trigger somebody else lol

 

Many other benefits to it than just potentially eliminating vibes. I like mine. Would recommend. But I still get occasional vibes between 50 and 60.

 

What are the other benefits? I guess removing un-needed parts is a bonus. I understand that modifying my truck will cause unseen issues, I just want to get the vibrations to a point where I dont need to think about it anymore. I certainly dont expect it to ride like a caddy haha

 

Yup. Get rid of the stupid center support bearing. Drop some rotating weight.

 

Gee I wonder why Toyota uses a two piece drive shaft? Because it's more expensive maybe? I can't say for sure if this maybe an issue but there are frame lifts that have a center mount arms they had issues bending single piece drive shafts because the rear had enough drop that the shaft touched the lift. Frankly it maybe be easier to figure out why it has vibrations The 2 piece shaft is used to keep the drive shaft from pulling out on extreme axle movement putting a shim block in on a single shaft could in turn make it possible for the yoke to bottom out in the trans case bad juju just saying.

 

Doesn't the one piece driveshaft hang lower than a 2 piece? Thats my only gripe. I would do a cardan two piece. But what do I know? I dont have any vibes with the stock shaft.

 

There are other things to try first: 2-3 degree shims seem to help lots of people. Carrier bearing drop as well. I was going to start and work my way through teh list and just said why spend all the time and money when "I think" a one stop solution "that made sense to me" would work. So I jumped. The price is not high, in my opinion for what you get. I my case-your mileage may vary-it solved every vibration issue I had (40 mph shudder and another at 61mph.) I have since caused some to come back (trans service... never should have bothered and big tires...)

 

Yes it has to because the front is flat to the floor basically, but the angle is much less and it's a lot shorter.

 

Did you end up cutting off the supports for the carrier bearing?

Anyone ever know if it's an issue with the TW drive shaft hitting the carrier bearing support (if left in place) while off-roading or under full compression? The clearance seems like it would be close to hitting, but that's just my general measurements.

 

Nope. No need. There was plenty of room

 

I left mine in. It is really close. It will come out this summer because this truck is never going back

Mine is close at full compression, but doesn't hit. I am taking it out this summer as the truck is never going back...