I just got my 1 piece driveshaft!

I really feel like I have to share this with you guys-- I had a really great experience working with Knoxville driveline. After lifting my truck and having vibration issues due to the lift along with the old rusty carrier bearing, I decided I'd give it a shot with the one-piece drive shaft. I looked around and found Knoxville driveline out of Tennessee. There are phenomenal machinists and welders working here DOING QUALITY WORK. They had mentioned they were having supply chain issues and I would have to wait up to 2 months for my drive shaft to arrive which I obliged. The company really took care of me and made it worth my while. The Spicer u-joints and quality craftsmanship make me confident that this will go the rest of the life of the truck. Thank you KNOXVILLE! Absolutely no vibration after install! These are custom made based on the flange to flange measurement (you will take yourself) as well as the model year/style/drivetrain. They cost about $1,100 shipped and are alloy/very light!

 

Looks very nice! Probably wish it was an exposed part so more people could see how beautiful that is.

 

Where did you get it? I wonder if they have one for a 4.0l

 

I just bought one for my first gen (03 ext cab). Can’t wait to install it!

 

Beautiful. Even though it's a bit more expensive, it's nice to have an option now that Tom Woods quit making a 1-piece for Tacomas.

 

I've always used Denny's Driveshafts, but I haven't used them for the Tacoma yet.

 

Where did you get it at

 

Got my Knoxville Driveline installed finally. It was pretty tough reusing the OEM hardware. Had to chop down a socket for the front and go buy some new bolts for the rear. I need to do some research and buy some better hardware for the longterm. In the meanwhile what I got will do. I didn’t have to cut out the hangers for the carrier bearing. There’s about 2” clearance so I figured it’d work, and it does. After driving it all around today, speeds up to 65mph, I’d say I’m pleased. Took a good bit of vibration out of my ride. Rig still isn’t perfect, never is. Gotta redo my suspension. I really invested $1100 into this new driveline bcuz I was sick and tired of replacing carrier bearings and I couldn’t find the hardware to rebuild the double cardan joint. I highly recommend Knoxville driveline. They were professional and courteous to deal with. Took about two weeks to get mine, but that’s fine.
Also, I got the OEM driveline available if anybody wants it. Just pay shipping. PM me if you’re interested.

 

I’m VERY interested in trying one of these. Are there any foreseeable downsides? @Torspd

 

How long is that thing from center of front u-joint to center of rear u-joint? What diameter? What wall thickness? Looks long, I’d like to calculate the “critical speed” for that shaft.

 

Off-road clearance could potentially be reduced. There needs to be enough slip in the yoke for travel. Like @JamesR stated, critical speed needs to be considered. That one a driveshop should be able to tell you rather quickly. HP/TQ needs to be considered, as that will dictate diameter, material, thickness.

You have to make sure the trans output angle, and pinion angle are parallel. Or you'll get an elliptical like vibration. Since the u-joints will be binding.

A good conversation with a D.S. shop is necessary.

 

That's a good looking driveshaft.

 

TBH the difference in clearance is pretty neglible, and not worth factoring into the decision. It hangs a little lower around the gas tank, but if you're not already tagging your driveshaft now, then you're already picking good enough lines and I doubt you'll all of a sudden start getting hung up on it.

 

Thats what i’m thinking. I’ve never scraped the driveshaft anywhere. I dont do anything that gnarly since its still a daily driver.

I’ve noticed the new 4th gens have a 1 piece aluminum driveshaft. I guess toyota finally wised up to these problems