Stealman1
Forget about that junk two piece drive shaft. I installed the one piece aluminum shaft after reading the great reviews from it. You will not be disappointed with this upgrade. It's worth the money trust me and others who have done it would agree. I bought mine from the dealer who happened to be the cheapest around...go figure LOL. It took about 30 minutes to unbolt the two piece and bolt the one piece in. The vibrations are gone and the truck shifts and drives so smooth.

 

Does the one peice come with junky ujoints? Is there anything tricky about getting the driveshaft out and putting the new one in? Does anyone know of a write up on it? Does anyone have a part# for the correct drive shaft?
Sorry for all the questions.

 

I believe the quality of the ujoints are spicer or AAM. If you get a one piece the only thing you have to make sure to do is remove the carrier bearing housing bracket when you remove the two piece shaft. Otherwise the new shaft may hit the bracket when it's under load. The bracket is only four bolts, easy to remove. This is the part number of the shaft- 52123161AB. For 2003 - 2004 trucks, you MUST insure that you have the HO motor and 11.5" rear axle. These drive shafts WILL NOT work with the SO motor and the 10.5" rear end.

 

Thanks for all the help. I just looked under the truck. Looks like the rear of the driveshaft is connected with 4 bolts through a plate. Then the carrier bearing. Both of thoes look easy. The front looks like some sort of slip connection. What is going on there?
I grabed the driveshaft and tried to move it and look and feel for play in the ujoints. I cant feel anything. How does one determine that the joints are bad. This truck has developed a vibration at 50-55mph. I think it is a driveshaft ujoint or the carrier bearing and that is what the dealer said, but I dont see the problem.
Thanks

 

The carrier bearings that are in the rubber housing in these trucks are junk. I had a vibration too and instead putting money into a junk two piece shaft I opted to get the one piece. It depends how much money you want to spend. But I can tell you that if your dealer is going to charge you 700+ for the repair you're better off getting a one piece. It would be cheaper and you can put it in yourself with just a few common tools.

 

I have the one peice drive shaft being shipped to me. It will be here in a couple days. Does anyone have any tips or things to watch out for when pulling out the old one or putting in the new.

 

Like I stated in a previous post is just to make sure you remove the carrier bearing bracket. The new shaft is easier to put in then to take the two piece out.

 

Just pulled the trigger and ordered one from Doghouse diesel. I will post up if it works.

 

Its been a couple of weeks, how did it work out for you?

 

The 1 peice is great. Very easy to put in and truck drives great.