Local shop to balance a driveshaft

[Eliot]

Hey guys,

I had been dealing with a high speed driveline vibration so I went ahead and did the u-joints on my rear driveshaft. Now i have a problem with vibration throughout the truck. I'm pretty sure I did not get the shaft put together how it came apart. I tried marking everything but the marks wore off before I noticed...

Anyway, I'm assuming I need a shop to re-balance the driveshaft. Does anyone have any recommendations? Preferably in the Mt. Pleasant area. Thanks!

-Eliot

 

[GLTHFJ60]

All you need to do is make sure it's in phase, because that's all you could have messed up (assuming the u-joints are installed properly). No need to bring it to a shop.

Vibrational Issues | Machine Service, Inc.

This is easier to digest:

https://jniolon.classicpickup.com/drivelinephasing/drivelinephasing.html

Long story short, take the driveshaft off, pull the slip joint apart and reinstall, making sure that the welded on u-joint caps are on the same plane, like this:

 

[Eliot]

All you need to do is make sure it's in phase, because that's all you could have messed up (assuming the u-joints are installed properly). No need to bring it to a shop.

Vibrational Issues | Machine Service, Inc.

This is easier to digest:

https://jniolon.classicpickup.com/drivelinephasing/drivelinephasing.html

Long story short, take the driveshaft off, pull the slip joint apart and reinstall, making sure that the welded on u-joint caps are on the same plane, like this:

View attachment 1581637

Johnny,

This makes so much sense. Thank you for the reply. My driveshaft is definitely out of phase. I will fool with it this afternoon and report back.

-Eliot

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

CSR driveshaft in North Charleston. Used them a couple of times fair price and didn’t take too long

 

[GLTHFJ60]

@Eliot how'd it go?

 

[Eliot]

@Eliot how'd it go?

Drive shaft was definitely out of phase. I put it back in phase and still had a slight vibration. Flipped it 180 degrees and the vibration got worse. I just decided to take it to CSR in North Charleston (thanks @SHERMAN FJ62). They inspected it and said the u-joints felt fine, but would need to put it on their machine to figure out what's going on. I should hear back from them by tomorrow.

 

[southerncruiser62]

Keep us posted as I may want to use them as well.

Thanks

 

[Eliot]

Picked up the driveshaft today. I ended up having a defective u-joint. There was play in the mating surfaces between the cap and the c-clip. Just enough to allow the u-joint to move around. I went oem Toyota parts from a reputable mud dealer so I know they should have been good, but Stoney (at CSR) said every once and while he sees parts that were not machined to the right specifications.

Driveshaft also needed to be balanced. Was told with this type of u-joint it's common for the driveshaft to require a balance when a new joint is installed.

As for CSR, they were awesome. I told Stoney I needed it done by Wednesday and he stayed late to get it done. All weights were welded on (not sure if this is standard but figured I mention it). He even cleaned off the surface rust on the shaft and gave it a fresh coat of paint.

Neapco u-joint part and install, plus a driveshaft balance for a bit over $100. Couldn't believe it. I'll be going here for any axle/driveshaft/cv work.

Installed the shaft last night and did 80 mph on 526 with a nice smooth ride.

Thanks again for the help and suggestions.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Solid!! Weird that the u-joint was bad. I recently had a pilot bearing come out of the box with a .8mm oversized ID. Bought another of the same bearing and it was sized correctly. Weird things can happen!

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

They have done a couple drive shafts and They balance them up to 100 mph since I know they know they will be good at 70. Not in the best part of town but who cares