Hi guys I've got and extra cab with the center carrier bearing and I hate it . I've replaced it once already and I need a new one again a year later . I'm sure the mild four inches of lift isnt helping . I want to remove the center carrier bearing and have a new balalced drive shaft made for it . How many of you have done this and what can I expect as far as problems go ? Tahnk you guys for being so awesome I love this site

 

You could just find a factory one piece shaft and save some cash.

 

I had the same issue with mine and did exactly what you are talking about. No issues so far. This is the time to do a double t-case if you are thinking about it. The way you don't end up needing driveshaft work again later.

 

if you cant find a factory driveshaft, take your shaft to a reputable shop and tell them the length you need it. then tell em you want it one piece

 

thanks guys !! would any of you know what to ask for if i start calling wrecking yards ?? what year etc etc thanks again

 

Take what you got and have it lengthened.
No stock shaft will account for 4" of lift.
Add a cv joint at tcase.
Done.

:wabbit2:

 

Its funny that this is brought up, because I was going to post a thread about it.

I have an '84 Xtra cab, 2 piece rear shaft, 4" lift. Driveshaft angle are not extreme so I want to eliminate my carrier bearing also. Anyway, I took it my local driveshaft shop and he said he could build it for $350-400. Using all new material and 1310 joints.(D44 size). Common joints should I ever need replacement. I asked about a CV in the front of the rear shaft, and he said absolutely not recommended. "Most folks are bringing their trucks in and getting the factory CVs removed." He said my truck doesnt need it, and he certainly doesnt recommend it.

So why do some say a CV is needed, and others say its not necessary? And is it worth $350 for all NEW parts and common(more available, cheaper) U-joints?

 

$350 is stupid high as all you are really doing is adding tube to the rear, thickness and length if wheeling it and then just length if extending it. I've had dozens or so done by the same local guy and modifying BOTH front and rear has never been over $250.

Does the guy build Toyotas?

Check out 4Crawler's website and see what he says.

Find a front SFA dshaft and use that CV. It takes out any extreme angles and vibrations you get from having the lifted vehicle. Had one of my 85 on 37s and it would ride down the interstate going as fast as you dared to go and drove flawlessly.

:wabbit2:

 

Wabbit, I am at a loss. No one here will do such things...

 

I send my driveline guy a lot of business between work and friends so Im gonna lean on him to hook me up with a good deal !! fingers crossed lol . I think I should be fine with just a drive shaft and no CV or non of that BS . Im hoping he says he can do it for around $100 or so . Ill let you guys know what he says .

 

Ok so I talked to my driveline guy he says $2 an inch for the tubing but it is thicker then stock tubing so it should be a lot stronger . can anyone give me an idea of the overall lenth I would need for an 85 extracab with barely 4'' of lift ? I know I know I can figure it out once I get home but I have no patience hahaha

 

On my 94 ext cab 4wd v-6, 5 speed stock height is 67". Just a ballpark to start with.

 

thanks !!!

 

Just got to thinking. 67" is the total length of the drive shaft flange to flange, not the tube.

 

That sounds about right for the 3rd gen x-cab, with a dual transfer case on an extra cab, you are at about 60" long, the 2nd case pushes back the output flange 6-7". The 3rd gens have a longer wheel base than the 2nd gens.

 

My 84 xtra cab is 54 1/2" flange to flange... 4" lift, stock drivetrain.

 

wanna sell that drive shaft hahaha j/k Im assuming that Is the stock drive shaft in your truck since you wrote stock drivetrain in your post ? If it is I could start calling wrecking yards to try and find a stock one

 

I also have a 4" lift with the stock one piece driveshaft on my xtra cab. They seem to have been used less then the 2 piece but they are out there.

 

if youre desperate for a quick fix cause you need to dd the truc or something, do some digging on putting a hd bearing from a chevy or something in there, theres another brand truck that uses the same size driveshaft but i found a super durable replacement at napa for like 20 bucks and threw it in there and it held up until i went with a one peice, just needed something to get me to work. but if time isnt an issue go one piece all the way

 

My '84 is stock, two-piece rear driveshaft. If anyone wants to trade for a stock one-piece, let me know...