So I was cleaning some parts this weekend and noticed that my front slip yoke wasn't moving at all after removal. Long story short, I start degreasing and find what looks like a driveshaft about to grenade:



SO.... Looking for recommendations on front driveshafts... Drivetrain is all in stock locations except for OME 2.5" lift. I am swapping a mercedes OM617 turbo diesel, so strength will matter. Most of all, I am looking for adequate travel, but also a balanced piece- this will be an overland rig that may see highway speeds with the hubs engaged... Let me know what you know of!

Thanks!

 

Do you have a good driveline shop near you? If so take it in to them and see your options? If not you can try and find another stock one. Shouldn't be that hard to find in a yard. Take it to a driveshaft shop and have them balance check it, if thats an option for you. Have the shop put new U-joints if you have one. Or a big hammer and about 15-16MM deep socket it what I have used to change them in a pinch.

 

looks to me like your driveshaft compressed too far, leading to the crack in the shaft.
gonna need at a minimum to be retubed with a new spline

if you find a stock replacement shaft, the stock length should be fine with only a 2.5" lift.
adding the OM617 are you moving the drivetrain back at all? if so then you would need to consider lengthening the d/s

 

No, the OM617 comes forward. drivetrain stays where it is. Finding another driveshaft seems to be the issue... anyone know if the IFS driveshaft is an interchangeable part? Doesn't seem like it would be, but stranger things have happened I guess...

 

I had great luck with Woody’s in Utah. I was not comfortable with any of the local shops here in San Diego after speaking with them. A look at Woody’s website and a short phone call with them was very helpful. I UPSed my shafts to them and they were returned in just a few days. They installed a longer spline part in the front shaft and a double Cardin for the rear. When I raised my 4Runner by the frame (not the axle) the front shaft ran out of spline and fell apart when using the stock shaft.

 

I’ve used Jesse at high angle drivelines with great luck and local driveshaft shop in upstate NY later for longer tube.

you don’t mention suspension set up or future plans.

if IFS not much point in doing long slip. But if SASing rig its cheaper to do it now. If going dual cases and SAS find stock shaft and wait as you be double spending on DS work.

both of my shafts and my spare are heavy walled material. Retubing and balancing aren’t that hard and would trust to most any reputable DD shop. But clearancing an IFS shaft for more angle is another story.

anyway my free opinion.

edit.... just reread title. So disregard IFS suspension advice. But measure distance from dif to t-case. For new driveshaft. If not super flexy springs probably don’t need a long slip.