This one goes out to Disco Mike; I locked my diff and dropped my front propshaft for a rebuild. I was wondering; are there any caveats for driving duration, speed, etc. with the differential locked? A rebuild or replacement may take up to 2 weeks, and while I don't drive at highway speed often, I just want to be more safe than sorry.

Thanks!

-Brad

 

you shouldn't drive too long on it because it will put excessive strain on the rear diff and rotoflex. i only drove mine twice without the shaft in. to drop off and pick it up from the drive line shop.

 

Thanks! When I was loading the propshaft for the trip to the shop, I noticed the cup that the centering ball rides in is cracked all the way around. I imagine this takes me out of rebuild territory, and puts me in "new shaft land". Thoughts?

 

If it were me I would only drive it around town as a "grocery getter" and definitely not on the highway. There have been a couple posts here and elsewhere where guys have killed their rear diffs by driving around too long without a front driveshaft.

They should replace the centering ball as part of the rebuild. Make sure to say you want it replaced even though it should be obvious.

 

Drove mine for a week without a front shaft in, no probs at all. even road testing at 70 -80 mph.

Driving at "highway" speeds is no diff to driving around town, infact it most likely puts less stress on it once your up and running, its not speed that would do damage "if any", its hard and fast accelerating up to speed etc, if you "cruise" around, I see no issue tbh.

 

i have a front shaft out of my 01, if you need one. in good shape but would rebuild it before use.

 

I have friend that have driven one either shaft for as long as a couple weeks with no issues. My suggestion has alway been to first check and make sure your rotoflex is not cracked and not do full throttle excelerations.
Don't forget to disengage the CDL when you have reinstalled the drive shaft.