No pics! It was humiliating enough without it!

 

On a good note:

I got the drive shaft back from our local DS shop. They charged $130 which I think is very fair. They replaced 3 u-joints and the centering ball. I just put it back in the truck. What a difference! No more vibration and no more faint chirping sound. Ride is very smooth. Now I need to decide whether or not to rebuild the rear shaft. It looks solid and doesn't make any noise but it's the factory original. What do you think guys?

 

I'm glad you got the front DS fixed...I'm sure the rear is fine, the front has issues because it sits close to the cats and the grease gets baked out...check to make sure the roto-flex is not cracked in the rear, grease every 5K and you are good to go.

 

i dont mean to steal your thread, but... without the front shaft on, is there any noticeble changes, noises, vibrations etc. that would be noticed?

 

Hey Aaron, also in Annapolis. Give me a yell if you ever need a hand wrenching. Misery enjoys company ;-) lol

 

Unfortunately, I couldn't drive the truck because 02 models don't have CDL locking feature. When I took the driveshaft out, it was all seized up and completely dry. I first wanted to rebuild it myself but then I heard it is fairly difficult to replace the centering ball. In interest of doing it right, I looked up a local driveshaft shop and they had it rebuilt for $130. Taking out/Putting in the DS is very easy. Four bolts on each end. I had to spray some liquid wench on them though since they weren't touched for the last 10 years...

 

Same here! That would be great!

 

You got a good deal for $130.