Goal was to start a retroactive build & maintenance thread but I have a few things going wrong under my truck...

Went under there to diagnose a vibration issue right at 55 mph, found a front driveshaft with only one grease zerk and a rotoflex coupler with cracks all the way around!

SINGLE GREASE ZERK!!


Possible broken grease zerk?









I've read enough threads to know that both items need replacing;

What is the general consensus on the best replacement front driveshaft and rotoflex coupler?

Is there anything else I need to check prior to / during the service?

Thanks!!

Florida Rover

 

Looks at least like the front U-Joint had a zerk fitting, if you're un-sure about it's condition grab a new front drive shaft from Lucky8. I've seen worse rotoflex couplings, but you can get one off of Ebay for around $50.00

 

Check the Lucky8 sale board on this forum. They offer a special deal on front driveshafts for forum members.

 

Thanks guys, I have been looking at the Lucky 8 and Tom Woods driveshafts,

Not sure if that is a broken grease zerk on the front DS U-Joint or not, I will check tonight.

I'd love to hear some more opinions on both issues / fixes. Are the driveshaft, rotoflex, and vibration all things I should first have diagnosed by my mechanic?

Or am I safe to assume they are dangerous items and could be contributing to the vibration?

 

In answer to your last question. Yes a new driveshaft is needed. Lucky8 is a good source. D*

 

Yep Lucky8's deal to LRF members can't be beat.

 

I'd start with fixing the known issues with the driveshafts. If the vibration doesn't stop, then consider a mechanic.

I've had a vibration in the front end at ~75 for years now despite trying multiple driveshafts, new tires, a new (used) differential and replacing one hub.

BTW, I tried the cheapo aftermarket rotoflex and it lasted less than a year in moderate usage. Definitely a POS.

 

Pleased with my Lucky8 driveshaft (although I still regret not just driving down there to pick it up — pain to get shipped to Toronto).

 

Replace the drive shaft in total and rebuild the old one as a spare. Refurbishing a drive shaft is a real bitch and takes a whole day, it's fiddly and requires care otherwise it's a waste of time and effort.

As for the Rotoflex, it looks original so replace it with an OEM or GKN plus new bolts and it's good to go for another 10-15 years.

 

Yeah I grabbed a spare Rotoflex at a Junkyard for $10.00 and I carry it as a spare. It's not cracked at all. I have an aftermarket unit on my 99 D2 (was replaced before I bought it) and it's probably been on there 1-2 years. It shows no signs of falling apart prematurely (that D2 is only lifted 1inch however).