Hello everyone:

Thought I'd reach out for some confirmation/advice on the front prop shaft (2003 D2 s - stock). I've been a little paranoid about it after hearing the horror stories of them going and taking out the cat and trans with it, so maybe my subconscious paranoia is leading me down the wrong path here, but the shaft itself doesn't seem to have much if any play at the joints but when I'm starting off I hear a distinct metal on metal sound coming from under foot (best guess), and then an intermittent high-pitch "rattle?" almost like a really high, fast bicycle bell... you know, the brinnnnng brinnnnng type. I know that I do need brakes and ball joints, but my gut says the stock prop shaft is ready to go. Thoughts?

Also, if it is the prop shaft... why the hell are theese things so damn expensive?! $500 bucks for a steel shaft with greasable cardons/u-joints?! is it better just to rebuild it? I was hoping to just bolt a new one on and call it a day, but at those prices... ugh.


Thanks in advance!


Nick

 

Lucky 8 has them for... Uh... $220, shipped? Can't remember exactly. Check the classifieds section. There's a special forum member price.
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it shouldn't show any play. If there's any at all the shaft is shot. If in doubt, pull it and inspect on the bench. If still in doubt, replace it.

 

IMHO, you should NOT overthink replacing a DII front drive shaft.
It's not IF it will go bad, it's WHEN it will and how much damage it will do.

OMG $500 for a drive shaft! Made of Gold maybe?
Call Lucky8 and you have 2 choices, but the $208 shaft is more than what you need.
> https://www.lucky8llc.com/collection...t-driveshaft-6

 

Sweet! Thanks guys. 208ish is MUCH better! It's just grease ot up and bolt it on, right? Or is there anything in the way of calibration that needs to be done too?

 

The drive shaft is just a straight forward install, no balancing required.
Just grease the U joints BEFORE you install and be sure the joints move freely.

Normally not needed, but the day before the install give the 8 nuts a shot of PB Blaster, or your favorite penetrating oil.
Before you wrench on the nuts wipe any penetrating oil off. These nuts are very easy to round off.

You will need 9/16" box wrenches or sockets, but this 9/16" drive shaft tool is also very useful > https://www.lucky8llc.com/collection...ive-shaft-tool

 

Hi

If your D2 has 100K miles or more it will need replacement. Rebuilding is possible but it's a hardish and time consuming task requiring a good tool kit. It's pointless rebuilding unless you replace the centring ball which if you're lucky the old one comes out easily but if not it's a real PITA. IMHO having rebuilt the front and rear driveshafts I would, given the option, buy a ready fixed one from Lucky 8 for $200 and just fit it. The rear driveshaft is simple to rebuild but the front is a real PITA. Good luck, have fun.

 

Great advice! Thanks everyone. Huge help!

 

Order the shaft drive tool well worth the money

 

I have a spare shaft that came "with the car." The PO got it from Ebay for $100. If you pay for shipping, it is yours.

 

Oh wow! Thanks!

Is it good quality? I wonder why they never put it in. Where are you?