I need my front and rear drive shaft replaced or rebuilt. I had it rebuilt about 15,000 miles ago by a bad mechanic (learned the hard way) and now it's clunking again - greased every 3,000 miles. I dont do alot of off roading but was considering going with the Tom Woods driveshaft. Any thoughts? I see a lot of people on here talking about Tom Woods.

Whats the cost difference of a rebuild vs replace and install?

Thanks in advance.

Rick

 

First, you rear is easy, 1 u-joint to be replace and that is only if you haven't been lubing it. As for the rotoflex, just keep an eye on it and replace it with a new one when it starts cracking between the 6 bolts.
I bet your front failed again because he didn't know how to do them and probably didn't replace the centering ball.
Can you rebuild it or get it done for $200 or so, if so get it rebuilt, other wise you can get a Tom Woods for $349. I am still running on mt rebuild with no issues.

 

I bought a Tom Woods just because my stock slip shaft cannot be greased (looks like the grease hole was filled with a "lifetime" factory grease then plugged and half covered by a balancing weight). I'm going to try to drill out the "plug" in the stock shaft and thread it and put in a grease fitting rebuild it and sell it.

I think the Disco stock shaft is a good quality piece. You never hear about it actually failing besides the u-joints. I got the tom woods for $350 shipped and it is a pretty solid piece. The u-joints with the grease fittings on the end are very convenient.

 

if you do lots of highway miles at 70+ mph, stay away from the Tom Woods

 

That's a first!! Why do you make that statement??

 

I remember a thread in here somewhere that says, even after proper balancing, the Tom Woods shafts will give you some vibration above 70mph.

 

exactly right. i installed my 2nd, hoping it would go away.

no chance...75 mph and wobble wobble.

seems their driveshafts are just too burly/heavy to handle high speeds.

 

I have not noticed that. I've had mine above 75 no wobble what so ever.

 

From a $$ standpoint rebuild yours, but if you just plain old want a Tom Woods then go for it.

 

Stock rebuilt or TW or GBR propshafts, you can't just "grease" it every 3,000 miles. You have to pump in the grease until you see new grease coming from around all 4 seals on each u-joint. A lot of people miss that part.