whatmeworry you're absolutely right. I asked TW whether it was pregreased, and they said it probably wouldn't hurt to add a bit more before I install it. They also mentioned the centering ball and its need for grease. But... they said that the ball is very difficult to get to with the driveshaft mounted. So, it might be necessary to drop the driveshaft in order to get to the ball (depending on the position). They recommended greasing every oil change, but in the case of the centering ball it might be ok to go every other change since it's difficult to get to (as long as it's not more than 5K miles in between...).

Also, to measure TW said what the others have said... measure from flange to flange (basically the edges of the two parts that bolt up to the rest of your car). TW said to measure at either the 3 o'clock or 9o'clock position relative to the ground. It's pretty easy - just need to get under your truck.

Ed

 

wtf? drop the driveshaft to grease the ball?

that can't be right!

 

I had the ds that failed after only a year and after greasing the damn thing every oil change. Im still pissed. Mine needed rebalancing as well after I got it. Good Luck!

 

oyster -- well, I will concede that I don't have mine installed yet so I'm just going by what they said. They didn't necessarily say that it had to be removed to be greased, just that it might be very difficult and could be easier to do if removed. My new driveshaft should arrive within a week, and I'll post here with any post-installation comments.

Ed

 

it IS very difficult.

 

ordered my shaft. I went ahead and got the upgraded one (figured why not). 389 plus 5 packing or whatever so it was $394.

 

Really, the proper way to lube the slip joint is to disconnect one end of the propshaft, fully compress it, then lube the slip joint. But to be honest, I only do that a couple times a year, or if I have it off for some other reason.

 

I am considering taking my drive shaft out and adding a Bijur fitting and some of their brass line so that I can grease the centering ball with a grease zerk. Do any of you know why this wouldn't work?