Ok, I know, ANOTHER front drive shaft post. Sorry, but I am seriously going to do this.

99 D2, 101k miles. I have replaced several Nissan and Chevy u-joints, have not done a double-kardon yet. Anything I should know about the center-ball replacement?

The problem so far: the local parts shops are worthless for a centering kit and joints. Does someone know what the part numbers are?

Also, if I mark the flanges and reinstall everything in the same order, do I need to have the shaft rebalanced when done?

Thanks again!

Gas prices may be painfull, but I STILL enjoy my Rover!

 

Try a search, I know they have been discussed before, can't remember the part numbers.

 

I don't remember the part #'s for the centering ball. the joints are a 5-4X I think, not sure.

I would balance it. You are adding weight.

 

The centering ball is a Precision 617, mine came out all right after some work but others have had a real problem with it, sometimes it gets stuck in there pretty good.I lined everything up without balancing it without any problems. I have a pretty good write-up on it if you want to pm me, it's a large pdf and I'm not sure how to upload it.

The other centering ball is a Neapco 7-008NG (this is the one I found I think).

U'joints are Neapco 1-0005 (I used this)from a Volvo 240X (tell them Volvo 240x at Advance Auto); Precision 344 or Spicer 5-4x.

 

NW,
Who is going to build your drive shaft? Why not let them get the right parts?

 

The Neapco centering ball kit is 7-0081NG (the "1" was left out, earlier). If you've done u-joints before, you can handle this.

 

The centering ball kit is the only curve ball. It is pressed in. The old one has to be removed. If you can figure a way to securely attach it, a heavy slide hammer should pull it out.

 

I have a 02 d2 with 51k and am planning on doing the driveshaft very soon. I just got off the phone with my local mechanic and he said he would put it in for me if i had the rebuilt driveshaft. so i can get most of these parts from a napa auto parts store, and then put them together myself ?

 

YES!!

 

The easiest and best solution is to simply take your truck to a driveline shop and have them remove, rebuild and replace your shaft for you. A competent shop will clean, paint, balance your shaft AND warranty the work. Good piece of mind if your tranny gets slappped, and isn't that why you want to do this in the first place? You should be able to get this done for less than $200 (parts and labor) depending on your location.

One last thing, many if not most mechanics will simply remove the shaft, take it to a driveline shop for rebuild, then re-install it themselves. Cut out the middle-man and go directly to the driveline shop! Really, this is no more complicated than getting your brakes done or similar work. Driveline shops just aren't as numerous so you may have to ask around. Good Luck!