Driveshaft question

[68_Step]

I dropped my driveshaft tonight to measure my u-joints for replacement. It is a 2 piece shaft. Before I removed it, I marked the yoke to shaft position so could put it back together the same way. To replace the carrier bearing I removed the bolt and pressed off the yoke. I did not mark the yoke to splined shaft position because my Haynes manual said it is impossible to put the yoke back on wrong because it is keyed. I think the book is wrong, now that I have it apart it looks like can go back together in several positions. Looking at the pics what DG o you think?

[leftybass209]

I switched to a 1 piece just prior to installing my 2 piece, but I do believe mine would only slip on one way. I would suggest taking it to a driveline shop and having it balanced. As a bonus they'd probably mount that yoke for mere pennies if anything. It's good piece of mind and insurance that you'll have a solid driveshaft without the worry of any mysterious vibrations.

[hamjet]

Seems like there should be tell tale signs of dirt/grime in the one groove of the male end of the shaft where the one spline was missing..

[68_Step]

Originally Posted by hamjet

Seems like there should be tell tale signs of dirt/grime in the one groove of the male end of the shaft where the one spline was missing..

You would think so, but there wasn't.

I did get it figured out. I laid all the parts out on the bench and lined up my marks, that pretty much only left one way for it to go in. After putting one of the joints in wrong - I decided to take it to a local drive line shop and let them fix it.

[bad68nomad]

The yokes on both ends should line up with each other. The u-joints have to be lined up to work with each other so there is no vibration. So there will only be 2 ways it should be installed. Either way should be fine.