Driveshaft Repaair - Phoenix AZ?

[MagmaJct]

Driving in to work this morning my `71 C-10 developed a vibration. I suspect it's drive shaft related. As far as I know no work has ever been done regarding bearing or u-joint replacement. I read the following thread:



Which gave me hope that having a shop do the work would be cost effective as opposed to me doing the work myself. (The thread is several years old by now.)

But I have serious trust issues with shops. I need recommendations for a shop that can handle this type of work in the Phoenix Arizona area, preferably in the east valley (Mesa) area.

It's a stock truck, and I intend to keep it that way. The vibration began as I was accelerating on the freeway on-ramp, thought for a moment the engine wasn't up-shifting. Once I realized the transmission was in high gear, I knew something wasn't right.

The vibration becomes noticeable around 50 MPH, getting bad around 60 MPH.

Regards,
Mike

P.S. I just discovered my misspelling in the subject. LOL

[OARNGESI]

Dicks driveshaft use to.be really good if he is still around

[wpavlis]

I have the same trust issue and coincidentally need the same work done. Hopefully someone has a good suggestion.

[MagmaJct]

Thanks! I've added them to my list of places to call.

I drove the truck home of surface streets. When I arrived I pulled the creeper out and rolled under for inspection.

The forward joint is good. The intermediate joint has some play. The read joint have considerable play, a few degrees worth!

Also, the carrier mount is bad. The rubber has sagged causing the shaft to sit low in it. The bearing is still good (not seized, still rotates.)

Note: What I write "good" I don't mean "doesn't need replacing". I intend to have all u-joints replaced along with the carrier bearing and mount.

[desertnick69]

There is Precision Driveshaft of AZ, 3225 w Osborn.
or
Az Drive shafts, 310 e Southern in Mesa

Hope that helps you!

[MagmaJct]

Thanks Nick!

I found those guys on Google. Will call for a estimate Monday, and I'll post the results.

Have you had any work done by any of them?

[MagmaJct]

Just called for estimates:

Arizona Driveshaft & Differential
$300

Precision Drivelines of Arizona, Inc
$325

Dick's Drive Shaft LLC
I was told he's swamped, he referred me to another company, but I had a difficult time understanding him. I think he referred me to Phoenix Axle & Drivelines.

I have to recover a vehicle in California next week, so the driveshaft rebuild will have to wait until next month.

I think I will go with option #1. Not so much for the lower cost, but because they are in Mesa where I live.

[alsriv2]

Let us know how it works out for you. I am in the NW valley, just brought my 69 down to Douglas to finally get it finished and running. With the hot 396 installed in it, I am going to have my driveshaft inspected and all the components changed out.
If they do balancing, that will be a good thing as well.

[desertnick69]

Originally Posted by MagmaJct

Thanks Nick!

I found those guys on Google. Will call for a estimate Monday, and I'll post the results.

Have you had any work done by any of them?

Yes I have but it was a few yrs. back for my 76 short 4x4. Presision They always did me good. and there work was good ( I was not easy on a good truck)

[MagmaJct]

Pulled the driveshaft this morning. One of the bearings was shot. Seal was gone, needle bearings were gone, only rust dust remained. Joint was "Made in Japan" suggesting the driveshaft was rebuilt at least once in this truck's life.

Note the zerk fitting. NOT in a convenient place. My grease gun fitting never would have fit.

[MagmaJct]

Just dropped off my driveshaft at Arizona Driveshaft & Differential.

I asked if they carried the transmission output shaft seal. The women behind the counter said they did, and then asked if I needed a bushing as well. A bushing?

I'm not a transmission guy, so this was news to me. I did notice a bit of side-play when I was pulling the driveshaft out of the transmission. I'm going to go ahead with a new bushing as well. They can press out the old bushing and press in the new. Looking at it, it looks like it's something I can do at home. But seeing as I've already got them doing work for me, I think I'll take the nose cone to them and have them do the rest of the work.

I now see where the speedometer gears are located. My speedometer/odometer have been "off" as long as I've known, but I tolerated it. Too bad I'm on a short time frame, or I'd order the correct gear combination to get my speedometer/odometer reading right.

Image 1: TH350 with nose cone removed. I'm impressed how clean it is inside.
Image 2: Old bushing and seal.

[AZ 67 C10]

The larger o-ring type seal that goes on the tail shaft housing you have pictured is worth doing right now as well while its off.

[MagmaJct]

I intend to ask for a new o-ring.

They did call and told me the transmission yoke/shaft had some lines in it. They recommended a replacement, seeing as I was getting a new bushing and seal. They said they couldn't guarantee a leak free seal with the old yolk.

That should add about $60 to the price. The current estimate is around $400.

[MagmaJct]

Got my driveshaft back from the shop a few days ago. Installed it with no complications.

The (new) transmission yolk engaged the transmission output shaft without a fight, and no more side-play.

The truck seems to run smoother than it did before the u-joint failed. Not certain if it's simply a placebo effect, I had my wife drive the truck, and I asked for her feedback.

"Drive nice! The play in the steering is gone!"

Uh, so much for the placebo effect!

Price was just over $400.

[desertnick69]

Hey glad it all worked for you and you are happy with the work plus it was not too bad $$$$$$ wise.