02 Front drive shaft replacement - anyone have to do it?

[Curtis]

So Dad had a rattle sound from the front end when there was traction loss and the 4x4 would turn on automatically. Like on a slush covered parking lot, if there was any slippage it would happen.

The mechanic and long time friend said the front drive shaft needs replacing.
Dad said he could move the shaft about 1/8" side to side or up and down where it goes into the transfer case.
he called me to check my 04 and there is no movement of the front shaft in the transfer case.
So a used shaft was $200. Looks brand new though.
While under there, they noticed the case is leaking at the seam, so that's coming apart too for a new gasket.

Anyone else have to replace a front drive shaft?
I dont now how it could wear like that since the front diff is a solid mount?

 

[jrford]

From what i know there should be no movement in the shaft what so ever. Where is the play? where it goes inside the case? or the Joints? I don't have the truck with me, wifey's daily, but i thought those where CV joints if the play is in the joint area yea then its the shaft, but if the play is inside or after the shaft goes into the case its the front output bearing inside the case. You have to tear it apart.
You might want to get a picture of what you seeing. . might help to confirm.

 

[Curtis]

From what i know there should be no movement in the shaft what so ever. Where is the play? where it goes inside the case? or the Joints? I don't have the truck with me, wifey's daily, but i thought those where CV joints if the play is in the joint area yea then its the shaft, but if the play is inside or after the shaft goes into the case its the front output bearing inside the case. You have to tear it apart.
You might want to get a picture of what you seeing. . might help to confirm.

The movement is not in the CV joints. Its rock solid where it attaches to the front differential.
The movement is where it goes into the transfer case.
My 04 is solid, you cannot shake the drive shaft.

You might be right about something in the TC being the problem.

 

[jrford]

Check this thread out, picture of a front driveshaft, little end should be diff, CV joint xfr case.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236093&page=2#post2124294
does it look like this?

I'm thinking inside front output bearing, . . . ., can your dad get a pic?

 

[Curtis]

Check this thread out, picture of a front driveshaft, little end should be diff, CV joint xfr case.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236093&page=2#post2124294
does it look like this?

I'm thinking inside front output bearing, . . . ., can your dad get a pic?

Yip looks just like that.
So you're saying the beering inside that "ball" part is the problem?

 

[Curtis]

I showed those pics to dad... he said its the same... and his will shake right here

 

[jrford]

Does the big can looking thing move or the shaft inside the can move? If the shaft is moving inside the CV joint then yes it would be the drive shaft, if the its the outside CV (race or cage) joint moving then i bet its inside the case. It bolts to the output shaft which is held in place by two bearings inside the case,
here is a pic of a kit to replace the output shaft, might help.
http://www.marlincrawler.com/transfer-case/parts-upgrade/30-spline-transfer-case-output-shaft

Drive Shaft based on the above picture.

 

[Curtis]

Does the big can looking thing move or the shaft inside the can move? If the shaft is moving inside the CV joint then yes it would be the drive shaft, if the its the outside CV (race or cage) joint moving then i bet its inside the case. It bolts to the output shaft which is held in place by two bearings inside the case,
here is a pic of a kit to replace the output shaft, might help.
http://www.marlincrawler.com/transfer-case/parts-upgrade/30-spline-transfer-case-output-shaft

Drive Shaft based on the above picture.

Thanks for the input on this man...
I confirmed with dad that the can looking thing with the bolts does not move...The joint I circled above is where it moves.

 

[raider72]

dont really have a eply but does anyone have any thoought of why i am feeling a vibartion or grinding with a slight deceleration to the car...... someone told me maybe drive shaft someone told me maybe the advtrack

 

[Curtis]

dont really have a eply but does anyone have any thoought of why i am feeling a vibartion or grinding with a slight deceleration to the car...... someone told me maybe drive shaft someone told me maybe the advtrack

Welcome to the board...
Would be best to start a new thread.... for max viability.
Also what year explorer? 4x4 auto or AWD?
Vibration comes from front or rear?

I think you may be feeling or hearing a rear end whine that the 3rd gens are famous for.

 

[TerrenceU]

Same Problem

I have this same problem on my 1999 Mountaineer. It seems to me that this would be repairable as long as there is no damage to the ball and cage and canister. I have questions and have posted my own thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2180709#post2180709 Is this a good idea to repair it instead of having to pay for a whole new driveline?