4406 guys - Hows your front end vibration?

[Dono]

It seems the more questions I ask, the more I am finding everyone is living with a front drive shaft vibration of varying degree's.

It seems that even the 1st gen drive shaft double cardigan with adapter vibrates at higher speeds....I thought this was the fix. I guess not.

I drive daily between 70 and 80mph, so I'd really like to read about someone that has done the mod and has no vibration from the front drive shaft, and how they did it. I'm sure we'd all like to know.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

I have not done this mod, but wonder if its possible to do an in-vehicle balancing at a shop on a lift? Pretty sure its done this way originally since we are supposed to mark orientation when removing/replacing drive shafts. Might be simple as a couple small beads of steel welded on to balance the weight.

On a DIY would have to put up on stands, mark shaft and look for direction of wobble. If you can feel it should be able to see it? Add small self-stick lead pieces opposite the movement until evens out, then permanently add an equivalent weight to that location. Maybe?

 

[turboexplorer]

I did mine and just used a single cardon had vibration issues at higher speeds. I then swapped out the u joints for non greasable joints. They are a bit more money but fixed 98% of any vibrations I had. Never had an issue since. Now I am SAS'd and unlock hubs so shaft no longer spins so 100% no vibes now.

Give that a try if you run greasable cheap joints.

 

[Dono]

Thats fantastic info, thanks!

 

[vroomzoomboom]

you know my story don. mind you, mine is different then everyone. i have had a single in the front and rear, then a double in the front, single in the rear. then a double in the front and rear now a single in the front, double in the rear (drive shafts). i also think it depends if you have to have a drive shaft custom made (cut). i have had one that they welded out of phase but they fixed it free.
also those that have no vibration, do you have a roar sound as well.

 

[Dono]

There's so many variables.
Those with a suspension lift change things also. Really tough to nail the magic bullet down.

It seems the most success is with the double up front.

Tim, you seem to have your vibration under control.
I think a 1996 v6 front double shaft rebuilt would be the best bet for me as I'm pretty close to stock height. From what I can tell, there would be quite a bit of shaft inside the 'slip', which would be a good thing.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

not really. i still get a vibration, but only when i have the front shaft in. and it doesnt matter if i have a double or single in. the other problem is (and the shop told me this strait up, so at least hats off to them) is that they can only spin a drive shaft at so many RPM's to balance it