Aluminum drive shaft replacement

[KEN TATARKA]

Has anyone heard about the TSB on the aluminum drive shaft replacement for 98+ Rangers? Is the drive shaft weaker or stonger than the steel one? Any input on this issue is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[jimbo74]

i havent heard about the tsb, but i have heard that the aluminum one is just as strong as the steel one

 

[88vert]

Originally posted by jimabena74
i havent heard about the tsb, but i have heard that the aluminum one is just as strong as the steel one

I think Jimbo is right on I have one on my 91 GT and have never had a problem with it

 

[RockingRobin69]

There is actually 2 TSB's that I have first hand knowledge on. 011111 & the other is 0196. The problem isn't so much the strength of the shaft itself, but rather it tends to store energy or "wrap-up", usually at slow speeds where you accelerate then slow down or brake & it releashes this stored energy, resulting in a very audible "clunk". Hope this helps you out!!!

Robin...

 

[KEN TATARKA]

I was concerned about an aluminum drive shaft when I wheeling, not so much during on-road driving. I have see a lot more steel shafts than aluminum shafts when I am wheeling with other rigs.

 

[03silverfx4]

I'm having the same problems, I get the axle wind up and the thump on acceleration. I was wondering if you have installed the aluminum driveshaft yet. Before I spend the money on it I want to know if it is a permanent fix or not.

 

[spindlecone]

Was a sporttrac recall to replace the steel shaft with alum. because of vibration issues, mines alum and I have no clunks.
The upside is you have alot less rotating wgt to drive.
It is just as strong as the steel shaft.

 

[JohnnyO]

I had two Rangers, '99 and '02 4x4 Supercabs, 1 stick 1 auto, had the driveshaft replaced on both under warranty because of the clunking.

 

[Red FX4]

I thought Ford no longer replaced the steel driveshaft with the aluminum one for the clunking problem. I was under the impression that they just lube the splines now.

 

[newfiEdge]

from what I heard for the clunk its just a new slip yoke boot to allow for more frequent lubing of the splines. The Alum shaft has a larger diameter (5")... there for it has as much strength as the steel shaft. As for rotating weight it equals out... the larger diameter offsets the weight reduction.

 

[picman]

drive shaft replacement

After reading all of the info regarding the drive shaft problem, I'm wondering if the fix for the clunking problem is either grease the driveshaft, replace it with the aluminum one or just the new slip joint. I have an 02 Edge 4x4 auto that's been clunking for a couple of months. Any ideas?

 

[RangerNate]

i havent heard about the tsb, but i have heard that the aluminum one is just as strong as the steel one

But it has to be a larger diameter to be the same strength therefore it gets smashed on rocks easier. Also more expensive to rebuild or modify than a steel driveshaft. I'd much rather have a steel driveshaft.

Take the shaft to a reputable driveshaft shop that knows 4x4s and have them check all your angles while it's in the truck (unless you have a protractor then chekc it yourself easy to do) then if the shop finds anything take it out and have them rebuild it.