OEM AWD Front Driveshaft (Problems?)

[turboexplorer]

I have had my front driveshaft go out on my 98 AWD 5.0L. I had one built with a double cardan joint with a adapter fo hook to the AWD T-Case. It vibrated at freeway speeds 60 or above so I ended up going back to OEM the shaft ran great for 1,500 miles and then it literally came apart while on the freeway was incredibly violent at 75 MPH. So took it out the the upper OEM CV was locked solid, so got a new one and now this one vibrates at 55 and above. Any ideas on anything else wrong or why it is so tempermental with this front shaft. It's frustrating me some. Any help would be great thanks!!!

 

[Turdle]

Well, it could be a problem in the awd transfer case, or front differential,
Or, it could be a mismatched tire problem. Even tires of the same "size" but made by different company's may have a different "revolutions per mile" rating.If the tires were worn on one axle this could cause the issues you describe.

 

[turboexplorer]

All the tires are the same and are wearing perfectly. Can't really tell where its coming from cause can't run it and look at it at the same time. Crazy to climb under it with all the tires spinning. But sure feels like front shaft area could be all three thats the hard part. BTW it goes away if I pull the front shaft out but doesn't mean its that because it unloads the T-Case and the front diff.

 

[turboexplorer]

Anyone or is this a big problem having it looked at today by a shop and hopefully they can give me a for sure answer. I got under it again yesterday and I think that I can hear some noise from the t-case. Not real loud but kinda like a worn bearing noise. Also when I push up or down on the rear shaft I swear I can feel a little bearing noise, or slop. -shrug- will see I guess still open to others with the same problem Thanks guys!

 

[ericautopart]

Take the DS out and see if it goes away. If you need a new one I'll sell you an OEM new one if you'd like to PM me for pricing/shipping. The double cardan conversions haven't worked out too well for a lot of people.

 

[CDW6212R]

I had a problem with my 98 truck when I first got it. Like a lot of others mine was the front shaft. But that is just the most common cause. That kind of bearing noise or vibration can still be from the front hubs, axles, diff, or the transfer case. Pulling the front shaft unloads all of those parts. Only a very bad issue will still be present a symptom with the front DS out.

How many miles are on the truck? The front hubs/axles/diff. are easier to check, but the TC is more likely to go bad. They are all much older now so I'd bet on that if other tests don't turn up something. Regards,

 

[turboexplorer]

It does go away with the shaft out ericautopart. Thanks for the OEM part offer but I do have a new one in there only has 300 miles on this shaft. The truck has 91,000 miles and all the front end parts check good I have both new half shafts the diff is good with all clearances in check. That shop put some e-ears on it witch are mics they can hook on things and can switch between mics while driving and listen. All that was normal, I think its just the AWD with 91,000 miles on it and its a little worn and the big tires don't help either. BTW all the tires are the same well within 1/4 inch of the same circumference. Really wanting to go to the 4406 swap. Just don't know if others have had any vibration problems with all the front end and the front shaft still always spinning?

 

[ericautopart]

Just take the shaft out and make sure the CV end has grease in it. If they didn't put in enough grease or none at all it may have blown already. I've seen it happen quite often (Not with mine) but even some of the OEM ones I've gotten in from ford were totally dry leading me to check each one we get in.

 

[turboexplorer]

Sounds good I will do that Thanks!