Problems Replacing Front Driveshaft on 98 5.0

[Mbrooks420]

I have a 98 5.0 AWD that had a bad front driveshaft. I got a rebuilt unit from an auto store. I know there are 2 different lengths. I ordered the longer one and installed it. It lasted less than 2 months. It failed pulling a trailer 50 miles from home at about 10 pm. Not cool. So I go to the auto store and get another. I ordered the longer one, and went to install it, and I can't get it to fit. It is too short. According to the part number it is the longer shaft.

I bolted it to the t case first and then tried to stretch it out to fit the u joint into the front diff. If I pull the shaft all the way it looks to be about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch too short. I can also spin the shaft if I pull it all the way out. This shaft has to be too short, right? I wonder if the first shaft was too short, and somehow I mad it fit by stretching it too far. What do I do now? The shaft should fit in with plenty of room, right?

 

[CDW6212R]

That is too short, the right one will be able to move longer or shorter from the installed length. I didn't know of different length shafts until this forum. I could measure mine for you if that would help, mine is out for the BW4406 swap.

 

[Mbrooks420]

That'd be super. I assumed there should be some play in the length. They gave me a hassle saying that my truck was lifted and that caused it to wear out fast. I tried to explain to them that lifting my truck would have no effect on the shaft length since the front diff was bolted solid to the frame, and doesn't move, but they insisted I wish these parts guys actually knew SOMETHING about vehicles.

 

[CDW6212R]

Okay, my front 98 shaft measures 29.5" long. That is from the rear flange surface to the front u-joint centers. I had the shaft resting at the natural length, not stretched or crushed. I hope that helps to figure out which part you need.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I'll measure my shaft when I get home from work. I wish I would have kept my factory shaft, and had it rebuilt. That's what you get for trying to save $50 buying shoddy rebuilt parts.

 

[Mbrooks420]

They definitely gave me the wrong shaft. I'm thinking they did it on purpose since I kept arguing with them, telling them they were stupid, and that it wasn't my truck that caused the problem. I ordered the correct shaft from a different location. The parts guy there was nice, and seemed to know what he was talking about. He wanted to to know the other guys name so he could complain. I guess this isn't the first time someone has complained about the one store.

 

[techieman33]

Yeah sometimes those guys can't accept that your know more about your truck then they do, you just have to find the right person and keep going to them.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I have a good mom and pop guy, but for some reason he couldn't find me a front driveshaft. I should have just gave my business to a local shop and had mine rebuilt. That's what my normal parts guy said, and now I wish I had listened.

 

[ericautopart]

You've got eerie drivetrain out there..check them out. If not I have them too brand new / OEM. Here is the info on them. Your part # is XL2Z4A376BA and the weld to weld on yours is supposed to be 23" (the shorter of the two). The 6cyl uses an XL2Z4A376AA which is 24" weld to weld. Sounds like you got a crappy reman from cardone or somthing. Give me a call if you need help.

800-270-5224
Eric

 

[Turdle]

yes-
measure weld to weld on the tube.

it is either 22 3/4" or 23 7/8"

 

[Mbrooks420]

You've got eerie drivetrain out there..check them out. If not I have them too brand new / OEM. Here is the info on them. Your part # is XL2Z4A376BA and the weld to weld on yours is supposed to be 23" (the shorter of the two). The 6cyl uses an XL2Z4A376AA which is 24" weld to weld. Sounds like you got a crappy reman from cardone or somthing. Give me a call if you need help.

800-270-5224
Eric

Yeah, Erie Drivetrain wanted $250 to rebuild it. There were 2 different V8 shafts. I need the longer one.

 

[ericautopart]

There's one that's 22.25" and one that's 23" 22.25" is a later one and doesn't apply to your truck. I'll sell you a new / OEM one for $270.00 if you'd like one that's not remanufactured.

 

[Mbrooks420]

They've already ordered a replacement, but if it doesn't last OEM will be my next option.