Running Without Rear Driveshaft

[duke16]

Is it possible to run without the rear-intermediate driveshaft? The one with the CV joint on one end and u-joint on the other.

 

[koda2000]

i don't suggest you do this with an AWD. some have run w/out the front shaft, but this is usually done because the transfer case is broken/damaged and this isn't a good solution either as you end up with the truck creeping in PARK. on the AWD power is split with 35% going to the front wheels and 65% going to the rear wheels. a viscous coupling sends more to the front if rear wheel slippage is detected. if it's not already damaged, running without either shaft will destroy the coupling in short order.

 

[duke16]

Oh wow, I didn't realise the split was that dramatic. Reason I asked is because I picked up a replacement CV joint for the shaft but didn't realise until it was to late that the part was "damaged". All the ballbearings came out of the unit and I can't get them back in again.

 

[SoNic67]

They will come out if you "twist" it enough. There is no race to hold them in.
However, the CV you describe is on the FRONT shaft, not the rear.
And yes, don't run an AWD without a shaft.

 

[masospaghetti]

I know this has been argued to death..however, just my two cents..

My rig was missing the front shaft for an unknown amount of time, since it was missing when I bought it. I put at least a couple thousand miles on it myself with no front shaft. Once I finally found a replacement front shaft, everything works. The viscous coupling still works fine. No binding in turns.

 

[SoNic67]

Well, that doesn't prove nothing. Your front and rear diff takes care of turns.
Front versus rear axle differential speed is noticed best when going in a straight line over speed bumps or in certain conditions on snow/mud. You might also have an open central diff now as far as I know.
And even if it didn't seize or fail open, it doesn't mean that all of them will support the treatment.

 

[duke16]

They will come out if you "twist" it enough. There is no race to hold them in.
However, the CV you describe is on the FRONT shaft, not the rear.
And yes, don't run an AWD without a shaft.

Well I meant rear to distinguish between the front wheels and the rear wheels.

 

[masospaghetti]

Well, that doesn't prove nothing. Your front and rear diff takes care of turns.
Front versus rear axle differential speed is noticed best when going in a straight line over speed bumps or in certain conditions on snow/mud. You might also have an open central diff now as far as I know.
And even if it didn't seize or fail open, it doesn't mean that all of them will support the treatment.

My truck would "creep" in park also when the front shaft was out - so its not seized or open.

I'm not advocating it. But I don't think it means instant destruction like its made out to be.