Trouble shooting 4WD from the warmth of my living room.

[DNFXDLI]

Oh sorry...I misread.

The slip joint will need to be cut off and a new one welded on...that then requires it to be balanced...or should anyway

 

[fatherdoug]

The slip joint just slides off......? it fits on a 19 spline shaft, or am I missing something?

 

[DNFXDLI]

The slip joint just slides off......? it fits on a 19 spline shaft, or am I missing something?

Usually both halves have worn...so replacing just one side kind of defeats the purpose.

 

[fatherdoug]

Usually both halves have worn...so replacing just one side kind of defeats the purpose.

That was my thought also. I want to replace with new, but am coming up empty on my particular application.

 

[Fellro]

The splines get worn after while, then you get the rocking you are observing. It depends how much and how fast you would ever run the 4wd as to how much it matters. I have slop on my 86 and 88, but since I don't run 4wd down the highway, it really isn't that big an issue. At slower speeds, the little bit of wobble you might see isn't a big problem.

 

[Sparky83]

Question. Can one just replace the slip joint? I can find a slip joint replacement, but I'm having a hard time finding a front driveshaft for a NP205 with auto tranny and a 133" wheelbase that does NOT have a CV joint.
'

http://www.quad4x4.com/category/F510/1970-1979-Ford-Front-CV-Driveshaft/1.html



just the parts for your year...

 

[Fellro]

The splines on the driveshaft are a welded part, so best left to a driveline shop who has the parts and equipment... Local shop can do it in the $100-$200 range.

 

[Sparky83]

The splines get worn after while, then you get the rocking you are observing. It depends how much and how fast you would ever run the 4wd as to how much it matters. I have slop on my 86 and 88, but since I don't run 4wd down the highway, it really isn't that big an issue. At slower speeds, the little bit of wobble you might see isn't a big problem.

that they do..

sometimes repacking the joints with grease will take up the space.. so long as its not twisting between the joints i wouldnt worry about a minor bit of play in the joint.. and what i mean by minor is fraction of a fraction of an inch... if it to the point your able to flex it quite a bit that would be the point id start to worry...

 

[fatherdoug]

I actually remembered to check them out this time. I am NOT seeing a front driveshaft for a NP 205 that does NOT have a CV on the driveshaft with PT 4WD.

So......the next question is, could I use a CV joint on a front driveshaft that was originally designed for one. I might call the good people at Quad 4X4
tomorrow.

 

[Sparky83]

The splines on the driveshaft are a welded part, so best left to a driveline shop who has the parts and equipment... Local shop can do it in the $100-$200 range.

its only the one side they have there anyways..

 

[Sparky83]

I actually remembered to check them out this time. I am NOT seeing a front driveshaft for a NP 205 that does NOT have a CV on the driveshaft with PT 4WD.

So......the next question is, could I use a CV joint on a front driveshaft that was originally designed for one. I might call the good people at Quad 4X4
tomorrow.

couldnt tell you mate... i just looked up the 78 f150 front shaft... theyd for sure be able to tell you better than we could for sure..

 

[fatherdoug]

The splines on the driveshaft are a welded part, so best left to a driveline shop who has the parts and equipment... Local shop can do it in the $100-$200 range.

I'm confused here. Doesn't the slip joint just slide off the end of the driveshaft, or are you saying the wear is actually on the spline on the end of the driveshaft?

 

[Fellro]

Trick is, what is a little, and what is a lot? :0

Our old farm trucks have some play, and get a little wobble if we were to dare run them at highway speeds. I have run down the road with the front locked in but not 4wd when the roads are bad and notice only a small vibration. It does take quite a bit of wobble to become a functional issue.

Come to think of it, the 205 is a full time case, isn't it? That is a little less accepting of letting it wobble in that it will be more noticeable when running at cruise speeds.

 

[Fellro]

I'm confused here. Doesn't the slip joint just slide off the end of the driveshaft, or are you saying the wear is actually on the spline on the end of the driveshaft?

It is on both parts, the splines that are on the yoke to the axle, and the splines on the driveshaft end.

 

[fatherdoug]

The 205 is part time, the 203 is full time. I have a 205 part time.

 

[Fellro]

I can never remember which is which...

 

[fatherdoug]

No problem.

 

[Sparky83]

I'm confused here. Doesn't the slip joint just slide off the end of the driveshaft, or are you saying the wear is actually on the spline on the end of the driveshaft?

slip joints are 2 parts... both have interlocking splines (im sure you already know this part).. and both wear out together equally usually... sometimes though one side will wear out more than the other but its rare case that happens.

Trick is, what is a little, and what is a lot? :0

exactly... and everyones definition is different from each other..

 

[fatherdoug]

It boils down to: I want to replace the whole front drive shaft, but can't find one for my application. I've located one on bronco graveyard, but am unsure of the quality.

 

[Sparky83]

driveshaft shop could most likely custom fab you one im sure..