Quote:
Originally Posted by phattyduck
All the 4WD keep forgetting (or never knew) that the SHAFT ITSELF, not just the u-joints on the 2WD can wear out. The center section of the shaft is two concentric tubes with rubber between them. The rubber wears out at some point and the shaft can no longer be balanced or used. No amount of u-joints can fix it once the rubber wears out.
Aftermarket replacement shafts are solid (no rubber to wear out). OEM would give the best NVH and performance long term. But they are more expensive... so that's a choice you have to make.
-Charlie
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This is true. However, he was very clear on the 2wd being temporary. Seems foolish to me to invest in a temporary driveshaft for long term performance. But everyone is different.
Quote:
Originally Posted by nissanh
The aftermarket U-joints are mostly GMB and.... Just drive your OEM's as those are far superior even worn than a new GMB.
Phattyduck was right about the 2WD drive shafts. Those came without greasable joints and slides into the transmission as most 2WD rear wheel drive vehicles do.
Story about GMB:
I installed a GMB into the pinon end on front drive shaft on a solid axle 1990 hilux LN 106 (part time 4wd). It has may be tops 20 miles of 4WD. After a year that U-joint was almost about to disintegrate.
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Napa's website claims GMB is an OEM supplier. No idea if that's true, it's just what they claim. That being said, I've used the "brute force" u joints (napa heavy duty) many many times with great results. I think they are made by spicer which is a very old company that has been reputable for decades.
Again, all this repair is temporary as his 2wd is not long for this world. So again, why invest anything other than day-to-day unless the time frame for its lifespan is significant? I would replace the u joint with decently priced ones, and roll with it. Save the $400 for other 4wd conversion parts.
Edit: looks like "brute force" is a line from SKF which is a company I've had good luck with on other bearing items. But it not connected to spicer as I claimed earlier. Wanted to clarify