Can I drive with the rear drive shaft off and center diff locked?

[SeaBassHWD]

I've been fighting a vibration for a while now. From 1-10 (10 being a death wobble), it used to be a 6 and after replacing a bunch of parts (UCAs, LCAs, UBJs, LBJs, inner and outer tie rods, steering rack bushings, steering shaft, road force wheel balance, ECGS bushing), I got it down to a 1. It's a very slight vibration now when going 60+ mph. Doesn't matter if I'm on the gas or off, it's still there.

Now I'm thinking of replacing the u joints but after checking them out, the drive shaft feels nice and tight. I figure that if I remove the rear drive shaft and lock the center diff, I can see if it still vibrates. If it doesn't, then I know the rear drive shaft needs either a balance, u joint, cardan or all of the above.

Has anyone driven without the rear shaft before? Seems like it'll work but I don't want to mess it up in any way.

 

[Team_Jake]

I don’t think there’s any harm in trying that. I wouldn’t put a huge load on your driveline as your front diff isn’t designed to take the full load of the vehicle, I think if you take it easy it’ll be fine. You might get some speedo/abs issues with it off but that’s probably it.

 

[Dieselchessy]

Many folks who’ve broke u-joints and other rear drive parts have drove home in front wheel drive.

 

[alumarine]

No problem at all.

Mark the drive shaft yokes before you remove it so you can re-install it the same way.