Driveshaft options and questions

Tom Woods Custom DS all the way. I paid around $416 for a 3" dia. shaft, OEM is only 2.5" & I upgraded the u-joints & Dbl Crdn to 1310 Spicers so it can be rebuilt at any local DS place now. Their u-joints are guaranteed for life too. Check out his website. Bullet Proof!



I couldn't have said it better. I went with stock diameter but actually being able to get the double cardan rebuilt is a big plus in my book. The fit and finish was top notch. I will try to get under the runner this weekend and snap some pics.
 
Nobody is talking about having the driveshaft re-balanced after working on it. I've always had that done as a matter of course.

Is it a waste of time?
 
I couldn't have said it better. I went with stock diameter but actually being able to get the double cardan rebuilt is a big plus in my book. The fit and finish was top notch. I will try to get under the runner this weekend and snap some pics.

Yep, The only problem with the 3" shaft is that on sharp right turns & when wheelin' the the DS would hit the gas tank skid. I cut out a 4" x7" piece of the skid with my angle grinder & it no longer rubs.
 
Did that come with yokes and all, ready to bolt up? Thanks

Yep, bolts right on.

Anyone know off hand how much angle the factory double cardan provides? Tom Woods looking really nice... but I don't want to lose any angle - future plans.

Not sure on oem, probably around 20-30*. You wont lose any & probably gain.
Look at TW website under custom shafts. They can build them up to 45* but that's more for buggy's with crazy travel & aren't good on the highway. A standard TW shaft is good up to 4.5" inches of lift which is fine for us.
 
Standard procedure after working on an existing driveshaft or buying a new one, or both?

If I bought a new Toyota driveshaft, I'd certainly have it checked and balanced before installing because who knows how long it's been since it was manufactured, warehoused, maybe shipped or trucked here and here a few times. I bet they box and pack them pretty darn good though based on a few other big and/or moving original Toyota parts I've seen.

Now if I bought a Tom Woods.. I'd like to think Tom balances the crap out of them before shipping out...?

Both, my TW has 2 quarter sized weights towards the back.
 
Ok, you got to trim the gas skid. Heck I think I even heard then later saw banging on my gas skid in a '99 Highlander (RIP) while stuffing wheels, other side full droop hanging in the air.

What's advantage is provided by the larger diameter driveshaft?

Yes the stock DS can hit the skid too when wheellin'.
I went with the 3" for strength, I figure with 33" MT's & a S/C it couldn't hurt.
 
It's not a waste, that's standard procedure so thats why no one is mentioning it.

Huh, well I didn't know that. Maybe that's all I need to do to fix my vibrations. Now I'll just have to find a reputable shop. Do I need to pull he driveshaft off to get it balanced?
 
Huh, well I didn't know that. Maybe that's all I need to do to fix my vibrations. Now I'll just have to find a reputable shop. Do I need to pull he driveshaft off to get it balanced?

I guess it could be out of balance if one of the weights came off.
Yes, they put it on a machine & spin it to test.
 
I guess it could be out of balance if one of the weights came off.
Yes, they put it on a machine & spin it to test.

The driveshaft only has one weight and it's still there. But the vibrations "changed" somewhat after changing the u joint. It's still there but it's maybe slightly less. So, should I pay to get the driveshaft balanced? I don't really see the purpose as all I did was change the rear u joint
 
The driveshaft only has one weight and it's still there. But the vibrations "changed" somewhat after changing the u joint. It's still there but it's maybe slightly less. So, should I pay to get the driveshaft balanced? I don't really see the purpose as all I did was change the rear u joint

I wouldn't, I'm 99% sure your DC is wacked. Mine showed no play when on the truck but lots when removed.
 
I wouldn't, I'm 99% sure your DC is wacked. Mine showed no play when on the truck but lots when removed.

Huh. I looked at it pretty closely when I had it off the truck. I couldn't find any play/looseness/wear in it. The ball and socket look good. The metal is clean and smooth on the ball. No gouges or scratches. Couldn't find any movement in the u joints on the DC
 
Huh. I looked at it pretty closely when I had it off the truck. I couldn't find any play/looseness/wear in it. The ball and socket look good. The metal is clean and smooth on the ball. No gouges or scratches. Couldn't find any movement in the u joints on the DC

Ok, that eliminates that then...:thumb:
 
Older thread I know, but after you feel these vibrations, come to a coasting, or light braking stop.

Is one of your rear wheels warm to the touch (the wheel itself, not tire).

Dragging brakes can do exactly what you explain.

If so, check e-brake cables and adjustments, but more importantly, the shoe adjusters.
 
I'm probably going to get a used drive shaft from the local salvage yard as theyre pretty cheap.

So I was wondering if all 3rd gen rear drive shafts for 4x4 3.4l are interchangeable? I ask because they told me their system showed 1996-2000 being compatible. So what about 2001 and 2002? I thought they were all the same for 4x4s 3rd gens. They have a 2002 4x4 3.4 auto (identical to my truck) with a good drive shaft. That's the one I want cause its low-ish miles and little rust. Will it fit my 98?
 
3 different possible lengths:
- manual trans with j-shift
- auto with j-shift (or early limited non-multi-mode)
- auto with multi-mode

All '01/'02's are multi-mode autos. Earlier had the other choices too...

-Charlie
 
[MENTION=7105]Scramble[/MENTION] I just ordered a Tom Woods DS today! I measured my stock one with calipers and it was a 3" tube. I guess 4cyls came with smaller driveshafts.

I'm so stoked to get rid of my old worn out driveshaft. I even used your invoice that you posted on here somewhere for the flange dimensions lol.
 
[MENTION=7105]Scramble[/MENTION] I just ordered a Tom Woods DS today! I measured my stock one with calipers and it was a 3" tube. I guess 4cyls came with smaller driveshafts.

I'm so stoked to get rid of my old worn out driveshaft. I even used your invoice that you posted on here somewhere for the flange dimensions lol.

That's awesome, you're gonna love it!
 

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