Getting a Used Driveshaft

[BigED]

Is it a good or bad idea to buy a used driveshaft? Aren't they supposed to be balanced and stuff? Are they delicate or just a metal rod? I could see used exhaust, because its just pipes (if a pipe looks good, then its a good pipe)

I'd like to save money buying it used, but I'm not sure how much confidence I would have in it.

By the way, do all 2002 v6s have a 2 piece ds?

[Eds02v6]

You have a 2-piece on your 02'? I was just underneath my car last night, and noticed that I have a 1-piece driveshaft. I wonder if it's because I have the Y87 package? Do you have the Y87? There is also a structural brace that goes from the tailshaft on the tranny to the rear axle. Is that for torsional stability?

Edit - I just looked at your sig, and saw you have the Y87...So if you have a 2-piece drive shaft I'm really confused now...

[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Eds02v6 ]</p>

[BigED]

How can I tell? I can't really see anything when I look under the car. What am I looking for?

[Eds02v6]

I don't know what a 2-piece looks like, but if you crawl underneath your car, and there is only one long shaft that goes from the end of the tranny to the rear axle then you have a 1-piece drive shaft. I think that the 2-piece has some sort of coupler between the two pieces, but am unsure where the coupler is and how long are each section.
Hope this helps,
Ed

[Only4U]

the one-piece steel ds only came on the 99+ AUTOMATICS. all other six cylinder fbodys have the 2 piece. he has a manual, he has a two piece.

[98goldv6]

I recently had my car on the lift at midas and got a chance to look up underneath it for a little bit and granted I've never seen a 2 piece driveshaft but I am 99.9% certain that my 98 auto has a one piece steel driveshaft. I didn't see any couplings or joints in it.

[Red V6 Raider]

I just recently replaced my two piece with a one piece DS and if you jack the car up a bit and look underneath you should be able to tell. If it's one piece it will be one straight line from the transmission to the rear end. If it's two piece there will be a break that is mounted to the torque arm. If you get under your car and actually look, you will be able to tell very easily. It's hard to tell without being under the car.

[MustangEater8251]

a 2 peice will be connected to the torque arm.

I bought my 1 piece steel for $25.
They can troublesome if unbalance, I have heard the steel ones tending to be more unbalanced the aluminum ones, but I think its relatively uncommon.

[blackfire99]

What are the pro's and cons? I have the two piece, besides a little power loss due to the seperate pieces, whats really better? I figure a regular driveshaft is probably stronger, but may way more...any clarification here??

[AMinor65]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by 98goldv6:
I recently had my car on the lift at midas and got a chance to look up underneath it for a little bit and granted I've never seen a 2 piece driveshaft but I am 99.9% certain that my 98 auto has a one piece steel driveshaft. I didn't see any couplings or joints in it.<hr></blockquote>

You're correct. 97 was the last year that they put 2-piece driveshafts on automatics. They made the change the next year on manuals. Check Technical database.

As far as balancing is concerned, if my memory serves me correctly, I think the reason that they made the 1LE driveshaft was to correct an imbalance problem that they had at very high speeds with the steel driveshafts back in the 80's. Something to do with losing tranny fluid at 120+. Don't know if the problem was remedied as far as the steel driveshafts our cars come with.

[MustangEater8251]

one benefit of a one peice over two piece.

in a one peice the swing bearing in the middle will not go out and cause the driveshaft to vibrate funny and tear apart your pinion seal, cusing differential fluid to leak.

sorry happened to me.

Its stronger, lighter, bt more expensive to build in large quantities.

[Eds02v6]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>the one-piece steel ds only came on the 99+ AUTOMATICS. all other six cylinder fbodys have the 2 piece. he has a manual, he has a two piece. <hr></blockquote>

I don't think so. I have a 02' M5 Y87 like BigEd, and I have a one-piece driveshaft. I was under the car last week and noticed it.