Driveshafts

[Gore Ranger]

On my '91 RRC with the tallest OME lift and 235/85/16 MT's I have developed vibration, although it seems to be only when accelerating. Once in 4th gear on the highway, it sort of subsides, but the MT's take over with noise of their own (this i can deal with)

The vibration is especially pronounced when climbing hills. I am going to be moving to a 3" lift soon (probably Rovertym springs), so I assume the vibration will only get worse.

So, I want to upgrade the driveshafts. Which ones do i go with if price is a part of the equation? What do people think of the Tom Woods drive shafts? Safari Gard's? Are there any others out there to consider?

Thanks!

 

[Iron Boots]

When did the vibes start? Before or after the lift? How long after the lift?

 

[Disco Mike]

Jeff,
If it is a drive shaft, look at Tom Woods or talk to Bill at Great Basin Rovers.
Mike j.

 

[Steve Rupp]

I would first check your driveline angles and start fixing your vibes there. Then I would call Bill.

 

[Gore Ranger]

I didnt notice any vibration until after the new, bigger MT's. Now it is very noticeable

 

[Steve Rupp]

Maybe the tires are not balanced very well. I'd take them to where you purchased them and get them checked out.

 

[curtis]

I agree it is a tire issue. Putting on bigger tires is not going to cause a driveline vibration. Solve the tire issue, lift your rig, then if you notice something do what you can to correct the angles. If this means new driveshafts then do it, but it is probably more a function of radius/trailing arms.

 

[Gore Ranger]

thanks, i am going to have the tires looked at today and see if that is the problem.

If the tires are not the problem, and the angles are causing the vibration, then do i replace the radius arms and trailing arms with modified units like the rovertym ones?

 

[Steve Rupp]

The rear is easy. Get some RTE links. They provide spacers to lengthen or shorten the links moving the pinion up or down. The front is a little different. Lengthening or shortening the rad arms doesn't do a thing to the pinion angle. The best way to do it is to take some measurements and talk to Steve at Rovertym. He can build you a set to suit your particular needs provided you give him the correct information. Then you will probably need a double cardon shaft for the front. If you have a stock u-jointed rear you'll be fine there. You might want to bring it to your local driveshaft place and have them check the balance just to be sure.

 

[Gore Ranger]

thanks again for the advice.

As it turns out, I jsut finished swapping the tires and took it for a run. No vibration to speak of so I am going to take the MT's back to the tire place to have them balanced, but i will def look at new trailing arms and radius arms when i go to the RTE 3" spring

cheers!