Couple more quick questions

[redkneck]

Finally got around to putting in the front 2 U-joints in the z71. I still cant find the boot that goes on the front D/S at the x-fer case after I split mine. Maybe Shaun or Lynn can find me one ('00 z71 ext cab, 5.3l). My dealer says nobody in the country has one, lol.

Also, I still have too much high freqency vibration at higher speeds. Tomorrow I want to pull the front shaft out and run it. There's nothing to fear about running the truck without the front shaft is it? I screwed up and put the front spline shaft back together wrong (2-piece I did mark the timing and then put it together wrong anyway lol).

I'm also wondering who around here balances shafts, I'm starting to wonder if that's a potential problem.

[LETMGROW]

I will do some checking for you on that boot.

Get the shaft in time before you get too excited about balancing.

You might check on a used shaft or some parts stores offer re-man units.

I'll let you know what I find out. If the truck runs smoothly with the front shaft out at least you will know where the problem is.

Lynn

[redkneck]

Thanks Lynn. Last week I was told that there was one in stock in a warehouse in CO, but when I went to order it, there was 0. It's not as concerning as the vibration is.

I'll pull the shaft today, run it and then see where I'm at.

[92xj]

Are you talking about the boot that is on the actually driveshaft or on the output shaft of the transfer case?

[92xj]

Also, are the splines on the driveshaft "painted" blue?

[LETMGROW]

need vin#

I checked with NAPA. They offer a re-man shaft but it doesn't come with the boot. They don't offer the boot at all.

I can check with the dealer but I will need the vin# if you would get it for me.

[92xj]

Do NOT put a boot on the driveshaft.

Also, if you want a complete new driveshaft with the best joints, do not go to Napa or any other local autoparts store or the dealership. I will give you the name and number of a guy that builds custom driveshafts from hot rods, dragsters, rock crawlers, desert racers and everyday vehicles. Best on the market, strongest and one **** of a warranty.

[redkneck]

Thanks for checking on it Lynn, I had already checked several places including NAPA. No biggie, it can wait.

Ben, the boot goes on the d/s over the splines and slips onto a collar on the x-fer case. It just keeps mud out of the splines at the slip joint. I've heard of folks intentionally taking this boot off, but all I can say is that the thing is ten years old and the slip joint looks great, so the boot must be doing its job.

Also, it's not blue.

And... I have no doubt you have a source for great performance shafts Ben, but I think I got the situation straightened out now. I pulled seperated the joint again, rotated it back in time, and put it back together. The boot is in place, but with a split, and I'm sure it's just a matter of time before the force of rotation makes the split go on down.

Doesn't drive like a new one, but drives better than it has in a long time with a new rear axle and 4 new U-joints.

Thanks to everyone for all the help/advice putting it back together!

[92xj]

We always take any boots off our vehicles, besides CV boots because they if they do get moisture and dirt in them, they keep them in them. Also, I was asking about the splines being blue because most all shafts have this blue painting looking grease. Its a hard grease that fills the small voids in spline so they dont chatter and tick. Its an insanely small amount of space but when its gone, it will cause a very slight high speed vibe and chatter, that most of the time you cant hear but can feel.

[LETMGROW]

I'll check with my friend at Chev. Monday. I'd like to see you install that boot. If it is properly installed it will keep water and moisture out. Without it, water can get in past the splines and get trapped inside the slip joint behind the shaft. This can cause the slip joint to bind when the axle moves up and down or twists under a load. I have seen this happen with a torn boot and the complaint is a thud or clunk just before the truck stops on hard braking.

The blue mentioned is actually a teflon based coating which repels water and retards rust. It also acts as a lubricant between the spline and slip joint. Dipped or painted on, it won't trap moisture like grease will, nor will it attract dirt and hold it like grease will. We have duplicated this coating using the teflon dip you can buy to dip tool handles in. Brush it on, wipe off excess with a paper towel and let it dry before installing the shaft.

Lynn

[redkneck]

Thanks Lynn.

[LETMGROW]

Thanks Lynn.

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