Driveshaft differences

[Marshall 008]

Hey everyone, I’m going to be replacing my driveshaft and found these two on rockauto. Both refer to the same oem part number but the yoke to the transmission appear to be different. Can someone tell me the difference in the two styles? The cardone unit looks identical to my current one.
Thanks in advance.

 

[swathdiver]

Hey everyone, I’m going to be replacing my driveshaft and found these two on rockauto. Both refer to the same oem part number but the yoke to the transmission appear to be different. Can someone tell me the difference in the two styles? The cardone unit looks identical to my current one.
Thanks in advance.

Different manufacturing methods/parts is what the difference appears to be. Some earlier trucks had that balancer which is shown on the Dorman.

My 2009 looks more like the Cardone.

 

[Marshall 008]

Different manufacturing methods/parts is what the difference appears to be. Some earlier trucks had that balancer which is shown on the Dorman.

My 2009 looks more like the Cardone.

That’s what I was thinking. I’m going to order the Cardone one to dredging up the drivetrain before the rear end gets rebuilt and a new transmission goes in as well. Still cheaper than a new truck. lol.

 

[swathdiver]

That’s what I was thinking. I’m going to order the Cardone one to dredging up the drivetrain before the rear end gets rebuilt and a new transmission goes in as well. Still cheaper than a new truck. lol.

Realize this isn't the same quality as the original GM shaft. Same with the universal joints. Are you in Florida? I've got an 8.6" axle sitting on my driveway since last November and can't give it away.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Hey everyone, I’m going to be replacing my driveshaft and found these two on rockauto. Both refer to the same oem part number but the yoke to the transmission appear to be different. Can someone tell me the difference in the two styles? The cardone unit looks identical to my current one.
Thanks in advance.

There should be a part number on your current drive shaft (at least there is on my 07), and this part number can be used to get the correct spec drive shaft and U-joints.

 

[GMCChevy]

Why does it need to be replaced?

 

[rdezs]

Rather than replace the rear drive shaft, I replaced the u-joints with some heavy duty Spicer units. Wasn't too bad of a job. Even having a shop do it is probably better than buying an aftermarket drive shaft. The front drive shaft is another story. The ears are very thin metal, often difficult to swap u-joints without distorting them. I did replace the front with an AC Delco.

 

[Marshall 008]

Realize this isn't the same quality as the original GM shaft. Same with the universal joints. Are you in Florida? I've got an 8.6" axle sitting on my driveway since last November and can't give it away.

Not in FL anymore. Moved out of the heat and to the mtns.

 

[Marshall 008]

There should be a part number on your current drive shaft (at least there is on my 07), and this part number can be used to get the correct spec drive shaft and U-joints.

I used the PN on mine to identify the cardone one as a direct replacement.

 

[Marshall 008]

Why does it need to be replaced?

The original unit is rusted all up after 234k. I’m just doing the preventative maintenance.

 

[Marshall 008]

Rather than replace the rear drive shaft, I replaced the u-joints with some heavy duty Spicer units. Wasn't too bad of a job. Even having a shop do it is probably better than buying an aftermarket drive shaft. The front drive shaft is another story. The ears are very thin metal, often difficult to swap u-joints without distorting them. I did replace the front with an AC Delco.

I was planning to do that and have done it to other vehicles in the past but it’s easier to swap out a whole unit that pound out u-joints.

 

[swathdiver]

I was planning to do that and have done it to other vehicles in the past but it’s easier to swap out a whole unit that pound out u-joints.

Need the right tools, J-9522-3 and -5.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Need the right tools, J-9522-3 and -5.

It never ceases to amaze me how simple jobs can be when you have the right tools.

 

[rdezs]

Yeah, put away the hammer with doing the u-joints. Pick up one of these, you'll wonder why you didn't have one 20 years ago

 

[rdezs]

Just look up a u-joint removal tool on Amazon

 

[rdezs]

 

[swathdiver]

The OE solid AAM universal joints have been wildly successful, providing hundred of thousands of miles of trouble free, maintenance free, service.

Their sealed bearings and solid bodies makes them stronger than conventional joints.

A few years ago we purchased all new AAM universal joints for the trucks and today they're still sitting on the shelf.

 

[donjetman]

Both of my Denali driveshafts have the factory u-joints in them and are still going strong at 201k miles

 

[rdezs]

When I replace the u-joints in the rear drive shaft at about 170,000 ... There was still a small amount of grease in the bearing cups, but not much. A lot of it had hardened. But all the needle bearings still rolled just fine

 

[opfor2]

Yeah, put away the hammer with doing the u-joints. Pick up one of these, you'll wonder why you didn't have one 20 years ago

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So which Lisle works for our Tahoe's the Small #42890 or Medium #42900?