2003+ Cummmins guys come on in...

[rjfguitar]

I've had noticeable driveline vibrations at 55-65mph when empty and it would only get worse going to an audible "drone" when towing a trailer of almost any weight, with tongue weight on the truck. But, the worst was the "launch shudder" that is right off take off. My truck is a 2006 3500 Mega Cab with the Cummins/auto and a 6" lift, with the lift making the problem obviously worse, but is still an issue with even stock height trucks. I scored an almost new 2007+ stock driveshaft part #52123220ab one piece aluminum driveline for $450 off of my local CL. They run $725 from a Dodge dealer.

Holy moly what a difference it made, no launch shudder and is smoother across the board from launch to 70mph. I can see why Dodge and Chevy went to this setup on the newer trucks. I would highly recommend the 1 piece alum shaft for any of you guys that have the same driveline issues as me with the 2 piece steel shaft.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

Hmm, I havent had too many problems with the drive line in my 06 but I do feel a vibration at 55to 65. I'm going to have to keep my eyes open for an 07 being parted out now.

 

[rjfguitar]

Hmm, I havent had too many problems with the drive line in my 06 but I do feel a vibration at 55to 65. I'm going to have to keep my eyes open for an 07 being parted out now.

I didn't think mine was very bad either, which it wasn't compared to some guys that complain about it, but what I noticed with the new shaft is how much smoother it was at other speeds. I had a vibration throughout the whole speed range and I was used to it, and just noticed when it would get worse in that 55-65mph range.

 

[1BEATK5]

We change ALOT of those driveshafts at my shop. Even on lower mileage trucks. Junk

 

[rjfguitar]

We change ALOT of those driveshafts at my shop. Even on lower mileage trucks. Junk

Yeah. I don't think u joints are much of an issue, but the carrier bearing seems to be.

On my 2001, it's got the original driveline with the original ujoints and carrier bearing with 200K on the truck. 2nd gen trucks seem to have less problems than 3rd gens for some reason.

 

[sweetk30]

my buddys 03 or 04 crew cab short bed 4x4 has been eating u-joints on the rear shaft and vibration problems also. and he has no lift .

 

[1BEATK5]

The joint at the rear diff is the one we always see go bad.

there has been alot of problems with dodge/jeep driveshafts around that time. The 05'-07' grand Cherokees/comanders had alot of vibration and joint problems too. When you go to buy the new joints, they come with a free driveshaft. the peen them into place from the factory, stupid idea