Broken driveshaft, here are my options

[excessiveego]

I have an 85 K5 with the 6.2 diesel and sm465 manual transmission and im running 37" tires. Currently it uses the stock rear drive shaft with the 3r style front u-joint and a 1350 style rear u-joint. I snapped the front u-joint which in turn snapped one of the ears off of the yoke.

I dont want this to happen again. My question is, would it be worth upgrading to a yoke and drive shaft that use a 1350 style u-joint in the front like the older k5's or is that alot of money for not much gain? Would I be better off/is it necessary to go all out and get a custom drive shaft made that is even stronger?

 

[KK5 Native]

What axle are you running up front where it broke? Because if it's a 10 bolt you might want to stay with a smaller u-joint to keep from damaging your ring and pinion. Better a u-joint than a demobilizing breakage in your differential.

If your running a 3/4 or 1-ton then you should definately upgrade the yolk considering all of the labor involved.

 

[gonefishin]

3/4 ton is no different than a 1/2 ton. They are both just a 10 bolt. Me I would just get some high quality u joints. Get someone like tom woods to build your whole drive shaft. They have lifetime warranty u joints also.

 

[dremu]

Aifnkso he meant the forward U-joint on the rear shaft.

I'd almost redo for 1350's just so you can carry one spare that fits both ends.

-- A

 

[gonefishin]

Oops missed that...

 

[excessiveego]

yes, front u-joint on the rear shaft. I have a 12 bolt rear with a 10-bolt yoke that takes the 1.18" cap 1350 style u-joint in the rear.

 

[72blazerguy]

Stronger yokes move your weak link. How did you to snap the yoke? Axle wrap can cause issues like that....

 

[excessiveego]

not sure, was just in some mud on a back road, hit the throttle and bang. Not like I was working it. May have been previous damage and finally let go.

 

[Stomis]

I hate 3r's just because of the retention clips/glue hassle. I would switch to 1350s personally... Or even 1410s while you're doing it. Theyre good for more angle.