How to tell if a driveshaft is bad??

[85mudblazin]

About a year ago I bought my first blazer and the front driveshaft was not connected but I have it and now that I have gotten into 4 wheeling I want to hook it up but I dont know if it is safe to, what are some things to check?and how would you check such things as splines, u-joints, etc.?
Thanks

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Install it, grab onto the tube, and check for movement by shaking it. If it doesn't move, assume it is fine, and go about your wheeling.

 

[85mudblazin]

ok I dont have any of the straps that connect it to the front 10 b nor do I have the bolts to bolt it to the 208 so where do I get these from??

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Bolts are 7/16-14" by 1-1.25" long grade 8s with lock washers.

Straps you can get from your local auto parts store.

 

[85mudblazin]

ok so the boltsa that are used to bolt the flange on the driveshaft to the flange on the t-case are 7/16 x 1"? Do you know what kind of u-joint is at the end of the driveshaftf?
Can I get the straps from napa? and do they come with the bolts?
Thanks alot.
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[84_Chevy_K10]

Yes the straps come with the bolts. The bolts are 5/16-24 but have 7/16" heads instead of the normal 1/2" heads for 5/16" bolts.

Yes you can get them at Napa. Any place that carries u joints will probably have them.

That is a 1310 joint at your pinion.

 

[85mudblazin]

so can I just tell them I need the straps for a 1310 u-joint?

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Just tell them you need straps for the front most u joint on a 1985 Chevy K5 Blazer.

 

[85mudblazin]

ok Thanks for all the help.