I heard back from the mechanic today about the squeaking in 4WD. It turns out the grease cups or bushings in the front driveshaft have worn out. He said the u joints will take grease, but it'll probably come out.

He said that most of the times these grease boots or cups in the yokes are not rebuildable and he has seen front drive shafts go for upwards of $800! (This was for a Jeep with a CV joint on one end.)

However, I seem to be able to easily locate a front drive shaft from Chrysler for under $100. Plus, I think I've been able to find the grease cups or bushings for very cheap.

Are these front drive shafts rebuildable? If not, have any of you had to buy a new front drive shaft and what can I expect to pay for this part?

 

you sure this guy knows what he is talking about? the front u joints cost about $15 each and are fairly easy to change.

 

Thanks for the quick reply, but this doesn't have anything to do with the cost of u joints. The u joints are in fine mechanical shape.

The problem is the drive shaft. Apparently there are some greas cups or bushings that are rebuildable on some front drive shafts. I am trying to find out if the front drive shafts in these trucks are rebuildable with respect to these grease parts or what I should look to spend on a new drive shaft.

 

well I'm confused.The only thing that I know of that is replacable on the front drive shaft is the u-joint. At least thats how my 2001 is.

 

Are you talking about the axles...the front drive shaft is just like the rear with 2 u-joints and a shaft? do you have a pic?

 

DRIVE SHAFT

Sorry, I know some people may confuse. I have squeaking only in 4WD. Since the cross joints are always rotating, it can't be the axle shafts or cross joints in the axle shafts.

Believe me, I am 1000% certain it is the DRIVE SHAFT. Transfer case to axle. Two u joints, one on each end. Mine has the production label on it. I don't have a picture because the truck is in the shop. If you own a 4wd, bend down and take a look as it's highly visible. My axle doesn't have any issues.

I am just trying to figure out if the front drive shafts are able to be serviced as far as the grease boots for the u joints are concerned.

 

-1 CARDONE Part # 659101 {[Driveshaft/Prop Shaft Assembly] Reman.}
Front; w/A.T. (46RE) Transmission Pickup-Extended Cab $260.79 price- $53.90 core- $314.69 total-

I went to rock auto did not show a rebuild kit for the center section (which I see what your talking about now) but this price does not seem bad for everthing..you just bolt it in don't have to take anything apart and could very easily do it your self and everything would be new...

 

well all I can tell you that there is a u joint at each end of the front drive shaft. and yes there are replaceable. factory u joints do not have grease fitting. you can get after market ones that are greasable. hope this helps

 

I don't see why the center section could not be rebuilt unless it loss all lube and metal to metal wear was the problem...No greas will fix that, just like cv joints they start making noise just replace, rebuilding doesn't help.

 

If you are refering to the ball/socket assembly in the CV part of the shaft near the transfer case, it can rebuilt and I believe there should be a hole you can grease it with. Problem is that it's impossible to get to unless you remove the shaft.

As far as rebuilding the CV end, it's a PITA and you may be better off with a new/rebuilt shaft. A price of around 250oo seems reasonable.

Chances are pretty fair if your driveshaft is shot, your axle joints should be checked as well. They are non greasable and wear quickly if 4wd is used often.