Hello Everyone! I Have a 2000 RAM 1500 Laramie RWD w/ 318 V8 (5.2L). Quick Rundown of my situation:
I replaced U-Joints in April (maybe early may). Everything was fine until Late June when, unexpectedly, I had a catastrophic front (tranny end) U-Joint Failure (at 80mph) which destroyed both my transmission & Driveshaft/Yoke. I have a replacement 46RE being delivered on Wednesday. I just got a driveshaft/Yoke off a '97 Ram crew cab short bed and put new U joints on tonight. It's identical in size and shape, but has a black sleeve (or whatever its called) that my old one didn't. I got it anyway, I'm not concerned with that. The used shaft only had a front Yoke, which i polished with fine paper to get the rust off. I put my rear dif yoke on that came off my old shaft out of necessity. Should I have my new driveshaft machine balanced or just put it in? I really don't want to **** up my new transmission...

 

Any thoughts why your brand new ujoint failed? What brand joints did you use this time, vs last time? Did you mark the yoke to get it in the same orientation when you put in the new joint? I usually dab some paint on one ear and the driveshaft. I'd take it in, have them give it a once over.

 

I didn't mark it (stupidly) because I planned to use my old yoke anyway. When I realized I couldn't use it due to damage I had already removed the one that came on the new shaft. The previous U-Joint failed I believe due to a damaged snap-ring slot in addition to Autozone selling me the 4WD moog joints instead of the 2WD. Until yesterday I thought they were all the same. Also, First time around I used a hammer and 2 sockets to swap the joints. This time I got the 2WD Moogs and the $200 Ball and U joint press, which made the job so easy it was almost unbelievable.

 

I would take it in and have it balanced.

 

Thank you!