I was wondering if anyone else on here has had a problem with fitment of your U Joint when replacing them? I had problems getting the snap ring in on the front of the driveshaft. The U Joint did not want to compress enough for both snap rings to seat at the same time. Long story short, I've had the snap ring break on me 3 times and had to replace the U Joint each time. I bet I have bent in the legs on the driveshaft pushing the old U Joint out the first time I changed them. My fix was to put this last U Joint in like I have and doing an old Machinist trick by using a punch and Knurling the inside of the aluminum driveshaft legs to help hold the U joint in just in case the snap ring fails again. Also, After installing the snap ring, I took the same punch and folded the aluminum around the snap ring for extra support. Next time it fails, I will have to replace the driveshaft. Does anyone know where I can get a carbon fiber driveshaft made?

So, 2 questions.
1. Anyone else experience this problem?
2. Where can I get a carbon fiber drive shaft made?

 

i had the same problem when changing mine but eventually got the snap rings to go on with out ruining the driveshaft

 

Before you worry about carbon fiber$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $

Just get a standard steel one made up and balanced, painted it will last forever, and you can spend you money on other stuff.

As far as the caps go, I've had the same thing happen, but it was due to one of the needles falling out and laying in the bottomhe cap, once corrected, the caps fit perfectly

 

Carbon Fiber is not as expensive as people think it will be. I was thinking of removing a few lbs from the rotating mass on the truck allowing better acceleration.

 

Keep us posted on what you find out. While its not for me, I'm sure there are some guys here that are flirting with some serious HP, and might be interested, or maybe know of an outfit that can set you up

 

I thought I heard that U-Joint clip pop out again today. I was making a sharp left turn in traffic and when I hit the gas, I heard a loud pop along with a jerk on the car. Pulled over and checked it out. It was still alright. I'm thinking It was from something interference wise contacting on the suspension up front now. Maybe the spindle up against the lower control arm or the tie rod against the spring. I did recently change my upper and lower ball joints.

 

I think an appointment at a drive line shop, or a replacement drive line, even from a junk yard is in order before any real damage occurs, is in order.

I wouldn't wait too long, these aluminum "pop can" drive lines have been known to snap-----literally, at the most inconvenient times. I'm glad mines steel, even if it does rust a little

Hope you get it figured out

 

Yeah, I'm planning on putting some serious power into this drive line in the future. Already have a HP motor build going on. Forged racing lower end is on order. Top end will be next to be ordered. Already ported the heads, and the block is about to go to the machine shop to be bored out and clearance made for the stroker crankshaft. I've seen aluminum drive shafts like mine twist. Other than that, with this last U-Joint replacement, I will have to change drive shafts if it fails again. I've changed it 3 times in the past year cause of the spring popping out and the cap coming off.

BTW I recently got roadside assistance package with my insurance and always keep a lawn chair and a cooler of cold drinks in my truck just in case.

 

BTW I recently got roadside assistance package with my insurance and always keep a lawn chair and a cooler of cold drinks in my truck just in case.
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LMAO!!!!!!

I'm glad you live down south, it gets WAY too cold up here in the winter time for a lawn chair
Good Luck on the Mods-----sounds like you gotta plan!!!!!