Posted by BIG BLUE on December 11, 02 at 21:54:20:
Hey Guys,
Well, finally got a chance to pull the driveshaft from the 97 K1500. Have been having a vibration problem as of late. New tires last month, another set of Michelin LTX A/T's, drove from tire place to the alignment shop to have some front end work done, and noticed vibration from 45mph thru 80mph range. Had a vibration before the new tires but chalked it up to old tires and one out of round possibly.
After a pitman arm, idler arm, front brakes, rotors, adjusting rear shoes, and RE-Balancing the tires (seems the "kids" at the tire place got a bit happy about putting too many weights on) I still had a driveline vibration. Talked at length with the owner of the alingment shop who I've done business with for years and he suggested getting the driveshaft balanced.
I've been using the NAPA heavy duty greaseable u-joints for the last two changes. First set lasted about 5 months before they began to squeak. One cap in each u-joint on the rear shaft was dry as a bone and showing signs of rust which resulted in dried out needle bearings. Replaced under warranty Oct of 01 and have had no "slop" or "chirp" since. However, when I took the driveshaft to the shop today we discussed whether or not to put in new u-joints.
Pulled the caps and noticed faint signs of grooves on the joint from the needle bearings starting to wear. The two caps we pulled were greased well but I decided to have them go ahead and install both u-joints and balance the shaft, so I'm starting at a clean slate when I re-install the driveshaft. Went with the Spicer sealed heavy duty joint so we'll see how they last. Owner of the driveline shop mentioned that sometimes aftermarket u-joints with the retainer clips can throw a shaft out of line just enough to get a vibration. Claims they have had great success/luck with the new Spicer's so we will see.
Now to a couple of questions; first off, if I still have the vibration after this balance/u-joint swap, I guess I will try again with the tires. Found a shop with a Hunter machine that can test for the ground force, who knows maybe I got a bad tire from Michelin hence the reason for so much weight to balance from the begining? Second, when I replace the driveshaft I'm considering greasing the splines on the output shaft since I have it off/access to it, anyone have the part number handy for the white grease? Isn't it 12345...somenthing or other? Third, I lost a bit of fluid when I pulled the driveshaft (just enough to make a small 5inch diam. puddle), should I add fluid or will that small amount be no big deal? Lastly, can't remember the torque setting on the 7/16 bolt for the bands that hold the U-joints in place at the yoke, anyone have it off hand?
Anyway, looking forward to seeing if this indeed makes a difference. If nothing else, I'll know that I have 2 new u-joints on the rear shaft and the driveshaft will be balanced.
Thanks in advance for the help, sorry for the book,
BIG BLUE