It’s done. One piece driveshaft!

[VegasRanger]

One comment and one question.

I'm really glad we have so many driveline experts on this forum that know how to set up a two piece driveshaft better than the company who has been making them for cars and heavy equipment for probably more years than most of us have been alive.

If this drive shaft phasing thing is such a design mistake, how come every truck does not have the problem? And why does it manifest differently on different trucks?

Sorry that was two questions.

I’m not a driveshaft expert at all, not even a mechanic. I agree with you that there has to be a reason why they those choose to put these out of phase. I agree there’s also a reason they went with a two piece.

What I do know is this. I had tons of vibration issues. My NVH app was telling me over and over it was coming from the driveshaft. I changed the driveshaft and now my vibrations are gone and truck rides smooth.

Again, for the record I don’t claim to be an expert or know anything. I’m merely reporting my findings in the hopes it helps others. That’s it. Use the data how you want.

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[VAMike]

I'd really like to believe that were true, but sadly it seems that it happens more now than ever.

There's a point at which healthy skepticism turns into farce. So not only did Ford let this slip through all of its qa processes, they're still installing flawed parts 3 years later, and they're paying warranty service to have mechanics crawling under trucks to add shims rather than simply telling the supplier to eat the cost of correcting a manufacturing defect? If you are that unwilling to believe Ford can deliver a functional product just sell your truck now and have the buyer pick it up so you don't risk your life turning it on again.

 

[Trigganometry]

With today’s design methods and software testing along with the cost of a two piece unit you would think they, Ford would have done a one piece themselves if something didn’t prevent them from doing so.

Additionally, just because you can draw something up and model it in such a way that all tests show it’s a keeper but the manufacturers of said units delivered decide the maximum possible balancing weights are needed to add their own touch of excellence, what could possibly go wrong! Right?!

 

[P. A. Schilke]

With today’s design methods and software testing along with the cost of a two piece unit you would think they, Ford would have done a one piece themselves if something didn’t prevent them from doing so.

Additionally, just because you can draw something up and model it in such a way that all tests show it’s a keeper but the manufacturers of said units delivered decide the maximum possible balancing weights are needed to add their own touch of excellence, what could possibly go wrong! Right?!

HI Rick,

One parameter is that critical driveshaft speed has to be above max vehicle speed. So then the program had to see if a single piece d/s that meets this criteria and still packages in the Ranger vs a two piece might be in favor of the two piece. 85mph is not a design upper limit for OEM...

Just saying....

Best,
Phil

 

[CHS]

What I don't understand is that some have issues with vibration and most do not. I do not have any vibration and my driveshaft is out of phase. So if it is caused by out of phase than all Rangers should be having this problem not only some.
I came across this article explaining (In full) pinion angles of a driveshaft. After reading it I wonder how many are having issues after installing a lift kit on their vehicles. Interesting read though.

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/pinion-u-joint-angles/

 

[Hounddog409]

Um tires would only mess with the torque on the driveshaft at best. As for lift I can understand that.

Tire size can most definitely change angles. 255/65r17 to 255/70 is over an inch difference in total height. That changes angle from diff to tranny.

 

[Frenchy]

Tire size can most definitely change angles. 255/65r17 to 255/70 is over an inch difference in total height. That changes angle from diff to tranny.

All a tires going to do is lift the entire vehicle. Not just one part. the Springs are still going to be set at the same time just because you changed tires doesn't mean the angles of the Driveline are going to be changed. It doesn't work that way

 

[Jason B]

just some things to chew on, i think its good information

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Driveline-101.shtml#2-Piece

and:

That bulletin was put out in 1952 but Studebaker, yet reading comments you would think a 2pc shaft is something new and exclusive to Ford.
I don't see a 1pc having advantage. Sure it worked for OP's vibes, put maybe changing out the original for another 2pc would have solved the problem. It would also seem that a 1pc increases the relative angle of the joints at the trans and pinion, possibly shorting joint life. And without
a carrier bearing on a 2pc, all the stress is now carried by the yoke of the trans.

 

[VegasRanger]

That bulletin was put out in 1952 but Studebaker, yet reading comments you would think a 2pc shaft is something new and exclusive to Ford.
I don't see a 1pc having advantage. Sure it worked for OP's vibes, put maybe changing out the original for another 2pc would have solved the problem. It would also seem that a 1pc increases the relative angle of the joints at the trans and pinion, possibly shorting joint life. And without
a carrier bearing on a 2pc, all the stress is now carried by the yoke of the trans.

The stress on the trans yoke is my only concern. I wonder if it'll cause any damage in the long run. But then again there are many trucks with one piece, so I don't know.

 

[Frenchy]

The stress on the trans yoke is my only concern. I wonder if it'll cause any damage in the long run. But then again there are many trucks with one piece, so I don't know.

Yes there are many vehicles with one piece driveshaft but it all comes down to the design of the vehicle to whether it can take a one piece for new pay multi piece driveshaft. That's why I myself worried a little bit but only time will tell

 

[Porpoise Hork]

i wouldnt worry about the trans yoke.
its not like Ford hasn't put more power through it on single shafts in other models.

Agreed. Besides the tires will break loose long before the driveshaft twists or damages the yoke.

 

[navsnipe]

@VegasRanger , Now that you have had the new driveshaft just over a week, how is it going? Have you had any vibrations or shuddering develop? I hope it is as smooth as the day you put it on.

 

[VegasRanger]

@VegasRanger , Now that you have had the new driveshaft just over a week, how is it going? Have you had any vibrations or shuddering develop? I hope it is as smooth as the day you put it on.

Glad you asked, been meaning to update the group and I totally forgot. Been super smooth. No take off shudder whatsoever. Super smooth on the highway as well. Best $450 spent.

 

[navsnipe]

Glad you asked, been meaning to update the group and I totally forgot. Been super smooth. No take off shudder whatsoever. Super smooth on the highway as well. Best $450 spent.

Did you have any axle pinion angle shimming done when the one-piece driveshaft installed?

 

[VegasRanger]

Did you have any axle pinion angle shimming done when the one-piece driveshaft installed?

No Sir, they told me they angles were good when I asked.

Keep in mind Tom Woods is also going to be shipping one pieces out and they haven’t told me anything about customers having to adjust angles.

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