new aluminum prop shaft.

[Killer223]

from what i've been reading on forums, if i want a one piece shaft then

52123161AC

is the one to get. but they all say mega dully, or 4 door dully, have yet to see one say 4 door long box, 48re, 11.5 rear axle.  4x4.

 

does anyone here have any incite into these matters.?

[340duster]

What are the advantages of the one piece driveshaft?  My 07 mega has a slight vibration when starting out.  Ive changed the centering bearing and a u-joint with no luck so far.  I have heard the one piece driveshaft is the answer, any thoughts?

[Killer223]

It's sounds like the carrier bearing, I replaced mine as well, I ordered the one piece shaft. Will let you know this weekend how it goes. Was 505 with shipping.

[Mopar1973Man]

Like this... Googled 52123161AC

[Wild and Free]

On my 02 when I was power pulling I had a one piece steel built with heavier tubing and stronger 1480 series yokes at both ends instead of the OEM 1410 IIRC. I think I had about 400-500 into it. Sold it to another puller for the same price years later when I sold the pickup.

[Mopar1973Man]

I can see the aluminium driveshaft for efficiency reasons. Less rotational mass. At the same token I can see Bill's comment too if you into heavy pulling / towing it might be best to stay with steel. Also depends on the size of tires your running and how much HP/TQ your producing.

[Wild and Free]

Another thing to remember is a steel shaft can be repaired and rebalanced if dented or slightly damaged, an aluminum shaft is scrap at that point.

[CSM]

The rotational mass tiny. In my opinion, the aluminum is for drag cars where each 100lbs is a tenth of a second.

Steel is stronger, cheaper, fixable, and had infinite life unlike aluminum.

[Mopar1973Man]

Valid points as always.

 

How about the OEM 2 piece vs. one piece shaft?

[CSM]

There has to be a reason dodge did the two piece. Perhaps cost, or perhaps the side load from the single piece wears out tail shaft bearings? Bill?

I'd like to go to a single when my two piece bites the dust.

[Wild and Free]

Easier to balance the 2 piece steel when its all new but harder when older and worn plus they get to sell more parts and service down the road.

 

A lot of the newer rigs went with long one piece steel which was more rare and or aluminum as the pic shows. The Suburbans have always ran a one piece and they were really long.

[CSM]

The longer they are the less side load. The short beds run a single, so I think that eliminatea my theory on wear.

[Killer223]

The one piece is factory in 08 newer trucks, it's a bolt in for the older one like my 04.

[AH64ID]

I am running a 1 piece and so far I like it. I have arond 10K miles on it. I has 1550 ujoints which took over 1000 miles to break-in and that first 1000 miles had some serious low speed vibs. I still think there is a little more low rpm resonance than the 2 piece but it is a big arse alum shaft.

Nice thing is no carrier bearing and only 2 u-joints to replace when he time comes., and 1550s are cheaper than the OEM 1480's.

[Killer223]

gotta say, even in the 12 miles i've driven with it, total difference. well worth it in my book thus far. i know i kow 12 miles big deal. but my ever so slight vibration at 73 is now gone.

505$ well spent. now to rebuild the front.

[rburks]

did you have to change yokes on pinion and trans. ??/   

 

rburks

[Killer223]

No, unbolted the old one, bolted in the new one. Drove it.

[Ilikeoldfords]

Just a side question here. On my 01 I have been having a pretty distinct vibration issue starting out in 1st and 2nd gears. Does this sound like the carrier bearing is on its way out? I havent had the time to try and track down the issue.

[Killer223]

Sounds like it to me. But crawling under. Grabbing the shaft close to it and see how much. It moves.