Front prop shaft work

[ScoobyGang]

Any guys with experience please chime in with advice, opinions, etc...thanks in advance.

My front end is chirping and the dealer quoted $1,700 for the repair of the front prop shaft...I have a new one in the box from RK and a mech. will install for $75.
1) Is the dealer including other work in that price or is it that much a rip off?
2) Is there other work I should consider in the front at the same time? (I got the truck w/ probably a hard 43k and have 55k now)

Scoob

 

[Mephisto]

the dealer is a rip off as far as im concerned. they quoted me $2100 to do the front prop. i was fortunate enough to get a much better prop shaft for $350 already balanced. the hardest part of the install was going to sears and trying to find torx sockets, to take the old propshaft off.

after taking the old one off, i drove around and did some nice burn outs. then came back home put the new prop on and thats it. after doing the job, i couldnt see how the dealer could possibly charge as much as they do.

 

[ScoobyGang]

I didn't think the install could be that bad since the shop that services my truck is generally not cheap, but only wanted $75.

What's the deal with balancing...is the new replacement ones from Rk Kustom balanced?

 

[Guest]

what size torx wrench fits this?

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92 ty #213

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: bigjohn on 2001-12-27 00:18 ]</font>

 

[SY2932]

The Torx bolts sizes are E12 and E14. I picked up a set of sockets from Autozone to take mine off. They aren't labeled as "Torx" on the packaging however. On the downside, they are only for a 3/8" drive. So you may want to have a cheater bar or a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter laying around so that you can break them loose. The bolts can be EXTREMELY tight! If the additional leverage doesn't cut it for ya, the "blue tipped" wrench will be in order. It helps to have someone stand on the brakes to keep things from turning while you are loosening/tightening the bolts. Use a bit of LocTite and tighten them to 70 Nm or 52 ft. lbs. HTH

Mike

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13.778 @ 100.08 MPH w/crappy launching pad, pump gas and T1 15 psi...

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: SY2932 on 2001-12-23 17:26 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: SY2932 on 2001-12-24 03:46 ]</font>

 

[InvisiBill]

The retail price on the GM shaft is just under $1500. Al Dustan (http://www.sportmachines.com/dpt/) told me he could do a stock rebuild for under $200. NAPA sells a replacement that looks like a stock-equivalent minus the unnecessary expensive double cardan joint, for $250-$300. Brandon (MadPSI) sells a "heavy duty" propshaft at http://hellafast0.tripod.com/HDPS/PropShaft0.html ... I believe he said in another thread that in testing, it started to give in at around 1800 ft.lbs. Guess "heavy duty" is a bit of an understatement. =) It's $350 + S&H.

 

[jvanforx@cs.com]

suggest replacing the torx bolts with metric
hex head-bolts grade 10 18 mm rear and 16 mm front. they are so much more easier to r&r. john.

 

[SY2932]

Roger that, I ditched the torx bolts when I replaced my propshaft. The front ones are M10-1.50 X 25 mm. And the rear ones are M12-1.75 X 25 mm. Also be sure to get grade 10.9 bolts to prevent breakage.

Mike

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13.778 @ 100.08 MPH w/crappy launching pad, pump gas and T1 15 psi...

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: SY2932 on 2001-12-28 22:59 ]</font>