Page 57 of 2255

DRIVELINE VIBRATION
Drive Condition Possible Cause Correction
Propeller Shaft Noise 1) Undercoating or other foreign
material on shaft.1) Clean exterior of shaft and wash
with solvent.
2) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 2) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
3) Loose or bent U-joint yoke or
excessive runout.3) Install new yoke.
4) Incorrect driveline angularity. 4) Measure and correct driveline
angles.
5) Rear spring center bolt not in
seat.5) Loosen spring u-bolts and seat
center bolt.
6) Worn U-joint bearings. 6) Install new U-joint.
7) Propeller shaft damaged or out
of balance.7) Installl new propeller shaft.
8) Broken rear spring. 8) Install new rear spring.
9) Excessive runout or unbalanced
condition.9) Re-index propeller shaft, test,
and evaluate.
10) Excessive drive pinion gear
shaft runout.10) Re-index propeller shaft and
evaluate.
11) Excessive axle yoke deflection. 11) Inspect and replace yoke if
necessary.
12) Excessive transfer case runout. 12) Inspect and repair as necessary.
Universal Joint Noise 1) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 1) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
2) Lack of lubrication. 2) Replace as U-joints as
necessary.
BALANCE
NOTE: Removing and re-indexing the propeller
shaft 180É relative to the yoke may eliminate some
vibrations.
If propeller shaft is suspected of being unbalanced,
it can be verified with the following procedure:
(1) Raise the vehicle.
(2) Clean all the foreign material from the propel-
ler shaft and the universal joints.
(3) Inspect the propeller shaft for missing balance
weights, broken welds and bent areas.If the propel-
ler shaft is bent, it must be replaced.
(4) Inspect the universal joints to ensure that they
are not worn, properly installed and correctly aligned
with the shaft.
(5) Check the universal joint clamp screws torque.
(6) Remove the wheels and tires. Install the wheel
lug nuts to retain the brake drums or rotors.
(7) Mark and number the shaft six inches from the
yoke end at four positions 90É apart.(8) Run and accelerate the vehicle until vibration
occurs. Note the intensity and speed the vibration
occurred. Stop the engine.
(9) Install a screw clamp at position 1 (Fig. 1).
(10) Start the engine and re-check for vibration. If
there is little or no change in vibration, move the
clamp to one of the other three positions. Repeat the
vibration test.
(11) If there is no difference in vibration at the
other positions, the source of the vibration may not
be propeller shaft.
(12) If the vibration decreased, install a second
clamp (Fig. 2) and repeat the test.
(13) If the additional clamp causes an additional
vibration, separate the clamps (1/2 inch above and
below the mark). Repeat the vibration test (Fig. 3).
(14) Increase distance between the clamp screws
and repeat the test until the amount of vibration is
at the lowest level. Bend the slack end of the clamps
so the screws will not loosen.
3 - 2 PROPELLER SHAFTBR/BE
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)
Page 58 of 2255

(15) If the vibration remains unacceptable, apply
the same steps to the front end of the propeller shaft.
(16) Install the wheel and tires. Lower the vehicle.
RUNOUT
(1) Remove dirt, rust, paint and undercoating from
the propeller shaft surface where the dial indicator
will contact the shaft.
(2) The dial indicator must be installed perpendic-
ular to the shaft surface.
(3) Measure runout at the center and ends of the
shaft sufficiently far away from weld areas to ensure
that the effects of the weld process will not enter into
the measurements.
(4) Refer to Runout Specifications chart.
(5) If propeller shaft runout is out of specification,
remove the propeller shaft, index the shaft 180É and
re-install the propeller shaft. Measure shaft runout
again.
(6) If propeller shaft runout is now within specifi-
cations, mark the shaft and yokes for proper orienta-
tion.
(7) If the propeller shaft runout is not within spec-
ifications, verify that the runout of the transmission/
transfer case and axle are within specifications.
Correct as necessary and re-measure propeller shaft
runout.
(8) Replace the propeller shaft if the runout still
exceeds the limits.
RUNOUT SPECIFICATIONS
Front of Shaft 0.020 in. (0.50 mm)
Center of Shaft 0.025 in. (0.63 mm)
Rear of Shaft 0.020 in. (0.50 mm)
note:
Measure front/rear runout approximately 3 inches (76
mm) from the weld seam at each end of the shaft
tube for tube lengths over 30 inches. For tube lengths
under 30 inches, the maximum allowed runout is
0.020 in. (0.50 mm) for the full length of the tube.
STANDARD PROCEDURES
To accurately check driveline alignment, raise and
support the vehicle at the axles as level as possible.
Allow the wheels and propeller shaft to turn.
(1) Remove any external bearing snap rings, if
equipped from universal joint so protractor base sits
flat.
(2) Rotate the shaft until transmission/transfer
case output yoke bearing is facing downward.
NOTE: Always make measurements from front to
rear and from the same side of the vehicle.
Fig. 1 Clamp Screw At Position 1
1 - CLAMP
2 - SCREWDRIVER
Fig. 2 Two Clamp Screws At The Same Position
Fig. 3 Clamp Screws Separated
1 - ó INCH
BR/BEPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 3
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)
Page 59 of 2255

(3) Place Inclinometer 7663 on yoke bearing (A)
parallel to the shaft (Fig. 4). Center bubble in sight
glass and record measurement.
This measurement will give you the transmis-
sion or Output Yoke Angle (A).
(4) Rotate propeller shaft 90 degrees and place
Inclinometer on yoke bearing parallel to the shaft
(Fig. 5). Center bubble in sight glass and record mea-
surement. This measurement can also be taken at
the rear end of the shaft.
This measurement will give you the Propeller
Shaft Angle (C).
(5) Subtract smaller figure from larger (C minus
A) to obtain Transmission Output Operating Angle.
(6) Rotate propeller shaft 90 degrees and place
Inclinometer on pinion yoke bearing parallel to the
shaft (Fig. 6). Center bubble in sight glass and record
measurement.
This measurement will give you the pinion
shaft or Input Yoke Angle (B).
(7) Subtract smaller figure from larger (C minus
B) to obtain axle Input Operating Angle.
Refer to rules given below and the example in (Fig.
7) for additional information.
²Good cancellation of U-joint operating angles
(within 1É).
²Operating angles less than 3É.
²At least 1/2 of one degree continuous operating
(propeller shaft) angle.
TWO-PIECE PROPELLER SHAFT
The procedure to measure the propeller shaft
angles involved with a two-piece (Fig. 8) propeller
shaft is the same as those for a one-piece propeller
shaft.
Fig. 4 Front (Output) Angle Measurement (A)
1 - SLIP YOKE BEARING CAP
2 - INCLINOMETER
Fig. 5 Propeller Shaft Angle Measurement (C)
1 - SHAFT YOKE BEARING CAP
2 - INCLINOMETER
Fig. 6 Rear (Input) Angle Measurement (B)
1 - PINION YOKE BEARING CAP
2 - INCLINOMETER
3 - 4 PROPELLER SHAFTBR/BE
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)
Page 60 of 2255
Fig. 7 Universal Joint Angle Example
1 - 4.9É Angle (C)
2 - 3.2É Angle (B)
3 - Input Yoke4 - 3.0É Angle (A)
5 - Output Yoke
Fig. 8 Universal Joint Angle Two-Piece Shaft
1 - YOKES MUST BE IN SAME PLANE
BR/BEPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 5
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)
Page 61 of 2255

SPECIFICATIONS
PROPELLER SHAFT
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Center Bearing Bolts 68 50 -
Front Shaft Flange Yoke 88 65 -
Front Shaft Axle Yoke 19 14 -
Rear Shaft Axle Yoke 29 22 -
SPECIAL TOOLS
PROPELLER SHAFT
PROPELLER SHAFT - FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Shift the transmission and transfer case to
their neutral positions.(2) Raise and support vehicle and remove skid
plate, if equipped.
(3) Mark a line across the companion flange at the
transfer case and propeller shaft flange yoke for
installation reference.
(4) Mark a line across the propeller shaft yoke and
the pinion shaft yoke for installation reference.
(5) Remove the universal joint strap bolts at the
pinion shaft yoke (Fig. 9).
(6) Remove the bolts holding the propeller shaft to
the transfer case companion flange.
(7) Remove the propeller shaft.
Inclinometer - 7663
Bearing Splitter - 1130
Installer, Bearing - 6052Fig. 9 Front Propeller Shaft
1 - TRANSFER CASE
2 - FRONT AXLE
3 - AXLE YOKE
4 - SLIP YOKE BOOT
5 - STRAP
6 - FLANGE YOKE/COMPANION FLANGE
3 - 6 PROPELLER SHAFTBR/BE
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)
Page 62 of 2255

INSTALLATION
(1) Position front propeller shaft under vehicle
with rear universal joint over the transfer case com-
panion flange.
(2) Place front universal joint into the axle pinion
yoke.
(3) Align the mark on the flange yoke to the mark
on the transfer case companion flange.
(4) Loosely install bolts to hold universal joint to
transfer case companion flange.
(5) Align mark on front universal joint to the mark
on the axle pinion yoke.
(6) Install bolts to hold front universal joint to axle
pinion yoke. Tighten bolts to 19 N´m (14 ft. lbs.).
(7) Tighten bolts to hold universal joint to transfer
case companion flange to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install skid plate, if equipped.
(9) Lower vehicle and road test to verify repair.
PROPELLER SHAFT - REAR
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(2) Raise and support vehicle on safety stands.
(3) Mark a line across the axle pinion yoke or com-
panion flange and propeller shaft or flange yoke for
installation reference.
(4) Mark the outline of the center bearing on the
frame crossmember for installation reference, if
equipped.
(5) Remove bolts that attach the center bearing to
the support bracket (Fig. 10), if equipped.
(6) Remove the bolts holding the universal joint
clamps to the pinion yoke (Fig. 11).
(7) Slide the slip yoke off of the transmission, or
transfer case, output shaft and remove the propeller
shaft (Fig. 11).
INSTALLATION
(1) Slide the slip yoke onto the transmission or
transfer case output shaft.
(2) Align the reference marks on the propeller
shaft yoke/flange yoke and pinion yoke/companion
flange.
(3) Align and install the center bearing to the sup-
port bracket, if necessary.
(4) Install the bolts and tighten to 68 N´m (50 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Position universal joint into pinion yoke and
tighten strap bolts to 29 N´m (22 ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
Fig. 10 CENTER BEARING
1 - SUPPORT BRACKET
2 - CENTER BEARING
Fig. 11 REAR PROPELLER SHAFT
1 - SLIDING YOKE
2 - PROPELLER SHAFT
3 - PINION YOKE
4 - CLAMP
5 - SCREW
6 - OUTPUT SHAFT
BR/BEPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 7
PROPELLER SHAFT - FRONT (Continued)
Page 63 of 2255

CENTER BEARING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove rear propeller shaft.
(2) Remove slip joint boot clamp and separate the
two half-shafts.
(3) Use hammer and punch to tap slinger away
from shaft to provide room for bearing splitter.
(4) Position Bearing Splitter Tool 1130 between
slinger and shaft.
CAUTION: Do not damage shaft spline during
removal of center bearing.
(5)
Set shaft in press and press bearing off the shaft.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Two types of center bearings are used and
are not interchangeable. Install the same type as
the vehicle was built with.
(1) Install new slinger on shaft and drive into posi-
tion with appropriate installer tool.
(2) Install new center bearing on shaft with Bear-
ing Installer Tool 6052. Drive on shaft with hammer
until bearing is seated.
(3) Clean shaft splines and apply a coat of multi-
purpose grease.
(4) Align master splines and slide front and rear
half-shafts together. Reposition slip yoke boot and
install new clamp.
(5) Install propeller shaft in vehicle.
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - CENTER BEARING
Launch shudder is a vibration that occurs at first
acceleration from a stop. Shudder vibration usually
peaks at the engines highest torque output. Shudder is
a symptom associated with vehicles using a two-piece
propeller shaft. To decrease shudder, lower the center
bearing in 1/8 inch increments. Use shim stock or fab-
ricated plates. Plate stock must be used to maintain
compression of the rubber insulator around the bearing.
Do not use washers. Replace the original bolts with the
appropriate increased length bolts.
SINGLE CARDAN UNIVERSAL
JOINTS
DISASSEMBLY
Individual components of cardan universal joints
are not serviceable. If worn or leaking, they must be
replaced as an assembly.
(1) Remove the propeller shaft.
(2) With a soft drift, tap the outside of the bearing
cap assembly to loosen snap ring.
(3) Remove snap rings from both sides of yoke
(Fig. 12).
(4) Set the yoke in an arbor press or vise with a
socket whose inside diameter is large enough to
receive the bearing cap positioned beneath the yoke.
(5) Position the yoke with the grease fitting, if
equipped, pointing up.
(6) Place a socket with an outside diameter
smaller than the upper bearing cap on the upper
bearing cap and press the cap through the yoke to
release the lower bearing cap (Fig. 13).
Fig. 12 Remove Snap Ring
1 - SNAP RING
3 - 8 PROPELLER SHAFTBR/BE
Page 64 of 2255

(7) If the bearing cap will not pull out of the yoke
by hand after pressing, tap the yoke ear near the
bearing cap to dislodge the cap.
(8) Turn the yoke over and straighten the cross in
the open hole. Carefully press the end of the cross
until the remaining bearing cap can be removed (Fig.
14).
CAUTION: If cross or bearing cap are not straight
during installation, the bearing cap will score the
walls of the yoke bore and damage can occur.
ASSEMBLY
CAUTION: If the cross or bearing cap are not
straight during installation, the bearing cap will
score the walls of the yoke bore and damage can
occur.
(1) Apply extreme pressure (EP) N.L.G.I. Grade 1
or 2 grease to inside of yoke bores to aid in installa-
tion.
(2) Position the cross in the yoke with its lube fit-
ting if equipped, pointing up (Fig. 15).
Fig. 13 Press Out Bearing
1 - PRESS
2 - SOCKET
Fig. 14 Press Out Remaining Bearing
1 - CROSS
2 - BEARING CAP
Fig. 15 Install Cross In Yoke
1 - CROSS
2 - YOKE
BR/BEPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 9
SINGLE CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINTS (Continued)