Current Front Prop shaft options

[conlyn]

Of course the typhoon I just bought had a clunk when driving, so shortly after purchasing it, I pulled it into a gas station and dropped the prop shaft in a Texas thunderstorm (not my favorite working conditions) and needless to say it drove great afterward. I knew exactly what it was because on a fabled boost launch about 10 years ago, #1985 crapped the CV axel in parking lot. Needless to say, i'm in the market for a new one. And definitely looking for a stout aftermarket replacement without that useless CV unit.

The one I replaced my original with was a Gibson or gilbert unit I think? thing was made like a tank, definitely more than enough for what i'm planning on doing with her. I've have no luck finding out if they're still making them, or if they're out of business like so many of my favorite syty vendors from the heyday of these trucks.

So what other options are there floating around? I know it's still probably going to run in the mid 400s
but i'm looking for some feedback on the newer designs.

oh, and on that note, what's the best bolt replacement for these things, anyone know?
I just happened to get lucky having a splined wrench set on me when it happened, and i'd much rather have Hex head replacements for future labor

 

[Slyclone]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

I have one from D&R drive line.

Its not the type you mention with the rubber boot or CV on one side. The D&R have universals on both ends most likely as a gilbert shaft would.

I payed something like $265, or $285 to have it made through them. I still have it its brand new never got a chance to install it.

The hardware I was able to harvest from a transfer case I had laying around ( junkyard may have them). I also have some grade 8 stuff from some where else.

If your not sure what the shaft looks like I believe on my profile, photo page under sy 678 there is a picture I have of my stock prop shaft with " rubber CV boot" and next to it is the D&R shaft for comparison.

 

[conlyn]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

yes, that's exactly the type i'm looking for.

how long ago did you get one at that price?

 

[Loeryder]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

I have a Gilbert driveline propshaft in my truck.
Spicer U joints on both ends. There's no way this one is breaking anytime soon. lol

http://www.gilbertdriveline.com/

 

[SVO]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HD-Propshaf...m43c67e450b:m:m7QL4nddyJduyVGmi7JcJ1A&vxp=mtr

 

[conlyn]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

Svo, that looks like the Gilbert unit with different paint. Is that what it is? For 500 I could probably have a local shop build a chromemoly one.

 

[Anarchy99]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

I was looking at that Waller Prop shaft as well, as I'll be in the market for one here soon also. If you guys find a stout, beefy other option for cheaper, post it up.

 

[Don W.]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

IMHO all the shafts talked about will perform the same, as in they won't break. If possible just get a local shop to build you one. That way you know what you're getting and if anything does happen you have some recourse. The weak point, if there is one, is the "cross" portion of the u-joint. Get ones without grease fittings.

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

If I had to guess the Waller propshaft is someone elses such as D&R or Gilbert.

 

[conlyn]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

I have one from D&R drive line.

Its not the type you mention with the rubber boot or CV on one side. The D&R have universals on both ends most likely as a gilbert shaft would.

I payed something like $265, or $285 to have it made through them. I still have it its brand new never got a chance to install it.

The hardware I was able to harvest from a transfer case I had laying around ( junkyard may have them). I also have some grade 8 stuff from some where else.

If your not sure what the shaft looks like I believe on my profile, photo page under sy 678 there is a picture I have of my stock prop shaft with " rubber CV boot" and next to it is the D&R shaft for comparison.

you interested in selling it?

 

[Josh Young]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

D and R here. had it for close to 7 or 8 years now. It was like 300 shipped back then. The Gilbert at the time was 500 I believe. This one appealed to me because you didn't have to change the flange in the front chunk for it to work. I believe you had to on the Gilbert's. I'd rather keep $200 for something else too.

 

[conlyn]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

I decided to try out the D&R unit, I had the gilbert last time, and absolutely loved the quality and workmanship of it. but I simply couldn't justify the additions 200 they cost, it almost twice the money of the D&R. Same with the RPM and whatever waller has up on ebay. Plus, I like the idea of not having to take off the flange that bolts to the front diff, it was kind of a PITA last time if I remember correctly. Only real concern is the level of balancing of it. can anyone chime in on this?

 

[conlyn]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

I was looking at that Waller Prop shaft as well, as I'll be in the market for one here soon also. If you guys find a stout, beefy other option for cheaper, post it up.

D&R was less than 300 shipped.

i'll post some pictures of it when I get in late next week, early the following.
there's about a 8 day lead time on these ATM, which tells me they're a pretty shop

 

[Billywonka]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

D&R was less than 300 shipped.

i'll post some pictures of it when I get in late next week, early the following.
there's about a 8 day lead time on these ATM, which tells me they're a pretty shop

So how did the install go? Sounds like the D&R are direct bolt in, was it that easy or did you have to modify anything? Also any Pic's?

 

[MotoCam360]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

I would love to hear how the D&R worked for you.... I need a front prop shaft asap for my build

 

[wildphil]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

I have had a D&R for years. It is direct bolt on. You may have to bend your shift lever some to clear. I got a shift lever from RPM made for the larger propshaft.

I used allen head bolts to fasten mine. A lot easier to work on than hex head or torx or whatever they have from the factory.

 

[Talon67]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

Gilbert Driveline is still making prop shafts. I have to say they provide amazing service. I called and spoke with Bruce Gilbert on Tuesday and the had my shaft built and shipped on Wednesday with all hardware and instructions. Very friendly and knowledgeable people. Great customer service. Answered all of my technical questions in detail highly recommended! Check them out here: Gilbert Driveline - The Northeast's Premier Driveshaft Specialist - www.gilbertdriveline.com

 

[90SLGND]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

And how much was it may i ask.

 

[Talon67]

Re: Current Front Prop shaft options

And how much was it may i ask.

I believe it was a little over $400 shipped. I put it in last Saturday. The quality was excellent. It survived a couple boost launches already lol. They said they've never had one fail that they are aware of. You have to modify the shifter cable bracket and the shifter linkage. The entire install took me about 1.5 hours including modifications and taking my time to torque everything correctly. HTH

 

[proptop]

Sir,
Buy the D&R one It is a real nice piece. Talk to Jack he will hook you up. I just put one in after I broke another Vendors product and sent it thru the floor and broke/punched a hole in the transmission case.
Bob