Driveshaft: Any advantage to one vs. two piece?

[Crazy_pilot]

I took my SVX for it's first good 6MT propelled highway drive today and came to the conclusion that my driveshaft is pooched. I actually have two, but they both had stiff spots in the u-joints. I installed the one that felt the least stiff, but seems to be little help.

I may install my other one as a stop-gap measure, but I'm looking into a new driveshaft. Can anyone see a reason why a one-piece with the center CV joint would be preferable to the 2-piece with a center u-joint (Or vice-versa)? I searched back to 2007 but found little by way of comparison other than one member saying the 2-piece was smoother at high speeds. There's next to no price difference ($6).

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot

I took my SVX for it's first good 6MT propelled highway drive today and came to the conclusion that my driveshaft is pooched. I actually have two, but they both had stiff spots in the u-joints. I installed the one that felt the least stiff, but seems to be little help.

I may install my other one as a stop-gap measure, but I'm looking into a new driveshaft. Can anyone see a reason why a one-piece with the center CV joint would be preferable to the 2-piece with a center u-joint (Or vice-versa)? I searched back to 2007 but found little by way of comparison other than one member saying the 2-piece was smoother at high speeds. There's next to no price difference ($6).

How much is a new one anyway? I would go with the one piece CV type, just because you've got a 6mt already, so there's nothing to be gained in going with the 2-piece. If a 5-speed were a possible eventuality, then it might be a different story, because the 2-piece can be lengthened by a driveshaft shop. I have also heard that the CV type are noticeably smoother at high speeds.

[Crazy_pilot]

Subaruparts.com shows them both at ~$500. Which is a fun kick in the balls, but consequences of not fixing it could be much worse.

I know that the joints are technically replaceable with enough persuasion. I changed the ones in my old 240SX myself and the exact same replacement units are called for in the SVX. On a $500 beater that was an acceptable repair, but it's not something I'll be doing to the SVX. The old joints were removed by torching them in half, which could cause substantial heating of the yokes and possible softening or embrittlement. The driveshaft also never balanced properly afterward, which is a common complaint I've seen among those who've replaced this kind of joint.

[michael]

IIRC, someone had a "1 piece" driveshaft made. It was painted bright green if that jars any memories. Might be worth it to follow up on 500 bones is quite pricey.

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by michael

IIRC, someone had a "1 piece" driveshaft made. It was painted bright green if that jars any memories. Might be worth it to follow up on 500 bones is quite pricey.

Gamesy: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=55063

[1986nate]

Just have the U joints replaced by a driveshaft shop. YT used to have them replaced when he had them lengthened for 5 spds just about everytime.

[bwb3]

A bit far away but, Colorado Drive Shaft (http://www.coloradodriveshaft.com/subaru.htm) will rebuild one for $275. I bought one from them for my Volvo.

Gene

[92 SVX]

This looks like a perfect replacement, though at $999 not a cheap alternative.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2304526

[Crazy_pilot]

Originally Posted by 1986nate

Just have the U joints replaced by a driveshaft shop. YT used to have them replaced when he had them lengthened for 5 spds just about everytime.

I replaced the ones in my 240 (same P/N as SVX), but the shaft never balanced out right afterwards. I've heard the same story from other people. Without being very familiar with the shop and seeing their work on other cars I wouldn't be comfortable having it done for the SVX. A friend had his Outback's driveshaft rebuilt at a local shop, but it cost ~80% of what a new one would be. Plus the downtime when the car can't drive.

Originally Posted by 92 SVX

This looks like a perfect replacement, though at $999 not a cheap alternative.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2304526

Mmmm, CF. Unfortunately they make no mention of custom lengths, plus the fact that my R180 rear diff has an R160 flange. Confusion city! I'm sure they could come up with something, but probably in the $1500 neighbourhood.

[92 SVX]

From reading the thread you could probably get one fairly easy and not more expensive.
They have 6mt shaft for both 160 and 180 differential

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot

I replaced the ones in my 240 (same P/N as SVX), but the shaft never balanced out right afterwards. I've heard the same story from other people. Without being very familiar with the shop and seeing their work on other cars I wouldn't be comfortable having it done for the SVX. A friend had his Outback's driveshaft rebuilt at a local shop, but it cost ~80% of what a new one would be. Plus the downtime when the car can't drive.

I don't believe YT or anyone else has had issues with swapped driveshafts that were rebalanced. Perhaps you needed to take it somewhere else to get balanced

[Crazy_pilot]

Har dee har har! I've still got to call Subaru and find out what one is worth up here in Canadaville. If it's ungodly expensive I'll rebuild one of mine, but if it's in the $500 neighbourhood I'll just get a new one.

[Hocrest]

I got the one in Melissa's car repaired with 2 new greasable joints and balanced for $175 at a local shop. They work mostly on truck shafts, but had this done in 3 days and 2 of that was waiting for the parts.

[Crazy_pilot]

Well I just ordered one from subarugenuineparts.com. The dealership here quoted me $830+tax for it.

I did find out some scary news though. According to Jamie at the website the driveshaft I ordered is the last one shown to be in Subaru's inventory. So for anyone else who may need one... Sorry!

[Darren]

There are plenty of them in Japan, I needed one recently for my JDM Alcyone and there is no problem with supply at all.
I ended up buying a second hand/brand new never fitted one so didn't need to order one.