driveshaft direction

[wcampbel@nas.edu]

So I have had both my driveshafts out to put new u-joints in them and now when I am putting them back in I want to make sure they are facing the proper direction. I can tell the front shaft from the rear shaft just by look but cannot discern between the front of the front shaft and the rear of the front shaft. Same for the rear shaft. Any easy way to tell?

B

[steinhnj]

The slip joint on the rear shaft of the 110 is near the t-case. Can't remember about the front shaft. If no one else chimes in, I'll go take a look later on.

-Neil

[moose]

Just had a look under my 110 and my Series 3. Slip joints on the rear shaft are up near the transfer box and the slip joints on the front shaft are near the diff.

Brett

[wcampbel@nas.edu]

Totally appreciate the help and the fact that you guys went out and looked..way beyond the call of duty. But...next stupid question. Slip joint? Is that the joint on the skinny end of the shaft or the fat end. I am gonna guess skinny?


B

[steinhnj]

It's the part that, well, slips. It usually has a zirc on it (grease nipple...heh heh, greased nipple), on the shaft, not in the u-joint. Ahhh, nipples, shafts, I hope JimC doesn't close this thread down.

Sorry, haven't seen the wife in a while. I chose to spend last weekend with a bunch of smelly old men (URE!).

[wcampbel@nas.edu]

It's the part that, well, slips. It usually has a zirc on it (grease nipple...heh heh, greased nipple), on the shaft, not in the u-joint. Ahhh, nipples, shafts, I hope JimC doesn't close this thread down.

Sorry, haven't seen the wife in a while. I chose to spend last weekend with a bunch of smelly old men (URE!).
Gracias. Both shafts were in the correct position. Amazing because I have absolutely no luck, and clearly skill had nothing to do with.

Hope you see your wife...SOON!

B

[130Tdi]

Sorry, haven't seen the wife in a while. I chose to spend last weekend with a bunch of smelly old men (URE!).
Who you calling old Gorbachev ?

[cgalpin]

Hey now. Doug's old, but I'm not.

Back on topic, does it really matter? And why would the front be one way and the rear another? The only diffence I can think of would be water ingress and perhaps balance.

[130Tdi]

Way to have my back Charles.

Keep the splines (they do wear out-ask me how I know) away from as much grime as possible.
I have both of mine with the slip joint up by the transfercase- additionally this lets the grease work its way down the splines.

[steinhnj]

Everyone please take note how neither denied the smelly part.

[JimC]

Neil, consider yourself warned ;)

[wcampbel@nas.edu]

Hey now. Doug's old, but I'm not.

Back on topic, does it really matter? And why would the front be one way and the rear another? The only diffence I can think of would be water ingress and perhaps balance.
I was more concerned with balance than anything. Took it out on a test run and appears to be running fine. Now just have to work on the 3,000 other things on the to do list.

B