1 piece driveshaft in ma61

**lojik** · 16-11-2006, 12:30 PM

I'm getting a new driveshaft made up, the option of a one piece came up, it would be cheaper and stronger.
I've had a look under the car and read around a bit, and it seems that the diff would need to be dropped out to allow the shaft to be bolted in.
If I unbolt the diff from the chassis will it drop low enough without disconnecting everything else from it? ie; is it an easy job to do, or do I need to unbolt the axles n stuff

**lojik** · 16-11-2006, 12:40 PM

Actually after reading the TRSM it looks like unbolting the axles is easy. Just 4 bolts on each side.
So is removing the diff difficult? Presumably I jack the back end up, put it on stands, support the diff with jack, unbolt and lower it?

**JustCallMeOrlando** · 16-11-2006, 01:00 PM

Removing the diff is a piece of cake. I have a 1-piece shaft in my car. It does as you say require removal of the diff to replace. If I was getting one made up i'd probably get a 2-piece.

I had a leak from my rear main seal, which required removal of my gearbox AND my diff to get at. *sigh*

**Norbie** · 16-11-2006, 01:26 PM

A 2-piece tailshaft can be plenty strong enough unless you're planning to run ridiculous power through it. My shortened Hilux 2-piece survived four W58 breakages without any problems and it was by no means expensive; in fact even with new uni's and centre bearing I'd bet it was cheaper than a custom single piece shaft!

The 2-piece is heaps more convenient for removal and installation too; it's not "hard" as such to drop the diff, just a PITA which can easily be avoided.

**lojik** · 16-11-2006, 01:28 PM

hmm, they are stronger though right?
I'm getting it made up because I destroyed 2 of the uni's and their yokes in my current 2 piece.
I suppose that if the uni's are the weak point it won't make much difference unless they are upgraded.

**CrUZida** · 16-11-2006, 02:09 PM

Unless you are running 600+rwhp and slicks I doubt you'll ever brake a 2-piece shaft with upgraded uni's.

And also, the first time you go to remove that driveshaft you'll wish you had a 2-piece.

Trust me on that

**JustCallMeOrlando** · 16-11-2006, 02:29 PM

^^^ He was the sucker I got to help me fix rear main.

**lojik** · 16-11-2006, 02:30 PM

I'm getting the vibe here that 2piece is the way to go!

The guys I took it to said the uni's that are on it already were the biggest ones they had, perhaps they meant without changing the diff flange to fit a different bolt pattern.