View this HD 1080P how-to video and see why, how and when you need to upgrade your 4×4’s driveshafts! We consulted Driveshaft Specialist, Inc. and determined the best long-term solution for our diesel truck’s driveshaft issues. Whether your 4×4 truck is a late-model Ford F-series or a Dodge Ram with a non-rebuildable driveshaft system, or you have a lifted hybrid Jeep 4×4, or you’ve built a highly modified Ram Cummins, Ford Powerstroke or G.M. Duramax diesel powered 4×4 truck with single or dual rear wheels, Driveshaft Specialist, Inc. has the ultimate driveshaft upgrade solutions. Learn more about driveshaft service and upgrades like the ‘Big 5.0’ one-piece replacement driveshaft for trucks with a two-piece OE driveshaft. See how we solved the one-piece driveshaft needs on our 140.5″ wheelbase Gen 3 Dodge Ram 3500 4×4 Quad-Cab Cummins powered hauler!
4WD Mechanix Magazine’s 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad-Cab 4WD pickup is a work in progress. Since new, this rugged pickup has steadily improved in overall versatility, including towing ability, reliability, performance and peak efficiency. The Cummins 5.9L diesel engine, rugged chassis and a stout pair of AAM beam live axles have proven worthy.
The Dodge Ram 3500 truck features a variety of upgrades and heavy duty accessories. Each has added weight and load on the powertrain.
Dodge Ram factory single piece driveshaft with hefty balancer. The balancer places additional load on the slip yoke coupler.
Accessories like the front winch bumper and 18K pound capacity Superwinch, plus a TransferFlow 75 gallon auxiliary diesel fuel tank, have added to the truck’s original weight. Curb weight crept from 7,800 pounds to 8,900 pounds, which now includes the recent addition of an A.R.E. top cap. Our tow loads have also increased from 5,500 pounds of car hauling trailer with the XJ Cherokee on board to 8,400 pounds of Alumascape travel trailer.
For a driveshaft upgrade solution, we turned to Driveshaft Specialist, Inc. at San Antonio, Texas. DSI specializes in high performance upgrades the Big 5.0″ Aluminum driveshaft upgrades.
If you need a driveshaft solution or an upgrade, dramatically improved driveshaft design like the ‘Big 5.0’, Driveshaft Specialist, Inc. can be reached (toll free) at 1-866-455-6622 or visit the website at www.driveshaftspecialist.com!
One weak link in Dodge Ram and other late model trucks is driveshaft stamina. Our OEM rear driveshaft needed U-joint replacement by 90K miles, apparently some kind of record, most trucks that tow lose a U-joint by 30K-60K miles. Our replacement joints were HD replacements, a messy and traditional greasable type, that were still in good operating condition at 150K miles. However, the notorious slip yoke coupler with its hefty damper/balancer showed spline wear.
We sought the best solution for upgrading the rear driveshaft and turned to Driveshaft Specialist, Inc. at San Antonio, Texas. “Megatron”, an active member at 4WD Mechanix Magazine’s ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums, installed a custom DSI “Big 5.0” driveshaft in his longer wheelbase ’06 Dodge Ram Mega-Cab 4×4. His truck, featured at the forums, hosts a variety of engine and transmission performance upgrades. Megatron raved about the quality and stamina of the Driveshaft Specialist, Inc. driveshafts. and prompted our call to DSI.
Whether you want to eliminate a factory flawed driveshaft with a hefty balancer (like our OE shaft shown) or a later model, non-rebuildable center support bearing design shaft, Driveshaft Specialist, Inc. has a solution. We struggled with factory U-joints and messy greasable replacement joints, none of which compare with the permanently lubed Spicer 1480XL upgrade joints used by DSI in the “Big 5.0” aluminum driveshafts! Not only did the truck’s rear driveshaft gain incredible stamina and reliability, the new rear driveshaft also shaved off 12 pounds of unnecessary and damaging weight!
