One Piece Driveshaft

This procedure applies to the front and rear driveshafts.

1. Raise and support the vehicle

   Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .

   NOTE:

   The suspension must be at normal ride height. Any altered suspension may cause vibration inducing operating angles.

2. Support the vehicles suspension and lower vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height.
3. Place the vehicle in neutral "N".
4. Remove the universal joint snap rings if equipped, so the inclinometer base sits flat.
5. Rotate the driveshaft until the transmission/transfer case output yoke bearing is facing downward.
   NOTE:

   Always take measurements from front to rear and on the same side of the vehicle.

6. Place the Inclinometer (special tool #7663, Inclinometer) on the yoke bearing cap or pinion flange ring perpendicular to the shaft. Place the inclinometer at zero degrees and turn the shaft to center the bubble in the sight glass.

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

7. Place the Inclinometer (special tool #7663, Inclinometer) on the yoke bearing cap or pinion flange ring parallel to the shaft. Center the bubble in the sight glass and record the measurement (A).

   This measurement will give you the transmission yoke Output Angle (A). 

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

8. Place the inclinometer on the companion flange yoke bearing parallel to the shaft. Center the bubble in the sight glass and record the measurement.

   This measurement will give you the pinion Companion Flange Input Angle (B). 

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

9. Place the Inclinometer on the driveshaft yoke bearing perpendicular to the shaft. Place the inclinometer at zero degrees and turn the shaft to center the bubble in the sight glass.
10. Rotate the Inclinometer on the driveshaft yoke bearing perpendicular to the shaft. Center the bubble in the sight glass and record the measurement. This measurement can also be taken at the rear end of the shaft. This measurement will give you the Prop. Shaft Angle (C). 
11. Subtract the smaller figure from the larger figure (C minus A) to obtain Transmission/Transfer Case Output Universal Joint Operating Angle  .
12. Subtract the smaller figure from the larger figure (C minus B) to obtain axle Input Universal Joint Operating Angle  .

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

Refer to rules and example for additional information.

RULES

• Good cancellation of U-joint operating angles should be within 1 degree.
• Operating angles should be less than 3 degrees.
• Keep operating angles less than 10 degrees for double cardan U-joint.
• Maintain at least 1/2 of one degree continuous operating driveshaft angle.

CHECKS IF MEASUREMENT OUTSIDE OF DESIRED OPERATING ANGLES

• Check condition of engine and transmission mounts.
• Check for proper vehicle ride height.
• Check condition of any hardware and bushings at axle the measurement is outside of desired operating angle.
• Inspect for collision damage that may account for the measurement outside of desired operating angle.