Sonoma 2003 Drive Shaft

[fernfly]

2003 Sonoma Ext cab 4.3 L
Returning from florida last week I notice a vibration from the drive shaft
that kept increasing as the miles went by. I made a stop at a garage in
SC to have the U-joints check . The rear joint had a bit of play in it, and
told them to replace it only to find out that no U-joint replacement existed
for that model and I had to replace the complete drive shaft at a cost of
$ 1200.00 + labor and I had to wait for the parts 2-3 days???. Back on the
road with the vidration that got to a point that I was afraid the joint might
break made a stop at a GMC dealer in VA to be told the sama story that
the U-joints are not servicable and and to replace the complete drive shaft
for a total cost $ 1611.00 that what I call profitable engineering ???
Pls let my have yrs comments

[MT-2500]

Was the drive shaft replaced.
Is it still or does it have a vibration?
Have you checked any local parts place for a U joint replacement kit?
Is this a two piece drive shaft?
Was the drive shaft timed?

[fernfly]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Was the drive shaft replaced.
Is it still or does it have a vibration?
Have you checked any local parts place for a U joint replacement kit?
Is this a two piece drive shaft?
Was the drive shaft timed?

The drive was replace in Fredericksgurg Va. at a cost of $1611.00 USD.
It had a very bad vibration, was afraid that it might break on the thruway
I have checked with Autozone and was told that no replacement kit existed
for that after checking with the Vin number.
This was the original drive shaft (two piece)
I also found out after my return that a mfg in Texas make a re-desing
drive shaft for that model for half the price.

[MT-2500]

Was the drive shaft timed?
The joints have to be lined up right on the 2 piece drive shaft.
MT

[fernfly]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Was the drive shaft timed?
The joints have to be lined up right on the 2 piece drive shaft.
MT

The new drive shaft was install by the GMC dealer as per GM specs.
and I was told it was factory balance.

[MT-2500]

I am not sure what the GM specs cover.
Or if the dealer used the grease monkey or a trained tech to install the drive shaft.
Tip on going to the dealer
Ask that only a factory certified gasoline drive line performance specialist work on your car.
Not all dealerships are concerned with how repairs are dispatched, and not all dealership techs bother to take advantage of the training offered by factory (the vast majority of which is paid training). If the dealer is uncooperative, ask for your money back and call around for a dealer that will accommodate you.

But I would be willing to bet a donut that that GM specs do not include timing the drive shaft yokes.
Also if you do some checking around you will find that very few techs or mechanics even know what timing a drive shaft is.

Copy off the JPG I sent you and have a look at it and see if them yokes are matched up as in the jpg.
If not have someone that knows what they are doing time it.

If a two piece drive shaft is not timed it may have a vibration.

Good news is if a dealer done the work on replacing the drive shaft it should be covered under the GM repair warranty.
Have a dealer look at it and see what is going on.
And show them the JPG on drive shaft yoke timing.
Let us know how it goes.
MT