RTFK

is it okay? i just snapped a u bolt and i want to drive it home to fix it. so i figured i could just remove rear shaft completely and drive it in 4 wheel drive home. i just want to make sure with all you before because i dont want to break anything even more.

thanks all you rock!

rokblok

iTrader: (1)

What U-bolt did you break? What vehicle are you describing?

RTFK

sorry its an 84 pickup and its a rear u bolt

SkybluYota

My dads had a catastrophic failure of his u-joint where the drive shaft came off while driving. He has driven it around for a week or so with his removed and it has been ok.(hes got a junk yard driveshaft and having it balanced and both u-joints replaced) So you are fine to get home on it

rokblok

iTrader: (1)

I presume leaf spring u-bolt? Because the u-joints don't have u-bolts.

So you're trying to remove the driveline input, and make the rear end just a trailing unit, not a drive unit? It may be fine, very slow speeds would be my recommendation. Or maybe a section of all-thread and hardware to act as a roadside temp repair if it worries you?

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

u-joint or u-bolt? if it's the u-joint then yes, you could disconnect the rear d-shaft and drive in fwd/4wd to get you home. if it's a rear u-bolt which holds your axle and leaf springs together, i dunno if i'd personally risk this one depending on how far/type of road you have to take it on. If the 2nd u-bolt is ok (and the other 2 on the opposite side of axle are good) I'd at least toss a ratchet strap or 20 wraps of bailing wire on there to get home if i was to attempt it.

2003mikem

iTrader: (1)

i drove my CJ5 all winter with nor rear drive shaft. i would not do it but it can be done

tinigunner11

iTrader: (1)

rbuchmann

Yes, you can if you remove the rear driveshaft. Basically you'd be in front wheel drive mode. Assuming you mean the u-bolt on the rear of the driveshaft It's not going to hurt anything.

RAD4Runner

He means U-joint, that's why he's removing the drive shaft. Yep, agree, OK to drive on front wheel drive with drive shaft removed to get you home - not all winter - LOL!

SoCal4Running

It'll be fine as long as your nor running the Baja 1000 or drag racing.
All the power will be going thru the front drive components which normally don't have that much power applied to them so take it easy and you'll be alright.

aviator

I drove my 87 for several months incl some winter with no rear driveshaft all over the place... hwy/city no issues at all even dirt lots at construction sites... it drives like any other large FWD [think dodge caravan] just don't load the back up too heavy or you might find some traction issues...

thefishguy77

iTrader: (1)

Drive it nice and you will be fine

2003mikem

iTrader: (1)

I have since sold all my jeeps and have 3 4Runners now.

85TurboRunner

Drive it as long as you like without the rear shaft, it will be fine. The front axle isn't made of glass.

To think you will break something in the axle is the same as people who think 4wd has a speed limit.

SoCal4Running

Was more thinking of the transfer case applying all the power thru the chain to the front instead of passing it straight thru to the rear drive line myself.

85TurboRunner

What chain do you speak of? The only chain on an '84 is the timing chain. Oh and the chain that lowers the spare.

Pat2008

that is the best I've ever heard so far front axle has not made of glass as completely well spoken I was asking the question to can I drive around temporarily without the rear drive shaft assembly I destroyed the U-joints trying to change the bearing at a friend's house decided to put in 4-wheel drive and I drove it home but was it safe is what I'm asking and can I continue today to go to the store to buy a part seems actually pretty nice without it except for the wicked torque steer be careful if anybody does this in the future because the torque steer is so violent you will hit a car especially from a stop my poor country only give 6.3 miles per gallon I don't know what's wrong I drive a dump truck tractor trailer that gets 5 miles to the gallon water 50000 pound payload I weight 80000 and I'm getting 5 miles to the gallon in my semi but my Toyota Tundra we're a little 350 can't do better than 6 and 1/2 come on