Front double-cardan upgrade - yay or nay

[Adrian D]

Thanks for the link Jason, seems like the smoothness will not be an issue based on the velocity variation versus angle graph.

Spicer kits with all 3 u-joints + the bulkhead bearing go for the price of two CV joints on Rockauto.

I'm now familiar with driveline noises, the cv joint announced itself twice before finally failing and grinding all the time.

[Adrian D]

I've installed the conversion on Saturday and so far it's a yay:
1. I lucked out and my friend had a used driveshaft (good CV end, bad u-joint at the other side, replaced with new Spicer joint) which fit just right
2. Flange removal and reinstall was easy peasy with an impact gun
3. Changed the pinion seal to finally get rid of the annoying leak
4. Test drove it a few times up to 130km/h, it's as smooth as it can be.

Overall I'm happy with the swap.

[Adrian D]

For piece of mind (and with good fortune) I will be doing the CV rebuild soon.

The factory bulkhead bearing is sealed, Spicer says that their sealed u-joints have much better seals than the greasable ones.
Having those two things in mind + the fact that I don't go through deep water, should I still get a greasable bulkhead bearing?

[JeanLuke]

IMHO I think it depends on how diligent you are about service. If you are, then go greased because the fresh grease will flush out crap. If not, sealed for life will exclude crap.

Only you know the answer.

[Adrian D]

I see no problem in pumping some grease while my engine oil drains out.
Will check to see how easy it is to access with the trans crossmember in place.

Of course I was stupid and installed the diff side u-joint with the grease nipple towards the yoke, so I will have to reinstall it.

[JeanLuke]

Originally Posted by Adrian D

I've installed the conversion on Saturday and so far .

Which kit did you use and where did you buy it?

[Adrian D]

It's a kit which a friend puts together.
I've recently got another used propshaft, as the previous was a loaner, cleaned and repacked some very low mileage u-joints, repacked the bulkhead bearing.
Only tested up to 130km/h, seems just fine.

The most surprising thing cured (or maybe masked?) by this propshaft was groaning when doing tight turns on tarmac. I was panicked one of the diffs or the transfer case is going out. The noise stopped when I drove without the old propshaft and did not come back with the new one.