So there I was, driving down 101N to San Francisco to have dinner with my girlfriend. I started getting alot of vibration but figured it might've just been my bushings somewhere. I got to the city right in the heart of the Tenderloin and was stopped at a red light. Light turns green, I put my vehicle into 1st gear, gave it some throttle, released the clutch, and BOOM, I hear a loud snap. I freak out and IMMEDIATELY let my foot off the gas and let the momentum take me to the curb. I got out and looked under the vehicle and I see my rear driveshaft dangling from the transfer case. The U-Joint between the driveshaft and rear diff had exploded and the yoke straps are toast.
Anyway, I pay $250 and 4 hours of my life for a tow to the nearest mechanic and left it there overnight as it was 1am at this point. The next morning I call the mechanic and long story short he replaces the U-Joint and tells me there is still some play between the U-Joint and the yoke. I inspected the U-Joint at the front diff and there is absolutely no play so I'm thinking something still needs to be addressed.
My question is, how do you guys get rid of this play? It's leading to a ton of vibration and I'm worried that the U-Joint will grenade again... I'm deathly afraid to drive my car as I've heard horror stories of driveshafts popping out of the yoke at highway speeds, ripping through brake lines, and puncturing holes through the floor of the car. I ordered a new yoke and straps and I'm hoping this addresses the play/chatter of the U-Joint/Yoke interface. The yoke looks like it's made from forged steel. How often do they lose tolerance and fall out of spec? Am I even tackling the issue correctly?
Thanks!
Dan
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