Driveline vibration

[Sticks702]

Ok I have a driveline vibration on acceleration that is driving me nuts. 2022 Gladiator on a Clayton 3 1/2' Overland Plus Kit, Bilstein Shocks, and 37's JE Reel front drive shaft. We were trail running a couple of weeks ago, and I landed on a boulder with the drive shaft spinning. I gouged the crap out of the stock rear shaft. Had a moderate vibration but I got it home. Took it to a driveline shop here in Vegas. They deduced that the stock shaft was bad (no surprise) and installed a new two piece shaft and carrier bearing. When I picked it up, I was told there would be some slight vibration on the accel that would go away. As I drove it over the next couple weeks, the vibration got worse and the pinion seal was now leaking. I took it back today. They fabbed a new drive shaft with a stock-style flange vs the CV, replaced the yoke and installed a new pinion seal. On the test ride, I felt nothing. On the way home, the accel vibration was worse than before and changed to a harmonic @ 45mph and now I don't even want to drive it. I am very frustrated right now

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[JeepOfTheseus]

When I picked it up, I was told there would be some slight vibration on the accel that would go away.

Never heard of that...driveshafts shouldn't need to break-in, it's not like gears. If there is any vibration, it will only get worse, not better.

As I drove it over the next couple weeks, the vibration got worse and the pinion seal was now leaking.

Same thing happened to me, but admittedly I assumed I botched the pinion preload, and I think I did. I wonder if something similar happened here.

I took it back today. They fabbed a new drive shaft with a stock-style flange vs the CV, replaced the yoke and installed a new pinion seal. On the test ride, I felt nothing. On the way home, the accel vibration was worse than before and changed to a harmonic @ 45mph and now I don't even want to drive it. I am very frustrated right now

I'm dealing with a harmonic vibration around 45-50mph with my Adam's single piece, as well as issues above 70-75mph.

Based on your experience...if you can...take it to another shop. Seems like they don't know what they are doing.

 

[Mtpisgah]

I ordered a Tom Woods and it vibrated like crazy. The shop switched it with another and it was fine, until I gouged it driving offroad. The first one was sent back to Woods and is expected back in the next week or two, then they will send the one I have now back to be rebalanced. When it gets back I will have an extra.
i agree that it should not need to break in, there is something going on. Either it is not balanced or the pinion angle is not right. Do you have adjustable control arms?

 

[Camaroboi13]

My guess would be to lower your lift (unfortunately) and it should mitigate some of those vibes. That’s kind of the problem with the taller lifts it seems. I’m right at 3” rear and 4.5” front and no vibes. My wife is 3” rear and 3.5” front and she gets vibrations in the front.

 

[JTPatriot]

Did your kit come with a carrier bearing spacer (drop)? If not the angle that the rear drive shaft is operating at the carrier may be the issue. I have a 3 inch lift and replaced the rear driveshaft with a one piece from Adams.

 

[Gladiatorx2]

If I didn't have a 2021 that didn't do it I would not worry about it as much. Interesting enough either the 2020/2021 had a drive shaft recall for the same thing. My 21' had 37's and 47,000 miles on it and neither had the drone or vibration. It did have a carrier bearing drop/spacer though. They said 10-14 days until it comes in. Once installed I will update

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