Driveshaft pulled from Transfer Case

[Mike175]

Alright so as you can all see from the photos my driveshaft has pulled from my transfer case in total about an inch. You can see 2 very distinct wear marks. I believe it happened when it was put on a lift and had new tires put on. It pulled out and never went back in. I don't know if this is two separate incidents or if it is slowly working itself out.

I have an appointment tomorrow with the stealership who is going to replace the driveshaft under warranty. My question is, is this just going to be a Band-Aid? What is the cause do you all think that is not allowing the driveshaft to fully seat back into the T-Case? When I spoke to the rep on the phone I got the impression they were just going to swap out the driveshaft and call it a day unless they had issues putting it on. I would think the transfer case needs to be opened up to have a look at what is causing the binding or blockage???

Anyone have this issue in the past and what is the recommended treatment?
I should also add that I am having some vibration issues, mostly on coasting between 50-60 mph. I feel it all the time but it is most severe at these speeds and conditions. I believe it is because of the driveshaft flexing, and the replacement will alleviate this shudder?

 

[Backinblack]

Mine looks almost the same. Have you changed your leafs?
I just ordered a new one from Axle-Exchange in NJ. I placed the order through vendor JDM Engineering.
They're making it about half an inch longer to compensate.

 

[CoronaRaptor]

How long have the tires been on? Are they due do to be rotated, usually the symptom of vibration at that speed. You might of lost a wheel weight as well.

 

[Mike175]

@Backinblack no suspension modifications at all. All stock springs and shocks.
@CoronaRaptor I have had the tires 2 weeks today. I put almost 2,500 miles on them running up to snoball and back I can't believe they have worn that much. I was getting the vibration 2 days after they were put on. I have had them re-balanced twice now. Once by the shop that put them on and by a different once just to confirm. They were correct each time. I have also had the front end completely gone through with no issues or problems found there.

 

[whoisbigman]

Drive shaft is supposed to slip in and out as rear suspension cycles... When truck sits, driveshaft is in neutral position, you will see "clean" metal. When suspension compresses, driveshaft moves into t-case cleaning off the metal. When suspension droops, like on a lift, driveshaft slips out. With extreme lifts (dropping rear axle like a giant droop), driveshafts need to be lengthened so they reach. Yours looks normal.
Sounds like your issue is with the tires. Try balancing beads like Dynabeads in the tires.

 

[Mike175]

@whoisbigman thank you for the response. I did "know" that but I didn't think it through very clearly until I just read what you posted. I was incorrectly thinking that sitting level it would be in the T-case all the way, but that doesn't allow the rear to move upwards and in. I will be the first to admit I'm not as mechanically versed as I would like to be and hence the reason for me coming to you all. So thank you for bringing me to the light of day.

I was mulling the idea of beads, I guess I will have to after three shops tried and said they were balanced.
Either way thank you for the help

 

[CoronaRaptor]

Keep us posted on the tire situation, that wold drive a guy crazy. We all learn from other peoples post's.

 

[beemerman]

Yea mine looks the same


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nv Guy]

If you have a vibration when coasting, I doubt its the tires, as how would a tire change between load / coast? Although balance issues do tend to be speed specific...
My guess is you have a U joint going. When you are coasting there is little load on the driveline- hence the slack in the joint becomes apparent & you get vibration.