So I was just muddling around the web thought "well hey i can hear a slight bit of shift in the driveshaft, maybe u joint" well knowing that the 83 to 85 isn't made to be replaceable I searched anyway and came up with this U Joint by Moog - JCWhitney anyone use this before for their 83+? Thoughts on it? Just thinking about giving it a shot.

 

Not sure about the 1983, but I used these on my 1985 GSL. The ones listed on this page are common. My drive shaft shop had them in stock. They charged $100 total to replace them and balance it.

Staked-In U-Joints

http://www.rockforddriveline.com/Staked-In_U-Joints.pdf

I powder coated by drive shaft before it was put back together.

 

Thanks, I'll probably do that since it's the same as stock. I just don't get all this balancing stuff I'm seeing. How does balancing work when this thing is just a 4-way axle setup? I've never done a u-joint before so was thinking I could do this myself but if balancing makes that much of a difference then maybe I should find someplace local.

 

The stock u joint are staked into place (centred). The aftermarket ones u buy to replace them use inside c clips. The shaft isn't designed for these so machining on the inside isn't perfect for these... May be outta balance.. I got mine from Rockford driveline... Worked good... No vibrations... Others have said they get vibrations.

I did however snap it in half when I caught traction trying to do a burnout.. Slight misalignment may have contributed

 

I used the Rockford u-joints too, but I havent had any real issues with them. I still get a little bit of noise at 35-40 mph when its really cold out, but its a lot better than the noises I got from stock joints lol

 

You could get away with doing it yourself and not have to balance without any issues.