Drive shaft balancing

[tkleinia]

New to site...

Is it common to not have ANY balancing weights on a fabricated drive shaft?

I have drivetrain vibrations. I am taking it step by step as I know this can be caused by numerous things.

I have not eliminated all other causes for vibration, but I don't want chase the vibration around to find out the shop forgot to balance it.

Long story short, I have an 86 Chevy K10 long bed that I have had since high school. I was NOT nice to it in those days... it was run hard, with little to no maintenace.  I am now going through it, trying to make it a decently reliable truck.

[VileZambonie]

Take a hose clamp and put it on the driveshaft with a weight and see if the vibration changes.

[beastie_3]

Check your U joints and pinion angles. Probably wont hurt to take the shaft in and get it balanced. Wont cost much.

[Da67goatman]

I had my 2 piece shaft balanced for 80 bucks a 1 piece costs around 50 but it is well worth it.  I had a terrible vibration that was almost dangerous, it was so bad the passenger seat vibrated about 4 inches side to side at 55mph.  I balanced the shaft and its totally gone.

[tkleinia]

Ill have to try the hose clamp trick...

I just had the drive shaft made before winter, but just drove it now because of the nice weather... I was just checking before I called the shop and accuse them of not balancing my new shaft.

the u-joints are new, and were installed by the same shop, and the pinion angle looks good.  It also has new tires, drums, and all new rearend bearings.

[beastie_3]

Did you notice that there were NO weights when you had the shaft made, or not pay attention? Reason Im asking, its a very slim chance, but the weight may have fallen off. Check for weld marks. Just throwing that out there.

[tkleinia]

I noticed it did not have balancing weights when I painted it, but wishful thinking made me think that they might have done a perfect job of welding the ends on that it didn't need any extra weight...

I work at a shop that has had many drive shafts made, and all of them since mine have come back with balancing weights...

Does anyone else have a fabricated shaft with no weights??

I sent the shaft to the same shop that my work uses. (I actually sent it with their name on it to get a discount, so maybe its karma...)

I'm not a tight wad, but I don't want to send a new $325 shaft back for a $50 dollar balance if it is unnecessary.

[VileZambonie]

If they just made it I'm sure they'll check their work for free