hey guys any issues to watch out for when swapping drive shaft from 2 piece to one piece

97 base model v6 and 4l60 automatic

 

Just make sure your u joints in the new one are in good condition. Only want to have to do it once.

 

did one piece shafts come in different diameters

 

Yes. 93-97 had 2.5 inch steel drives shafts. 98+ later had 3 inch aluminum. If you can get an aluminum one for cheap, I'd go for it for the weight savings. If not, the steel will do the job just as well. If possible in your area, get it balanced too.

 

id like to do that also if i have a 96 if i go to the junk yard what am i looking 4 ive had that carrier berring go out like messurements what do i need will an easy pull off a truck work? i can meausure it?

 

Just find a drive shaft out of any V8 fourth gen, they will all work and are a direct bolt on. It would be easier than trying to find one out of any thing else, especially since most truck one's are probably going to be longer and require you to shorten it.

 

3rd gen driveshafts are the same length and fit too, provided you get one from a 700R4 vintage model.

 

Watch your head when you drop the 2 piece out, it's heavy. The top bolt of the carrier bearing is a pain, I just did mine and without the right attatchment i spend 50% of my time under the car on that one bolt. I would leave the bottom bolt about halfway so it doesnt drop when you are unbolting the u-joint.

Alumninum is the most sought after, making steel one piece pretty easy to find however they are usually rusted up pretty bad, i wouldn't start sanding on one though because it could throw the balance off. Best bet with a rusty one is have a transmission/driveshaft shop clean it up and balance it or leave it alone.