Going to check before dropping some bones on a new shaft. Slight lift on the truck although it was probably sagging from the busted leaves.
What is acceptable angle on, lets say, a 3.5 inch drive shaft and how far should the slip yolk slide in at resting position.
I want to make sure everything is perfect.
Vehicle: 1995 F150 extended cab short bed 4x4.
Drive line:
Diff yolk to u-joint to shaft to u-joint to slip yolk. No center bearings.
I don't have a boatload of advice, but when we spec out driveshafts for the utility trucks we build, minimum angle is 1 degree, maximum angle is about 6 or 7 degrees.
Below 1 degree you don't get enough u-joint movement to keep things lubricated, above 7 degrees, you get too much movement and things wear faster than is acceptable for us.
Off-roaders often use much larger than 7 degrees, but you have to keep an eye on your u-joints and replace them as required.
Not much off road. Just a work horse that tows from time to time. Your advice answered one of two, so I really appreciate it. Like I said, I don't think there's a problem with length, but knowledge is torque.