95 Freightliner Driveshaft balancing and universals

It could be several different models of u-joints.

The easiest way is to call your freightliner dealer with your vin. They can look it up.

However if they cant or somebody modified the driveline at some point, then It depends on what series of driveline you have. You can measure the u-joints from end cap to end cap and measure cap diameter to see what size they are, and then look up accordingly.

Heres some typical spicer drivelines just for and example of measurement



As far as balancing a driveline, unless you have a shake or vibration now, it's not all that important but it doesnt hurt to have it done either.

if you have a reputable driveline shop, its usually pretty inexpensive to have done. I balance mine when I do a clutch or transmission job on my truck just for peace of mind. It's not always necessary, but it's worth it to me. Just a personal preference honestly.

 

@Dino soar , if you do decide to take your driveshafts in for a balance, it's a good time to have them do a carrier bear too. Those are cheap and sometimes the midship yokes are stuck on, so it's best to have a shop press them off. Carrier bearing are in the 50 to 80 dollar range give or take for a typical spicer.

 

I redid mine a couple yrs ago. Had new yoke welded onto driveshaft.Did a new Carrier bearing and new intermediate yoke.I didn’t use torque wrench however and a week later noticed a broken bolt on rear driveshaft yoke. Tried to ez out and broke it off in driveshaft.Had to pull and have new one welded on at a different Shop. Neither Shop did balancing.Recently heard of a shop that balances both as a unit. The first Shop removed original weight.I was mad so found second Shop, they replaced yoke a little off from proper location. I plan on getting it balanced next time I do u joints.No noticeable vibrations it works but it’s not like factory. My advice based on my aggravating experience is mark position of yokes/ driveshafts before removal. If not possible if there’s a vibration usually remove and install slip yoke 180 degrees. Use new bolts, pack yoke with grease, and use Lock tight and a torque wrench!! Made me a believer

 

The less you mess with it the better I say?

Had mine done once, then again, then again....

Treat it like a sore dick and quit screwing with it!

 

I totally agree with @Tug Toy , unless you know a good shop that does it correctly. Theres not much I actually take to a shop to have done, but kingpin and spring pin front end rebuilds, alignments and driveline balancing.

And I always use the same guys that I know do a good job. Nothing is ever guaranteed but atleast if it dont turn out perfectly, they will make it right. Getting hard to find good shops to do anything correctly and stand behind it these days.

 

I agree,The Shop I used in the past had closed down. The first shop I used this time does driveline only. Very busy Shop recommended by others. Second time I used one of the busiest Truck Repair Shops in Town, with an in house driveshaft repair, again highly reputable Both in Detroit area. Recently at a Freightliner in Ohio, I was admiring a set of rebuilt driveshafts. I asked who did the work. They explained they ship them to Detroit and are balanced as a set, So next time they’ll get my bussiness. I ran my truck for a long time with a bad yoke.Went through 2 rear u joints in 6 yrs.The Truck had 1.7 mil on it at time.I like to fix it right, myself. The two things I farmed out got screwed up IMO. Shops however disagree. If I didn’t know what I had and hadn’t done same on my last Truck ( rebuilt driveline). I’d have no idea. It’s still working good after 400 k.Total cost for everything parts and shop work about $800. But next time it will be perfect.Too many shops figure what you don’t know won’t hurt you.

 

It shouldn’t cost that much for the balance. If you’re having new yokes welded on, I’d get it done. Simply cause they come new balanced.Otherwise if all is good with driveshafts you’ll be wasting $$$. Never know what expense is around the corner. It all adds up. I knew a Guy years ago who balanced all types. According to Him factory balance was terrible compared to what He could do. So apparently it’s a variable thing anyway. If you didn’t mark them and re install and have a vibration you can remove and re install at 180 it should be smooth.

 

Carrier bearing was a piece of cake on mine.Very simple and cheap to do yourself. Just make sure all the yokes aren’t egg holed and re install all in line with each other