Driveshaft

[mikeyss]

My 09 Tahoe needs rear u joints. I would like to replace the driveshaft with an aluminum one. However, I don't know where to look for one, and I'm not sure if mine is different from other Tahoe's. Since mine has the L9H, it has the AXN 9.5" axle. I don't know if my driveshaft is any longer or shorter than other Tahoe's, or if my u joints are different. I don't think I can cross reference an Escalade or Yukon Denali because they use a different AWD t case, and they use the smaller AXP 8.6" axle. The only other GMT-900 SUV to have the AXN 9.5" axle are the 2WD Escalade and Denali, but those would have a longer driveshaft because of not having a t case. I wonder if one from a 15+ would work on mine, those were aluminum, and I don't think between the GMT-900 and the k2 much changed in the frame, but I may be wrong

 

[Big Mama]

Why are you replacing it? There are several custom drive shaft companies or maybe call the dealer to get to get the specs for yours to shop with.

 

[mikeyss]

I have a bad u joint, and I have wanted to swap my steel driveshaft for an aluminum one. I figured now is the time to make the swap.

 

[swathdiver]

My 09 Tahoe needs rear u joints. I would like to replace the driveshaft with an aluminum one. However, I don't know where to look for one, and I'm not sure if mine is different from other Tahoe's. Since mine has the L9H, it has the AXN 9.5" axle. I don't know if my driveshaft is any longer or shorter than other Tahoe's, or if my u joints are different. I don't think I can cross reference an Escalade or Yukon Denali because they use a different AWD t case, and they use the smaller AXP 8.6" axle. The only other GMT-900 SUV to have the AXN 9.5" axle are the 2WD Escalade and Denali, but those would have a longer driveshaft because of not having a t case. I wonder if one from a 15+ would work on mine, those were aluminum, and I don't think between the GMT-900 and the k2 much changed in the frame, but I may be wrong

Don't go aluminum, nowhere near as strong. When they were new and all the rage guys started snapping them left and right. The K2s have 1410 u-joints while ours are still 1350s.

 

[mikeyss]

Don't go aluminum, nowhere near as strong. When they were new and all the rage guys started snapping them left and right. The K2s have 1410 u-joints while ours are still 1350s.

So the u joints are the same, no matter what engine it has? The reason I was thinking aluminum was because of weight savings, and I thought they were better than steel - I haven't really done alot of research, honestly, haha

 

[swathdiver]

So the u joints are the same, no matter what engine it has? The reason I was thinking aluminum was because of weight savings, and I thought they were better than steel - I haven't really done alot of research, honestly, haha

Yes, we have 1350s in the 1500s. The GMT900 2500s have been running 1410s since 2008 and the 1500 K2s are using that size now, they make a lot more power than our older trucks.

Look at the Spicer u-joint catalog, mine is from December 2017, K350-2-DAG and go to page 176.

 

[Rocket Man]

Lmao weight savings...race truck? Steel is stronger and better. If your u-joints are the type that are held in place by plastic that you have to melt out instead of c-clips, you might consider having a shop do it. Mine were a ***** and you really need a torch. I used s propane one and it took awhile.

 

[Big Mama]

I’m with Chris and Mark on this one. Strength matters. If you were stripping down the rest of the rig to save weight then maybe. If you want it to look great get it powder coated. It’s a lot cheaper and safer.

 

[the_tool_man]

The rotational inertia of an AL driveshaft is lower than steel. But on an SUV, it won't make enough of a difference to matter. As others have pointed out, unless it's a race truck, why not just replace the U-joints?

 

[drakon543]

i put a set of cheapos in my 97 a while ago after my wife finally told me there was a problem.... just something to keep it on the road and quick. ive since switched to dana spicer u joints and the design and fitment from a normal u joint was quite noticeable. wish i had started using them sooner a bit overkill for an suv that never leaves the road but meh