drive shaft R&R

[atv89]

I unfortunately hit an unmarked rock w/ my 88 skier. It dinged the prop, bent the drive shaft & the shaft strut. I'm getting ready to put back together & was wondering if I need to realign the drive shaft or should it be close since the strut has countersunk screws & I didn't move the motor or trans. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.

[jklein]

I would definitely re-align since it bent the drive shaft and the strut. Even though you didn't move anything, the impact certainly could have.

[gooddog]

Absolutely definately alignment required...

[atv89]

I would definitely re-align since it bent the drive shaft and the strut.  Even though you didn't move anything, the impact certainly could have.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What is the best way to realign? Is it something I should have the dealer do? I was a motorcycle mechanic, but now I build electric vehicles so I have good mechanical knowledge.

[M3Fan]

Put it all back together except bolting together the shaft coupling faces and hold the coupling together with your hand. Then take a feeler gauge for .003" all around the coupling. Try to get it to fit in between the coupling halves while holding it together with decent force. If it doesn't fit in, you may be fine. Bolt it up and go. If you feel major vibrations, noises, etc, check again. You'd be amazed how far you can take apart a drivetrain and have it still in alignment if you take your time and don't move anything. I'm assuming this is a new strut?

Edited July 14, 2005 by M3Fan