Need 1-piece shaft part number

[SierraHDCC]

Since my truck is 2-wheel drive the dealer won't replace the 2-piece drive shaft with the 1-piece shaft, even though this truck has suffered from driveline vibrations since new.  If anyone who has had the TSB performed, please let me know the part number of the shaft and any other parts required to do the conversion.  I'm seriously considering doing the swap myself because I'm so tired of the vibration.

 

Additionally, a copy of the TSB would be helpful since it contains the instructions for replacement.  Thanks.

[Shaners]

If I had to take a guess, I think the driveshaft that was put in my 4WD truck would be too short for a 2wd truck because my transfer case is at least 20" long (where the shaft comes out of).

[SierraHDCC]

Very good point -- something I hadn't thought of.  I'm going to take the truck to a local driveline specialist to see if he can figure out what's causing the vibration.  The dealership replaced the rear shaft, but the vibration still exists.  Could the carrier bearing be causing a vibration?  I know that u-joints could, but I have to believe those have been checked, especially since they replaced the rear drive shaft.

[Shaners]

U-joints/carrier bearing/out-of-balance drive shaft could all be the culprit.

 

Is it the shudder on launch syndrome?  If that is the case I would lean towards the carrier bearing, because that is what the problem is in the 4x4 trucks.

 

If it is a vibration going down the road it could be a tire, wheel, brake rotor, bent axle, bad bushing in the rear leaf springs etc...

[SierraHDCC]

The shudder:

 

It is definitely speed related.  It occurs a two different speeds.  At 15 - 16 mph, and again at 33 - 36 mph.  It is much more noticable at the higher speed.  It occurs regardless of the engine RPM, and whether the truck is in gear or neutral.  The lower speed shudder is much more noticable at faster acceleration -- it almost feels like a launch shudder.  The vibration/shudder at 33-36 mph is much more noticable at slower, smooth acceleration.  The dealer has replaced the rear half of the drive shaft, shimmed the trans mount and inserted a 3-1/2 degree shim on the axle saddles to change the driveline operating angle.  The only thing this did was to change the speed range(s) at which the vibration occurs -- it didn't eliminate it or change it's intensity.  The vibration also occurs while slowing down.  I have rotated the tires using the spare -- I actually mounted the spare on each corner and test drove it while the spare was on each corner -- no change.  The tires have been replaced -- no change.

 

If I don't have to drive at 35 mph, I can forget about it sometimes, but on a smooth road, upon easy, smooth acceleration, it's very noticable.

 

The dealer says it's now within specs, but I don't buy it.  It almost feels as if a u-joint is failing.  I experienced this on a 1979 Blazer.  I'm so tired of it I'm tempted to absorb the cost of fixing it myself by going to a local driveline shop, or simply trading the truck.

[TomEllis]

SierraHDCC,

This might be what you are looking for:

 

Launch Shudder/Vibration on Acceleration (Replace Propeller Shaft and InstallNew Pinion Flange/Seal) #02-04-17-001A

Launch Shudder/Vibration on Acceleration (Replace Propeller Shaft and Install New Pinion Flange/Seal)

1999-2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2WD 1500 Series Extended Cab Short Box Pickups

 

1999-2003 GMC Sierra 2WD 1500 Series Extended Cab Short Box Pickups

 

With 4L60-E Automatic Transmission (RPO M30)

 

Except QUADRASTEER™ (RPO NYS) Equipped Vehicles

 

This bulletin is being revised to add Model information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-04-17-001 (Section 04 -- Driveline Axle).

 

 

Important

Implementation of this Service Bulletin by "GM of Canada" dealers requires prior District Service Manager approval.

 

 

Condition

Some customers may comment on a vibration when accelerating from a stop. This is also known as launch shudder. This condition may occur between 0-40 km/h (0-25 mph) and be more noticeable when the vehicle is carrying cargo or used for towing.

 

Correction

A new propeller shaft, P/N 15071486, has been developed to correct this condition. The new propeller shaft incorporates dual double cardan joints on the center and rear joint positions. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 02-00-90-002 for lubrication information.

 

The new propeller shaft will require the installation of a new pinion flange kit, P/N 15071485. The pinion flange kit consists of the following components:

 

A pinion flange

Hex bolts (four)

A pinion seal

A rear axle drive pinion nut

Replace the propeller shaft with the new propeller shaft using the following procedure. Use the part numbers listed below.

 

Remove the propeller shaft assembly and the center bearing. Refer to the applicable Propeller Shaft Replacement procedure in the Propeller Shaft sub-section of the Service Information (SI).

 

Important

In step 2, you must measure the pinion and differential preload. This information is needed to set the preload of the new pinion flange to the correct specification and to reduce any rear axle noise concerns.

 

 

Remove the drive pinion yoke and the pinion oil seal. Refer to the Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement procedure in the Rear Drive Axle sub-section of the Service Information (SI).

 

Important

In step 3, use this procedure as a guideline to install the pinion flange to the drive pinion and to set up the proper pinion bearing preload.

 

 

Install the new pinion oil seal, the new pinion flange and the new drive pinion nut. Refer to the Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement procedure in the Rear Drive Axle sub-section of the Service Information (SI).

Install the new propeller shaft assembly and the new center bearing. Refer to the applicable Propeller Shaft Replacement procedure in the Propeller Shaft sub-section of the Service Information (SI). Tighten

Tighten the propeller shaft flange bolts to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

Tighten the center bearing support nuts to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

After completing the repair, operate the vehicle in order to verify that the condition has been corrected.

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

Qty

 

15071486

Shaft Asm-Frt & Rr Prop

1

 

15071485

Flange Asm Service Kit-Rr Prop Shf

1

 

*12479002

Flange Asm, Pinion

1

 

*9441504

Bolt, Rr Prop Shf

4

 

*26064028

Seal, Pinion

1

 

*9783762

Nut, Rr Drv Axle Pinion

1

 

 

*Parts are included in Flange Kit P/N 15071485.

 

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

 

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

 

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

 

F2043

Flange, Pinion Shaft - Replace

1.5 hrs

 

Add

To replace two-piece prop shaft

0.2 hr

 

Tom