DriveShaft Spacer or Extender?

NEMESIS-A/T · April 24, 2016

Here is the question. What are you guys doing to space or extend our driveshafts back into the transmission tale? With a little over 7" of lift its come out about 60% of it length.

I had a lifted Tacoma before this truck and had to get a drive shaft spacer to extend the length, so im curious to my options with these trucks., and please dont post if your just going to say its "OK"; because its not OK.

MikeNH · April 24, 2016

Never heard of spacers. You probably need a longer driveshaft.

07Softail · April 24, 2016

It's "OK" you'll be fine!

RT

Silver ice 6.2 · April 24, 2016

Carrier bearing spacer? Or a transmission spacer? If those don't work then you need a longer driveline

NEMESIS-A/T · April 24, 2016

What I need is someone who has experience with this..Thanks for the opinions.

Silver ice 6.2 · April 24, 2016

What I need is someone who has experience with this..Thanks for the opinions.

Well hopefully someone who has lifted there Silverado or Sierra will chime in.. Edited April 24, 2016 by Silver ice 6.2

07Softail · April 25, 2016

Let me ask my Drivetrain guy. What is the measurement from the rust line to the base?

RT

LongrangeLauber · April 25, 2016

I had my 02 lifted 7" same aluminum driveshaft I have now and never replaced it, never gave me issues, no vibration. So yes it'll be a- OK but I've never heard of any type of spacer for a driveshaft you would have to go to a custom driveshaft shop and get a custom longer driveshaft at that point. But like I said that gap is miniscule so nothing to worry about

dieselbeef · April 25, 2016

^{longer yoke for the front?}

Rkaroll953 · April 25, 2016

a good driveshaft shop should be able to extend it.

cgalpha08 · April 25, 2016

IMO get a custom driveshaft made. It will be a much more reliable and better install.

Katsinwater · March 9, 2023

I am actually looking to add 1 inch back as it scares me to see my driveshaft popping out this much; McGaughys price is a bit steep but I might just buy their spacer if I can't find a cheaper one.

Edited March 9, 2023 by Katsinwater
one picture to many

Spurshot · March 10, 2023

14 hours ago, Katsinwater said:

I am actually looking to add 1 inch back as it scares me to see my driveshaft popping out this much; McGaughys price is a bit steep but I might just buy their spacer if I can't find a cheaper one.

I'm not sure how that round plate "extender" would apply to the 2014-18 K2. My K2 has a standard u-joint with clamps at the axle.

My 2014 looks like this first picture. Those plate "extenders" are for axles that have a flat flange like the second picture. Your 2021 should have the flat flange. So, you should be able to use a plate "extender". Before re-installing the driveshaft, you really ought to polish the rust and dirt off the yoke where it slides into the trans/transfer case. Otherwise you might shorten the life of the seal.

Edited March 10, 2023 by Spurshot

Katsinwater · March 13, 2023

Excellent idea Spurshot, I was thinking the same thing about removing the rust, thanks for re-enforcing your knowledge and wisdom; I have gone ahead and removed the rust which was mostly surface and also applied some grease to keep it coated.

Edited March 13, 2023 by Katsinwater
add words missed

Katsinwater · April 10, 2023

I ended up getting the McGaughys Spacer for a $100 and the rear differential seems to have stopped binding on acceleration, what a difference, you can actually feel it, the truck actually drives smoother...

I have recovered a full inch of shaft and I feel better knowing that the shaft is not going to just drop off on the freeway and catch on a rut and send me and my girlfriend like a catapult into heaven's door...