On my 1996 trans am, my driveshaft starts to vibrate around 80+ mph. Does anyone know why this might be happening? I'm sort of stumped so any help or feedback would be appreciated.
Mike
Mike
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1996 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air: 160k kilometres, low temp T-stat, tuned, 3.73 gears, 3" Magnaflow exhaust, B&M skip shifter, BFG drag radials -
Common problem. There was a GM TSB to fix this, but it only covered the car when it was under warranty.
The solution is either a LS1 aluminum driveshaft or a 1LE aluminum driveshaft. You could also take your current driveshaft to a driveline shop and have them balance it.
Suggestion: Use the forum's "Search" feature for basic questions like this. This question has been answered many times.Tracy
2002 C5 M6 Convertible
1994 Z28 M6 Convertible
Current Mods:
SLP Ultra-Z functional ramair, SS Spoiler, STB, SFCs, Headers, Clutch, Bilstein Shocks, and TB Airfoil. 17x9 SS rims with Goodyear tires, 160F T-Stat, MSD Blaster Coil, Taylor wires, Hurst billet shifter, Borla catback with QTP e-cutout, Tuned PCM, 1LE Swaybars, 1LE driveshaft, ES bushings, White gauges, C5 front brakes, !CAGS, Bose/Soundstream audio, CST leather interior, synthetic fluids
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This has been reported on LT1 cars like said before, but the 3.73 gears have a reputation for exagerating it. Replacment driveshaft is usually the recommended solution.Joe K.
'11 BMW 328i
'10 Matrix S AWD
Previously: '89 Plymouth Sundance Turbo, '98 Camaro V6, '96 Camaro Z28, '99 Camaro Z28, '04 Grand Prix GTPComment
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By replacement, do you mean from an LS1?
Mike
1996 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air: 160k kilometres, low temp T-stat, tuned, 3.73 gears, 3" Magnaflow exhaust, B&M skip shifter, BFG drag radialsComment
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Either that or a 1LE. There are also aftermarket companies that sell them in various materials.Originally posted by 96_TATracy
2002 C5 M6 Convertible
1994 Z28 M6 Convertible
Current Mods:
SLP Ultra-Z functional ramair, SS Spoiler, STB, SFCs, Headers, Clutch, Bilstein Shocks, and TB Airfoil. 17x9 SS rims with Goodyear tires, 160F T-Stat, MSD Blaster Coil, Taylor wires, Hurst billet shifter, Borla catback with QTP e-cutout, Tuned PCM, 1LE Swaybars, 1LE driveshaft, ES bushings, White gauges, C5 front brakes, !CAGS, Bose/Soundstream audio, CST leather interior, synthetic fluids
Comment
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Is there one that is recommended or the best one to go with? And what am I looking for in the driveshaft? A certain material (ie. aluminum), size, etc?
Thanks
Mike
1996 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air: 160k kilometres, low temp T-stat, tuned, 3.73 gears, 3" Magnaflow exhaust, B&M skip shifter, BFG drag radialsComment
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as stated before the search function is really useful.
The 1LE is recommended over the LS1 driveshaft because it's a bit stronger. Either will work.
Aluminum is recommended over the steel because its lighter and obviously it lessens the vibrationComment
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I wonder if they even still make teh 1LE shaft. Checkout www.shbox.com and you might find the part number.Joe K.
'11 BMW 328i
'10 Matrix S AWD
Previously: '89 Plymouth Sundance Turbo, '98 Camaro V6, '96 Camaro Z28, '99 Camaro Z28, '04 Grand Prix GTPComment
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no they do not still make the 1LE dirveshaft. It has been discontinued. I'm having a hard time finding one myself and might just settle for an LS1 driveshaft since i dont plan on going to wild in the horsepower/torque category.Comment
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I've got the LS-1 driveshaft on my '95 firebird for $288.00 or so and the car felt a little smoother and lighter. Its a direct replacement to the LT1 DS.
LT4KM, 160' TS, MAF ends, TB-BP, GMPP 1.6 R/R, SLP CAI, LCA, Adj. tierod, BMR tower brace, 17x9"F/R, 275/40R17 GY F1 tires. WS6 Muffler, LS1 DS. 21mm rear sway bar. Soon to be LT4 heads, intake, & HOT camComment
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Cool, so then a replacement seems to be the only way to go then right? Since I have recently replaced the u-joints and had the drive shaft balanced.
Mike
1996 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air: 160k kilometres, low temp T-stat, tuned, 3.73 gears, 3" Magnaflow exhaust, B&M skip shifter, BFG drag radialsComment
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You recently had the U-joint replaced and balanced, and NOW you have a vibration?!?! I would be back at that shop so fast, they would think I never left. What kind of work did they do for ya?2001 Z28 A4 - 160 deg t-stat, 3.42 gears, WS6 sway bars, rear springs and shocks, UMI SFC's, Torque Arm and STB, leather Firebird seats, Borla, SLP Y-pipe and lid, ZO6 cam and springs - 332 RWHP and 346 RWTQ, not bad for 'almost stock' - work in progress
"Black, the fastest color"Comment
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Yes, I agree. The car is going back in on wednesday. I am having them re-balance it and then I will go from there.
Mike
1996 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air: 160k kilometres, low temp T-stat, tuned, 3.73 gears, 3" Magnaflow exhaust, B&M skip shifter, BFG drag radialsComment
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Just got off the phone with the mechanic...he says the U-joint is all rusted to shit. Hopefully thats what the prob was.
Mike
1996 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air: 160k kilometres, low temp T-stat, tuned, 3.73 gears, 3" Magnaflow exhaust, B&M skip shifter, BFG drag radialsComment
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Thta should be the first thing any mecanic looks for when diagnosing a vibration in the drive line. Ask to see the U-joint after they are done to see the wear and or rust. I would think if you have the drive shaft out and removed the u-joints to balance the shaft why not replace them right away? The mechanic should have suggested this. U-joints arent that expensive. Its like pulling a trany with 160,000 k, you might as well do the clutch while your there, cause you know you will have to do it right away anyways.Originally posted by 96_TA
Eric W.
89 Firebird Formula WS6
Accel/Lingenfelter Super Ram
6.2L/382.97 ci
Custom PROM Dyno tuned
WCT-5 speed
BW 9-bolt Posi 3.45
Boss MS 18" Rims
Headman Headers 1 5/8 Ceramic Coated
Custom Dual exhaust
1LE upgrade
Custom Temperature / Navigation Rear View Mirror
In a constant state of upgrade!
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