[eXc450]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to this place, came from Outers, thought I'd give AZ a go for a while instead

I was under the car today and found this. Can anyone tell me if it is normal to be able to see the section below. I would expect not as something that shiny would not normally be that shiny if it was exposed?

This is the tail shaft coming from the transfer case.

If it is not normal, what is the likely problem/fix?

Cheers
Chris

[ninjamoses]

I presume your car has been lifted? The higher you lift the rear suspension, the longer distance between the the transfer case and the rear diff, hence the tail shaft gets pulled longer, pulling it out of the transfer case a little as above.

I doubt its in any danger of falling out (could come out a lot more than that still), but if it bothers you can fit a driveshaft spacer (goes on the diff end) which should return it to normal. You don't want to fit one to big though, as when the suspension is compressed the distance shortens and the tail shaft will get pushed back in.

I used a 12mm one from bits4vits on mine, but pretty sure you can get them locally also. (Bits4Vits)

[Mugwui]

Do you have a lift in your car? If so, that's your problem.

[eXc450]

Thanks Guys,

I have an OME lift + Bruce Spacers (15mm front / 30mm rear from memory.

OK, that would make sense, I've just never noticed it before (I have a bash plate which rarely comes off). I guess it's been like that for coming on 2 years now!

I'll look into a drive shaft spacer. For size, should I just measure the distance it would take to re-seat the shaft against the TC? Do I measure that while it has the rear off the ground?

[ninjamoses]

The spacers are most commonly found in 12mm and 25mm widths. I'd just get the 12mm one mate, it'll push it back in just far enough so its covered by the outer sheath.

OME springs and a 15mm spacer on the front would have it lifted nearly 3 inches wouldnt it? Have you had any issues with CVs on the front (or have you dropped the front diff down)?

[eXc450]

Yeah close to 3"

I had the front struts inverted until I got the OME, but I don't think that efffected height regardless?

I have not had any problems with CVs as yet, but I have not been on anything difficult since getting the OME anyways, only been on the beach + basic stuff.

[eXc450]

Found it... I'll look into getting one

http://www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/index. ... oductId=26

[ninjamoses]

If you are making an order I would recommend you get a heim joint spacer as well if you haven't already got one. Improved the rear flex on mine ten fold.

[Fluffy]

hey guys ..slight gravedig..

ok .. in the back of my swb vit. I have slight lift (180sx springs comm shox)..
up untill now Ive not had a prob with my tailshaft.. but getting a nasty constant vibration though the floor.
unis look ok feel ok.. the only thing I did notice is a bit of play in the driveshaft at the output of the transfer case.


It doesnt stick out as much as eXc450's tho.
pretty sure the bearing has shat. will remove the drive shaft and inspect in the next few days but, am thinking that running a lift would have contributed as the shaft wouldnt be fully inserted into the bearing .
Can someone verify this pls
just wondering if i should put a spacer in or not
and also that bearing looks like a pain to change.
thanks

[timing85]

i found a new spacer for a samurai on ebay for $40, anyone know if samurais have the same size drive shaft as 89 vitaras?

[Rusho]

timing85 wrote:

i found a new spacer for a samurai on ebay for $40, anyone know if samurais have the same size drive shaft as 89 vitaras?

I doubt it...could be wrong though

[christover1]

Bits4Vits spacers are multi fit, suit all vits, sirerras and possibly Jimnys.
If other spacers are such, they will have 3 sets of hjoles, ie 12 holes all up.

I have 50mm coil spacers and OME lift, and a 12mm spacer was fine on my vit