well i have been doing some googling to find out exactly what a slip yoke does to see if it can be removed. i remebered from my days as a jeeper, they sell Slip Yoke Eleminator kits(SYE)and so i googled slip yoke eliminater ford, it pulled up this web site .. http://www.arizonadrivelines.com/drive_shaft_SYE.htm and on it in big letters it says..

NOTICE: MANY VEHICLES (CHEVY MAINLY) WITH A SLIP YOKE MAKE A CLUNK NOISE WHEN STOPPING AND YOU LET OFF THE BRAKE. ELIMINATE THAT FOR EVER WITH AN SYE FROM US. TAHOES, CHEVY P/Us, JUST ANYTHING WITH A SLIP YOKE. WE WILL MAKE YOU A YOKE TO BOLT TO THE TRANSMISSION OR TRANSFER CASE OUTPUT SHAFT SO THAT THE SLIDING IS ELIMINATED FROM THE YOKE. WE WILL MAKE A DRIVE SHAFT TO GO WITH IT.

so i wonder is this is an option? do we really need a Slip yoke? the local driveshaft builder around me said he can build me a 1 piece driveshaft for like $160 but i am guessing ill nes a SYE to bolt it too....

 

google ford ranger TSB 04-23-7...this is a pretty old issue, and that clunk you are hearing is an actual TSB and ford will fix it for free

 

Hey Mike, did I send you a copy of the latest TSB for the driveshaft? I sent it to someone; I thought it was you. If not, I can send you a copy...

Once you get the driveshaft fixed, you might add a set of James Duff short traction bars. They eliminate axle wind-up, which is the root cause of the driveshaft shudder. According to what I had read on RF a long time ago, axle wind-up causes a near-binding condition in the rear U-joint, which is transfered up the driveshaft to the slip yoke.

Once you get the slip yoke fixed, install a set of JD traction bars and you should be set.

Here's a little more info, along with my less-than-favorable service experience with the dealer: https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ght=driveshaft

 

Will this help gear lash too? When I'm driving and i slip the clutch in, i hear a "Thwump" noise, my dealer diagnosed as 'gear lash'. Does that fall under the TSB? I guess I should get it looked at while I still have a warranty!

 

Unless you're out of warranty.

 

This is exactly what the TSB is for and it will cure the slip/bump temporarily. Unless you want to take it apart and grease it twice a year, do like mkoenig says and get the Duff traction bars. They eliminate the problem by limiting axle wrap. You need them to control wheel hop anyway. Best $100 you can spend.

Your dealer's diagnosis is BS, BTW.

 

yeah like you said... its free if your under warenty... i spoke to a guy at a local driveline shope and he dosnt see how axle wrap would cause the SY to shudder...

and i dont really want to get traction bars...

thats why i was looking at the SYE kits...

 

They have the traction bars for the 31 spline axles now right? I may have to check out a set of these then.

 

Yes they do Kyle, I have a set sitting in the basement ready to go on this weekend.