Last year I purchased a 2006 Ford 150 which came from Michigan. I noticed that the main drive shaft has rust on it and since I just purchased a new travel trailer which will weigh 7000lbs loaded to be towed by this truck, Iam concerned about the rust. Is my worry valid? Do I need to replace it?
I can remove it, sand blast it and paint it.
Any one from the north had a problem with rusty drive shafts?
Regards: Papa Odecam

 

chances are really good its just surface rust. the factory coating usually dont last long on the driveshafts. it wont be an issue, its normal for trucks in this area.

 

i just replaced mine, even had it powder coated, but not cause of the rust, its probably just surface rust, and since that drive shaft is probably 3rd generation recycled metal it rust pretty well, i would take it off sand blast it and re paint it if its really bad then replace it but i dont think there is much to worry about

 

Thanks: Mud Digger: I will take your suggestion. There is a shop near me
that can weld a new tube in it, if it looks to far gone after sand blasting.
Papaodecam

 

I had that problem, just scrapped off the surface and put black rustoleum on mine
Before

After

 

^ That's sharp!

Mine is rusted all to hell too...

 

Aluminum driveshaft FTW!

 

mine is a 2008 and when i bought it, the shaft was rusty and still is. it came from michigan also. i showed it to the service guys at the dealership and they said it isn't a problem.

 

I'm going to repaint mine when I get the time. I think it just looks way better.

 

Put the truck up on jack stands...put it in drive and get your self some sand paper and get that surface rust off...then just paint it with some rustoleum of your choice in color.

That is what I did with my old 03 FX4

 

had my driveshaft rebalanced once and the guy had it on his machine so he went ahead and sanded it then put some spray enamel on.

i think painted driveshafts just look good. especially when they are easier to see on lifted trucks.

 

Why put it in drive and waste gas and have a moving vehicle above your head, you have to sand it yourself no matter what

 

Yea...probably wasn't the smartest thing I did...but this was in my college days over 10 years ago. Not sure how much gas it waisted as it took less than 5 minutes to get the rust off, then of course I turned the truck off and painted the drive shaft with rustoleum.

If I had to do it now...since I have friends who have lifts, I would just take it to them and frame lift the truck up and not look for the fast route and do it all by man torque.