Thanks slowrunner, Im just going back through the posts to find solutions. The shimmy is getting worse. I might talk to Fabtech again or check their website to see if they offer a spacer now.

 

I just finished going through this issue with my truck. The driveshaft was too short, which destroyed the tailshaft bushing. That caused vibrations in the driveline which eventually destroyed my pinion bearings, and in the end, my ring and pinion. Very expensive fix if you wait too long.

My truck is a 4x4, so YMMV, but a new tailshaft housing (can't buy the bushing alone) was $250 and it came with a new rear seal and OSS.

I was told that because of the design of my driveshaft, it could not be lengthened. It was $300 for a new (longer) one.

Then I had to have my rearend rebuilt with a new R&P.

Get your driveshaft lenghtened ASAP, and replace that tailshaft bushing. You should also have your rearend checked out just to make sure.

 

Thanks jiggle for the info. I dont know if I put this in my original info, but I talked with Fabtech and they said I was AYYYYY OKKKKK!!! Said that I didnt need any bushing or spacer and thats why one wasnt supplied in the kit that I bought.

Talked with a technician. The guy said that he had the same truck as me. I figured this was a load of crap. I may be able to sue

 

AFAIK, they don't make a driveshaft spacer for the 97-03s. And FYI, my driveshaft was almost too short with the truck leveled. When I put on my 5" RCD, it was way too short. The new shaft had to be almost 1.5" longer to get it back how it should be.

As for Fabtech, I'd say they were outright lying to you. They say you don't need any driveshaft mods to install the kit. What they don't say is that driving around with a driveshaft that's an inch too short can screw up a lot of stuff thousands of miles down the road.

 

I just got a Fabtech 6" lift installed on my 2000, and the shop went ahead and ordered me a spacer without me even mentioning it. Don't know who he got it from.

 

I emailed them and got a response:

Give me a call to discuss in detail,
Thanks

Armen Mosikian
Tech Manager
Fabtech Motorsports
4331 Eucalyptus Ave
Chino, Ca. 91710
Ph. 909-597-7800
Ext. 2236
877-432-2832
Fax. 909-597-7185
amosikian@fabtechmotorsports.com
http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/


I think this was the same guy I talked to last time. Ill keep all informed.

 

If you have a chance, could you find out where he might have gotten this spacer?As well as the size?

 

sledman62- This is the shop. He is good about answering emails, just give him a day or 2.

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/

 

I emailed them:

Armen, I tried to call on Saturday due to being too busy during the week to call during business hours. I will try to call next week. Im still curious why I did not receive this part like this 2006 F-150 with only a 6" lift:




His response:
These spacers are not required for this lift, if added they will increase pinion angle. I have also had the seal go bad on my f-150, dealer told me the bushing was not available that only the complete tail shaft. I then contacted a buddy at a repair shop and got the bushing alone, solved my vibration and leaking. Fabtech is only open from mon-fri, give me a call.

Thanks



Armen Mosikian
Tech Manager
Fabtech Motorsports
4331 Eucalyptus Ave
Chino, Ca. 91710
Ph. 909-597-7800
Ext. 2236
877-432-2832
Fax. 909-597-7185
amosikian@fabtechmotorsports.com
http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/


Hunt&Fish, thanks for the info.

 

Hunt&Fish, what type of truck do you have and what type of lift did you buy?

 

It's a 2000 Flareside. I got a 6" Fabtech on it.

 

Hm. Wonder why they ordered a spacer for you but Fabtech says I dont need one. Maybe because mine is only 2-wheel drive. Thanks.

 

Just giving an update to my problems. I know everyone wants to hear them

I searched far and wide for a driveshaft spacer. No one that I can find sells them for a year 2000! I find some for F150's but it says that "this part will not fit 2000". What gives?!?!?!

I searched on eBay and found a guy selling spacers for Ford Mustangs. See link: eBay Link

I asked him if it would fit my truck and he asked if I had an 8.8 rear end. I have no idea. Does anyone know what rear end a 2000 F150 2WD Exrta Cab has?

 

Update, it was the tires this whole time. New tires, no shimmy whatsoever. I DID get a driveshaft spacer finally.