AWD 97 Aerostar driveshaft

[brsvo]

I just bought the rear 97 AWD Aerostar aluminum driveshaft from a JY. I thought I would update from posts I've read saying you can bolt it right in! Its the same lenght from u joint to u joint but the rear flange is a larger bolt pattern. Maybe they got me the wrong shaft? Either way my stock one is good so I will transfer it when installing new universals. Also the front yoke is 1" shorter. The wear pattern on mine and the new one are to the same point and I've been advised the tailshaft bushing is only 2" long so it will be past that point so I think it will have enough support. The U joints are the same 1310 as stock so I am pleased with that. I found what they told me was 27 spline is missing one so its actualy considered 28 which is what we have stock. (they all are missing one but it still counts even though its not there) Looks like a good deal at $95 and new joints. Oh and its 9lbs lighter than stock!
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Bruce

[MikeFleming]

You should replace the tailhousing rear bushing and seal just as a matter of course. The bushing will require a special tool to R&R (which you can probably rent) while the seal is easy.

There's one spline tooth left out so you can install the yoke in less than a day - it's a very tight hydraulic seal without the empty slot.

[brsvo]

I wondered what the reasoning was behind that slot! I need to check if its straight too. Looks clean but looks can be decieving.