Drive shaft pic

[Duran]

Why is there a gap of clean metal between the u joimts and the drive shaft in the trans

Is this the norm

 

[Richard320]

That short piece is called a slip yoke, and it's made to slide in and out a little. When the rear suspension is compressed, the driveshaft pushes it in. When the rear axle drops, the driveshaft pulls out. If you lift the truck too much, you need a longer driveshaft or the slip yoke can pull out at the wrong time.

 

[Duran]

The more you know. Thanks for the info. Very helpful