[Pilot028]

I own a 2008 Frontier 4x4 with a six inch lift kit. I was driving last night from Ga to Fl and my drive shaft snapped. What could have cause this?

 

[penski61]

im guessing you busted a u-joint because of your lift , you need to correct the driveline angle so you dont keep blowing out u-joints

 

[Pilot028]

The lift kit was installed by the local Nissan dealer before I bought it. The truck is still under factory warranty. What should I tell Nissan to avoid this in the future.

 

[Clint]

im guessing you busted a u-joint because of your lift , you need to correct the driveline angle so you dont keep blowing out u-joints

How do you do that?

Clint

 

[penski61]

you can either buy wedge shims to put in between the leaf springs and spring perch to rotate the front of the axle up , or cut all the brackets off the axle rotate the axle so the pinion is in line with the output on either the t-case or transmission then weld new brackets back on

shims obviously will be the easiest way

 

[Clint]

does changing the angle have any affect on the oil level and lubrication?

Clint

 

[penski61]

its only a minimum angle change , maybe 3-4* so it really wont have an affect on the lubrication

 

[Pilot028]

Thanks for the advise. I wonder what Nissan will do to it.

 

[Clint]

I imagine moving the brackets would be the better of the two methods.

Clint

 

[dubie2003]

Thanks for the advise. I wonder what Nissan will do to it.

What 6" lift kit did they use? I am not sure they are going to warranty the work at all. They may play the "warranty void" card and play dumb.

If they do anything, I would imagine they are going to just replace the Dshaft and call it a day. They will hope that you are out of warranty the next time it happens and then want to charge you.

Thinking about it, I am going to laugh a bit if they used a simple block lift. This will cause extreme axle wrap on our Frontier's.

I imagine moving the brackets would be the better of the two methods.

Clint

Moving the brackets will work but if you change out the lift in the future or do anything, it will have to be changed again. I would stick with the shim or tappered lift blocks if you have to use blocks and leave it like that for a bit.

 

[Pilot028]

They installed a Fabtech 6" lift kit. I've had problems with it before, but normally is popping sounds when I steer. I've never experienced a drive shaft failling at 65mph.