It's my understanding that the M226's got the stronger u-joints and the C200's got the weaker CV joints. Also only shortbed crewcab 4x4's and longbed kingcab 4x4's got a 1-piece driveshaft and every other configuration got 2-piece driveshafts.
You can replace the 2 piece with a one piece driveshaft (which is what I'll do when I lift my truck higher) however you would have to sidestep 2 issues. The crossmember that held the carrier bearing would have to be modified or removed cuz it would be in the way of a one-piece. Also there are limits to how long certain diameter steel driveshafts can span without deflection. Your driveshaft maker will have to specifics on that. But in general as the span (length) of a steel driveshaft increases the diameter of the pipe will also have to increase...and hence so will the weight of the driveshaft.
To overcome that issue, the better option is to get a large diameter aluminum driveshaft. It will resist deflection at the larger diameter and will be light as well. Only con there is price...but probably still somewhat competitive with the price of a new 2-piece.
You can replace the 2 piece with a one piece driveshaft (which is what I'll do when I lift my truck higher) however you would have to sidestep 2 issues. The crossmember that held the carrier bearing would have to be modified or removed cuz it would be in the way of a one-piece. Also there are limits to how long certain diameter steel driveshafts can span without deflection. Your driveshaft maker will have to specifics on that. But in general as the span (length) of a steel driveshaft increases the diameter of the pipe will also have to increase...and hence so will the weight of the driveshaft.
To overcome that issue, the better option is to get a large diameter aluminum driveshaft. It will resist deflection at the larger diameter and will be light as well. Only con there is price...but probably still somewhat competitive with the price of a new 2-piece.
