2 piece front drive shaft loose

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Hunter79764

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2 things going on, first is that there is a cork "O-ring" under that screw on cap which keeps the inner and outer shafts centered and aligned, and also keeps the grease in. No one had ever greased mine either, and it did exactly like yours. The Spicer kit took care of mine just fine.
The second thing that may or may not be an issue (hence the driveshaft shop comments) is with a 4" lift, the shaft may be spending too much time extended too far, and the splines are shot.

I'd say if you just want it "not broken", get the cork and grease it up, and see what it feels like. Grease everything else too, if they didn't do that one, they probably didn't do the others either, and 1989 grease is a couple days past it's 'Sell By' date. If it's still floppy and worn feeling, get a shop to rework it for the right spline engagement, and probably use it as a chance to get all the U joints and Cardans etc updated as needed too.
 

Hunter79764

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For the record, the metal cap replacement that is included will require you to take the driveshaft off and remove the 2 halves, and that will allow you to clean and inspect the splines and reinstall everything appropriately.
If that cap is in decent shape and you are lazy like me, however, the new cork is split such that you can carefully install it after unthreading the old cap (still in place on the truck) and pulling the remains of the factory cork and grease out. Slip on the new cork with some fresh grease, then thread the old cap back on. It took me longer to clean the grease off my hands than it did to actually install the new cork seal.
 

Hunter79764

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On an 89, it shouldn't. Mine made a fast thunk when in 4wd, which is what tipped me off. Taking out of 4wd and locking the hubs confirmed it.
 

Chevydad

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Rebuild it, fairly easy if you have a shop press.
 

edgephoto

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The front shaft has a cordon joint which is a bit trickier but not too hard. The original joints are installed with a plastic type epoxy. Takes a bit of force to break free but with a decent press it should work.

The only thing you won't be able to do is lengthen it to fit your lifted truck and balance it.
 
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