Bronco Nation

89 XLT Bronco needs a new driveshaft.

ccranger01
Nov 30, 2022

2022 Ford Bronco Outer Banks 4-Door "THE BEAST"

Nov 30, 2022

I have a 89 XLT that keeps busting driveshafts. I have been through 2 universal joints, 1 stock driveshaft and busted a transmission. I guess I want to know 2 things:

1) Has anyone seen or heard of this issue before?

2) How do I go about getting a heavy duty drive shaft machined for this truck?

I love this vehicle and it is still has my heart even though I have a new 2022 4 Door Outer Banks!

And thanks for all your help!
Last edited by a moderator: Nov 30, 2022

The Patriot

Nov 30, 2022

#1
Something ain't right as that should not be happening unless mods have been made that exceed the design specs of the driveline. I would take it to a quality place that specializes in Driveline repair and let them diagnose. Dealers and other repair facilities don't understand the driveline components and how they play together and tend to just start replacing parts. Find out what is really wrong and hopefully fix it once. Good luck!
2022 Wildtrak/Race Red/4 Door/MIC Hardtop/High/Lux+Leather/HD Modular Bumper/Towing.
Built AUG 2022//Delivered 24 SEP 22. Stablemates: 2021 F350, Velocity Blue, 7.3L Godzilla V8, 2009 White Sand, F150 Platinum 5.4L Triton V8
ccranger01

Rank V

Dec 01, 2022

#2
My first guess is something wrong in the rear suspension allowing excessive axle wrap when getting in the throttle. Look for busted or missing spring eye bushings, broken leaf springs, or most common, a cheap lift kit with tall lift blocks between the axle and stock rear springs.
7/14/20 Res, took delivery 4/7/22!!
A51 2 door Badlands, 2.7L, Sasquatch, Lux, MGV, MIC, Roof Rails, Tow
ccranger01, 14U

Rank V

Dec 01, 2022

#3
Mount a GoPro to the frame with a clear view of the pinion and hit some hard starts and stops to see what your pinion angle is doing. That will answer a lot of questions
7/14/20 Res, took delivery 4/7/22!!
A51 2 door Badlands, 2.7L, Sasquatch, Lux, MGV, MIC, Roof Rails, Tow
ccranger01, 14U

Gladesmen

Dec 01, 2022

#4
Welcome to the Nation.
One last option is if there was a large lift added that could put the drive shaft/shafts at a steep angle you might also look into clocking your transfer case to help with the angles. But I agree a good drive line shop should be able to help you with this issue.
Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery
ccranger01, 14U

Member 2541 Jerry

Dec 01, 2022

#5
I agree with all of the above.
Your U Joints are binding up somewhere at some time.

I had an issue with an old 65 mustang with the paper shell 3 speed.
The cluster gear shelled out due to lack of oil.
I found another,
Changed out the seal & it leaked
Slowly dripping about 1 drip every 30 min.
Changed to a more expensive seal ,
With the spring around it ,
And yet it still dripped.
I took it to multiple shops looking for what the problem was.
“NOTHING !”
Nobody could sort it out .
I just had to keep adding gear oil every so often.

One day I was was just staring at the car from a distance,
Frustrated / Pondering / Thinking…

F I N A L L Y. !!!
The fix ?
The original rear leaf springs !
Yep. !!!
Over time they had relaxed so much that the drivetrain was no longer at a proper level.
New springs back to a nice factory level and “No More Leaks”.
Just saying,
Ponder everything !
It could be anything.
Best of luck to you.
“ Let’s us know what you find is the culprit”.
2022 -2door Black Diamond
Mid Package
2.7. Velocity Blue.
ccranger01

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