dent in drive shaft?

[yellowxj]

How big a deal is a little dent in the rear drive shaft? felt the vibs coming home from the trail the other day...is it going to twist up when I torque it? I'm heading out again on friday...I have an unbalance hacked together spare...I think I could make a better one between now and then...

[8Mud]

It will eventually wear out the transfer output seal and/or the bushing and can do the same with the pinion seal.

[Billfaceeee]

If the dent were to cause the shaft to become off balance you'd most likely eat up U-joint's and other bushing's in the drive train. If ran long enough it possibly could cause damage to the transfer case? If not correct me on that, I was wondering if a drive-line shop could counter balance a dented drive shaft? If so it would save you money versus buying a whole new one.

[yellowxj]

I made another one tonight...measured it every way I could to make sure it was as straight as I could...now I have 1 good spare and one questionable one...and one spare ujoint...thanks for the help guys :)

[BrettM]

i twisted up a driveshaft after some minor denting. it definitely significantly weakens it.