2-53-501 Splined Midship Tube Shaft 1.375×16 spline, Ø3.000 X .083 tube

Splined Midship Tube Shaft -- 2-53-501U

The midship tube shaft is the structural spine of a two-piece driveshaft assembly, transmitting torque between the front section and the rear section while being supported at its center by a carrier bearing. The 2-53-501U is a splined midship shaft. It is a direct replacement for deteriorated or damaged factory midship shafts on vehicles that originally came equipped with a two-piece driveshaft arrangement.

Technical Specifications

Function of the Midship Shaft in a Two-Piece Driveshaft

Two-piece driveshafts are used on long-wheelbase vehicles and trucks to avoid the resonance issues that arise when a single long tube rotates at high RPM. The midship tube shaft runs from the transmission slip yoke area to the carrier bearing location, where it connects through a second u-joint to the rear shaft section. The splined connection allows the two sections to separate for service without removing the entire driveline assembly. Spline condition is critical -- worn splines introduce backlash that causes clunking on engagement and disengagement.

Service and Replacement Notes

• Inspect carrier bearing condition whenever replacing the midship shaft -- a worn bearing causes vibration regardless of shaft quality
• Clean and inspect splines on mating components before assembling the new shaft
• Apply thin film of assembly lube to splines -- dry splines wear faster and can gall under vibration
• Mark the rotational orientation of the shaft relative to the rear section before disassembly to preserve the original phasing
• Torque u-joint retaining hardware to specification after installation

Universal Driveshafts stocks midship shaft components for fast fulfillment. The 2-53-501U ships ready to install with no secondary machining required for standard applications.