Help please, dropped driveshaft

ClappedDmax

New member
Jul 10, 2023
4
0
1
St. Louis, Mo
IMG_0489.jpeg
Hello, I’m new to owning a DuramaxI, my truck is a 2004 GMC Sierra 2500hd lb7 with 390k. I need help/advice on what to do. I recently had a buddy install ujoints (duralast brand) because the gear clunk & vibration when driving. After install I drove 40mi. to St. Louis & on my way home, Im getting on ramp to highway going about 55mph. I hear clunk sound Immediately get over on should as I’m doing so I hear grinding sound which was my driveshaft sliding on the road. The u joint broke off at yoke. The yoke was still in place, i took off shaft called a tow. Next day I go by Spicer u joints I install myself as I’m putting shaft in I notice piece of metal hanging between transfer case & trans. Looks like where the meet the face plate (not sure if that’s correct term) got ripped/ shredded. Am I going to need a new transfer case or transmission? Can this be repaired? First 2 pictures are from the night this happened & rest are next afternoon.
 

Attachments

  • 71021788327__5A2D74DE-E61C-4278-A6A8-0DEAF3DC3B7E.jpeg
    71021788327__5A2D74DE-E61C-4278-A6A8-0DEAF3DC3B7E.jpeg
    419.5 KB · Views: 43
  • 71021790995__7229863F-AF09-47FB-811F-F82578759E58.jpeg
    71021790995__7229863F-AF09-47FB-811F-F82578759E58.jpeg
    380.9 KB · Views: 42
  • IMG_0343.jpeg
    IMG_0343.jpeg
    414.1 KB · Views: 41
  • IMG_0342.jpeg
    IMG_0342.jpeg
    436.9 KB · Views: 41
  • IMG_0341.jpeg
    IMG_0341.jpeg
    385 KB · Views: 41
  • IMG_0344.jpeg
    IMG_0344.jpeg
    347.3 KB · Views: 42

2004LB7

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2010
7,009
2,158
113
Norcal
First off, Welcome. Second ouch

You can get a new transmission tail housing. No need to replace the whole transmission. Looks like you might be ok on the transfer case too. Depending on the damage you might need to replace more then that. Kinda hard to tell from the pictures the full extent of the damage.

PS: you will need to pull the transmission and stand it up on the bell housing to replace the cracked extension. Check the play in the shafts on the transfer case
 
Last edited:

Nate’s Dmax

Active member
Dec 11, 2020
203
47
28
Yep looks like the extension/tail housing disintegrated when your shaft went. She wont drive as it is. Yes you will need to pull the transmission to stand it on end so you dont loose parts when doing the change. You can probably find a used one online or a salvage yard like Hicksville Auto Recyclers. Buying new you will need to get some other parts as well since who knows if them innards are good yet.It always pays to use quality parts.
 

Bdsankey

Vendor
Vendor/Sponsor
Feb 1, 2018
4,180
1,289
113
Larsen, Wisconsin
If you need an extension housing I have a few good used ones here. You have no choice now to at least pull the trans and put a good/complete extension housing on. As others have said the easiest way to do that is to stand the transmission up on the bellhousing as this will keep all the parts inside properly located when you take the extension housing off.

You may have some other damaged items but you will not know until you take it apart.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ClappedDmax

juddski88

Freedom Diesel
Jul 1, 2008
4,656
120
63
Chesterfield, Mass.
I'm not saying this can be done by anyone, but if you have a reliable piece of hoisting equipment capable of lifting the rear end of the truck about 6ft in the air while you replace the extension housing, it can be done without taking the trans out. Transgel helps too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: wydopenLb7

2004LB7

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2010
7,009
2,158
113
Norcal
I see a large hammer and some channel locks. Can probably do 90% of jobs with that 😅
 

Cougar281

Well-known member
Sep 11, 2006
1,809
253
83
St Louis, MO
Where more specifically around st Louis are you? Generally speaking, saying 'St Louis, MO' involves a pretty large area. I may be able to give you a hand depending on location...

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk
 

ClappedDmax

New member
Jul 10, 2023
4
0
1
St. Louis, Mo
Where more specifically around st Louis are you? Generally speaking, saying 'St Louis, MO' involves a pretty large area. I may be able to give you a hand depending on location...

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk

I’m on the Illinois side, Ofallon IL


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ClappedDmax

New member
Jul 10, 2023
4
0
1
St. Louis, Mo
If you need an extension housing I have a few good used ones here. You have no choice now to at least pull the trans and put a good/complete extension housing on. As others have said the easiest way to do that is to stand the transmission up on the bellhousing as this will keep all the parts inside properly located when you take the extension housing off.

You may have some other damaged items but you will not know until you take it apart.

Yeah I do need one, how much? Needing one asap


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ClappedDmax

New member
Jul 10, 2023
4
0
1
St. Louis, Mo
I sell them for $350 plus shipping but I do free shipping here on duramax diesels.

I can also get you the gaskets you'd need to swap it out etc.

Ok how do I go about ordering/paying? If I bought it today, how long do you think it will take to get to St. Louis Mo area?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk