12.9 should be phosphate treated and usually that's enough to keep rust to a minimum.

I have replaced the front driveshaft with the extended one from cobra on both m y 4.6is and 3.0i. I just moved the front diff forwards a bit, took no time at all and was super easy. I would honestly go with a new driveshaft from cobra transmission.

The same Russia spacer I ordered is in town too! Mine may arrive today! Delivery is fast considering current conditions. The expected date was 1/16! :rofl:

I thought about taking the diff off. Three bolts only but not easy to get to. At any rate, the cost of this solution is still slightly below the Cobra shaft (~30%) and I like the thought of recycling the parts that don't need exchanging.

Yes, mine said arrival 1/16 as well. I'm impressed that the tracking works.


Andrew - thx for that, I guess I will just spray some lithium grease on the bolts and call it a day.

After install. Lubrication throws off setting torque quite a lot.

The Russia federation spacer has arrived. Brace plate and shaft bolts arrived on the same day! :cool:

Excellent! I found my Russian spacer in the mailbox last night as well. The Allen drive bolts are at the post office a mile away, so hope to work on it tomorrow or Thursday.

Ordered new rear rotors as the current ones are looking a bit sad. So hope to get the rear brakes done at the same time as I install the spacer.

This morning my daughter had to pick up a document from UMD and we did another quick 24 mile round-trip with the E53. It is still a joy to drive, tight as drum at nearly 137k. :-)

:popcorn:

Sorry if I missed this. Is the 15mm spacer being utilized to avoid having to move the transfer case for installation of the shaft? Or is it for added engagement in the transfer case? Combination of both I suppose.

This thread should serve as a PSA. Everyone should take a look at their front driveshaft splines. Grease them if in good shape, replace or modify if not. Good chance to inspect/replace the guibo as well. Wonder if a spacer should be installed to increase OE shaft engagement if everything is good...

Yup! I was just thinking about this thread.

The spacer seems like a great idea as well as greasing the splines up!

The Autumn from hell....Front drive shaft splines let go!
 

I have 01. I bought a giubo and will look into can I add the spacer to mine too engage more teeth when I replace the giubo.

FYI: giubo is not gwee bow it's joo boh (named after the inventor).