Samurai steering wobble - front propshaft/driveshaft

[Eltoon]

Hiya, tracked down my steering wobble to the front prop, ie I took it off and the wobble went away too. Definite play in the front uj, the back one seemed OK but there is a lot of movement in the join, the splined telescopic bit. I know I can replace the ujs but is there anything I can do regarding the splined section? Is play there normal and if not, do I need new prop shaft? Ta!

[Jordi]

There should be a coating on the splines, not sure if its teflon or something. If a prop hasn't been greased that wears off and gives terrible "slop" in the splines.

Not sure if it can be recoated? Or new / good second hand props.

[ScottieJ]

Has it not got freewheeling hubs fitted? if so and they are set to 'free' the front prop shouldn't be spinning to cause vibrations while driving on road in 2wd.

I presume that you aren't driving in 4wd on road?

As for the rear prop a little bit of play is ok in the splines but if it's really bad i would replace it.

[Eltoon]

Probably time for a new front prop shaft. No, it's not got freewheeling hubs and no, I'm not driving around in 4wd. The rear prop's ok, just the front one causing hassle.

[ScottieJ]

Ah i think Jordi and myself misread your post and thought you meant you had a failed UJ on the front prop and slop in the splines in the rear prop

I would try to find some freewheeling hubs as well

[Eltoon]

I can see how you might have thought that! Yes I was talking about the front and back UJs on the front propshaft...obviously
Freewheeling hubs sound like a good plan! Dammit, I bet they cost money....