Should a driveshaft with new u-joints be taken to a shop for balancing?

[MarcDeSoto]

I just put new u-joints in my driveshaft and have installed the driveshaft in my 48 DeSoto.  A friend thinks I should take the shaft in for balancing first.  I never had a problem with the driveshaft before.  Should I take it in now, or wait to see if there is vibration there?  

[Sniper]

I have never had a driveshaft balanced just because I changed the U joints.

[andyd]

Swapping in new uni joints will/should not result in needing a shaft balance.............although in theory shortening may require it to be done, depending on how its modified but new joints..nope...........andyd

[desoto1939]

Marc:  I know that youhave been working on the car for a long time. When the car was running and driveable did you get any vibrations from the driveshaft if you remember?

 

Yes you can install the shaft now and then when you get ready to drive the car you will find out if it out of round and need to be balanced.  You can then take it off the car and take it to a driveshaft specialist. But mark on each end and each flabe in red paint or some other color on the driveshaft ends and the trans end and the rearend section where they should match up again.  This is imkportant so that you are putting it back inthe same position.

 

Rich Hartung

[MarcDeSoto]

No, the driveshaft had no vibration the last time I drove it, which was 1980!