Loud clanking from drive shaft. How to diagnose bad shaft?

[Konstantin Bogach]

Rex,  thank you for resonse and advice.  But, isn't diff lock supposed to
disengage above certain speed (5mph comes to memory)?

Konstantin.

Rex Pedersen wrote:

> I had something similar on my 87 5ksq when I rebulit it from a wreck. The
> driveshaft looked fine and would run fine on a hoist, but would clank like
> crazy under load. Turned out that the CV "cage" was cracked when the
> driveshaft was pushed back. At that time (1988) was a new driveshaft assy
> from Audi for about $1000.00. I had it taken apart and took the cage to an
> axle rebuilder. It was the same as something in a VW. It's been working for
> 150k miles and 13 years now. You will probably have to tear into the CVs to
> see what is wrong. Can't remember about the 89's but you can run the 87
> without the driveshaft. Just lock the diff and you have a front driver. Did
> this for a few weeks when I replaced the center bearing.
>
> Rex Pedersen
> Ludington, MI
> 90 V8Q
> 87 5ksq
> 86 5ks wagon
>
> Hi listers.
>
> Now it is drive shaft.  I think it is drive shaft.  Clanking comes and
> goes while I drive, always stops when coasting on neutral,  no
> dependency on whether I turn or go straight, louder and more distinct
> when I move slowly.  Shaft does not touch anything.
> Does it sound definitely like bad drive shaft?  Is it possible to
> diagnose CV and U-joint while shaft is on a car?
> Can someone recommend a good source for rebuild shaft or CV and
> U-joints?
>
> Thank you.
>
> Konstantin Bogach
> 200tq '89
> 200tqa '89