I have been trying to figure out where the driveline vibration in my van is coming from. I was back at it again today with the help of my club member Tim. We got the van up on jack stands and started checking everything underneath.
Trans mount, ok
Universal joints, ok
Axle bearings, ok
Differential, ok (oil also ok)

Next we started the van and put in gear to let the wheels spin. No noise or grinding or vibrations or leaks coming from anywhere around the rear axle.
But when I looked down the driveshaft from the rear to the trans, I noticed a wobble. And then we let the shaft spin and looked at it from the side. We both could definitely see a wobble up near the yoke. So I'm concluding I have a bent driveshaft.

Does anybody know of a driveshaft shop here in NJ?
Should I try to have it repaired? (straightened & balanced)
Opinions on a junk yard replacement?
Source for a new or rebuilt replacement?

Thanks in advance.

just a thought did you get a good look at the yoke itself to make sure there were no cracks

Yeah, I did a good inspection. But there was no visible damage to any of the components. But you could sure see the shaft wobbling while it was spinning!

If you can swing it, go with a new shaft.

You may even be able to get an aluminum one made.

I'd say junkyard, its faster/cheaper than getting it rebalanced and straightened. Plus, you're doing your part of reusing pretty decent parts from a junked vehicle, just look out for the one's that have been front or rear ended. If money is no issue, get one made.

Every Van I have seen at a J/Y has had a bent drive shaft from the forklift used to pick it up.

Not that I have been to a lot of Junkyards though.

sucks you are so far away.I have a very good shop down here.

Sorry a salvage yard it the last place you want to go.
fork lifts used to lift these vans bend the hell out of the drive shafts.
scoring one from a good van some body is parting out might be another option

I an also having mine done before my next long road trip.

.......Wookee

Charlie... A bad U-joint can cause a wobble. Pry on it some with a big screwdriver. Jack up one wheel and have someone spin it back and forth by hand with the van in park while you watch each joint. You may be able to see/feel/pry some movement in the joint if it's bad. And last, just drop it and check the universals with it out. I mean, at that point you're going to have to take it out anyway.

Also I might have a shaft laying around. Post your length from center of the yoke to the other one. I'm sure someone will have one. (However since my earlier post, I realized I sold my aluminum shaft to Swimmster.)

id say have a new one made, its not that expensive and well worth it to save possible failure and beating the crap out of the bottom of your van.

I'd say you could have a busted U-joint.