dodge ram broken driveshaft, need advice on what to do?

[Nick]

Hi, I have a 2001 Dodge ram 1500 pick-up truck. it's a v6, 2wd, regular cab, long bed truck. recently my driveshaft broke in half while driving down the road. I was shocked in many ways because how could a shaft breaks that easily ? it literally broke in half !!! and that's not even all, the driveshaft is made of aluminum, so it's really not that strong. i couldn't believe my eyes when i see the inside of the shaft is made of cardboard or paper of some sort !!!! anyway, i think the driveshaft was broken before because it seems like he weld it back. i can see the line, i think that explains why my truck had that vibrating noise whenever i put it in gears. anyway, been having a hard time trying to find it at my local junkyard, they all say it's too new. my friend told me i could weld it back in but personally i don't think it's such a good idea since it will probably break again. i was also told i could probably order a custom made steel drive shaft for my truck. but i don't know how much it's gonna cost. my friend have the same truck but different year, a 1998 i believe, his drive shaft is made of steel not aluminum. anyone have any idea ? can i use a different year drive shaft ? any help would be appreciated. thanks to all.

 

[nyninchdick]

It shouldn't be too hard to find a wrecked 2001, there are lots of them out there. If you're getting answers like that at a wrecking yard, you need to find a true auto recycler, not just the local junk dealer. Most true recyclers have a network that they can locate the parts through even if they don't have them locally, and can also tell you what other years and models will fit your truck.
BTW - aluminum is not an inherently weak metal. 747 jets are made of aluminum, so are many heavy boats and ships. Steel can be just as prone to breakage, if not more so. Remember, a driveshaft is just a tube, and is meant to transfer torque, so as long as it is straight and has no side loading, it will take a tremendous amount of force. Don't try welding it yourself unless you have a lathe and experience in welding aluminum, as well as having a TIG welder.