Lift System Parts
Starcraft Drive Shaft (83+ Rear Winch)
SKU: PA-GOSHSTAR DS
$71.40
Part details
Winch Drive Shaft for Starcraft Lift Systems (1983–1999)
This is the replacement Drive Shaft for the rear-mounted winch system found on Starcraft pop-up campers manufactured from 1983 through 1999. This shaft is a critical mechanical link that transmits the rotational force from your crank handle directly into the winch's internal gear assembly to raise and lower the roof.
Because this shaft handles the initial torque of the lift process, it is a common point of wear. Over time, the pin holes can become wallowed out, or the shaft itself can become twisted or bent under the heavy load of the roof. If your crank handle spins without engaging the winch, or if there is excessive "slop" in the handle connection, replacing this drive shaft is necessary to restore a positive, reliable connection.
Product Features & Specifications
- Precision Fit: Engineered specifically for the Starcraft-proprietary rear-mounted winch.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Made from high-strength steel to withstand repeated cranking cycles and high torque.
- Direct Replacement: Restores the connection between the crank handle and the winch gears.
- Compatibility: Fits most Starcraft models from 1983 to 1999 with the rear-winch configuration.
- Model Number: PA-STAR0205-5003
Identification Tip: This shaft is designed for systems where the winch is located at the rear of the camper. Before ordering, please verify that your winch matches the 1983–1999 Starcraft design and that your drive shaft requires the specific pin-hole configuration found on this model.
Installation: Replacing a Winch Cable (1983–2000 System)
Safety: Release the dolly-wheel jack clamp and lower the camper front to gain clearance at the back before starting.
- Era check: this procedure is for the 1983–2000 system — a winch with FOUR cables and turnbuckles. If your Starcraft has a tongue-mounted winch with ONE cable to a 4-way yoke, use the 1982-and-older guide instead.
- Backwind the winch until all tension is removed and no cable is wrapped on the drum.
- Loosen the drive-shaft retaining collar set screw and slide the shaft left until it clears the main-beam bushing (file off any burr).
- Remove the two rear winch-plate bolts to drop the plate for access (remove the front bolts too if needed).
- Remove the set screw holding the ball end of the old cable in the drum; disconnect the turnbuckle and eyebolt without twisting the cables; thread the old cable out.
- Thread the new cable in place and fasten the ball end in the drum with the allen set screw — use 242 Loc-Tite and leave 1/16" of thread showing outside the drum.
- Refasten the winch plate (torque the four bolts to 11 ft/lbs); slide the shaft over until the gears mesh, leaving 1/32" of end play; lock the retaining collar.
- Screw the eyebolt into the turnbuckle until 2–3 threads show on the inside. Do not twist or cross the cables. Do not tighten the jamb nut yet.
- Adjust the roof height following the Winch section of the guide, then tighten the jamb nuts.
Full guide with diagrams, maintenance tips, and troubleshooting: Starcraft 1985–2000 Guide.
Listed fitments (1)
Check your model, lift system and cable position against these listings and the part details.