I had two Giubos fail a number of years ago in my Alfa Milano. Each time it was near the top of the rpm range, in first or second gear before shifting to the next gear. I heard/felt a thump and saw rubber bouncing behind the car in my rear view mirror (I had a good idea what it was, knowing the design of the car, but looked in the mirror to make sure I hadn't run over something). Fortunately the design was such that the driveshaft didn't let go, I was able to drive to the shop just keeping the revs down. Vibration could be felt as the car started from a stop and got up to speed, so I drove carefully and pretty slowly (the car has a rear transaxle, so the driveshaft is between the engine and gearbox). They lasted about 40-50k miles, so we then made them a routine maintenance item. The design looked similar to the Ford Giubo shown in the link posted earlier here. On my other Alfa, we have since converted to an "upgraded" Giubo which is actually a Mercedes part. It is much higher quality, with more supporting plates and higher density rubber. Probably doesn't absorb as much vibration due to the higher durometer rubber, but it won't fail as it is made for a much heavier car and larger loads than the Alfa will put through it. Hopefully Ford can come up with a similar higher-spec design for the Transit.
Photos of the Mercedes part attached. (this is not for the Transit, just an example of a better design)
Photos of the Mercedes part attached. (this is not for the Transit, just an example of a better design)
