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Do I need to shorten my driveshaft? #1823447
05/10/15 02:26 PM
05/10/15 02:26 PM
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Ct
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gts1 Offline OP
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Went to install my driveshaft today & I only have about 1/2in of play before it bottoms out in the trans.Is this enough or do I need to have it shortened.If so how much.18 spline 4 speed Dana 60 if it matters.
Thanks

Re: Do I need to shorten my driveshaft? [Re: gts1] #1823465
05/10/15 02:52 PM
05/10/15 02:52 PM
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Mass
DAYCLONA Offline
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Generally 3/4" to 1" is the norm...IMHO 1/2" is really pushing it, should it bottom out on on suspension travel it may crack the tailshaft, is that 1/2" you have without the end seal boot/lip?

Last edited by DAYCLONA; 05/10/15 02:53 PM.
Re: Do I need to shorten my driveshaft? [Re: DAYCLONA] #1823519
05/10/15 04:45 PM
05/10/15 04:45 PM
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Lincoln Nebraska
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RapidRobert Offline
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me too I think 1/2" is pushing it exp with a stick. Very likely you could move the eng/trans forward a hair & shim the front rear spring shackles back a bit to gain enough (3/4" is good) WO having to redo the shaft


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Re: Do I need to shorten my driveshaft? [Re: RapidRobert] #1823687
05/10/15 09:30 PM
05/10/15 09:30 PM
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gts1 Offline OP
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Thanks for the replys,That 1/2in is with the end seal/boot installed.can't shime the rear spring hangers because the car has an inboard spring relocation kit installed.

Re: Do I need to shorten my driveshaft? [Re: gts1] #1823726
05/10/15 10:29 PM
05/10/15 10:29 PM
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RapidRobert Offline
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I was assuming it was the common flat aftermarket seal. With the one you have if you butt the shaft all the way forward do you have 1/2" or more than 1/2"?


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Re: Do I need to shorten my driveshaft? [Re: gts1] #1823785
05/10/15 11:12 PM
05/10/15 11:12 PM
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Florida
BDW Offline
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How does it look compared to this? As mentioned, if you have the long boot, you're ok.


Re: Do I need to shorten my driveshaft? [Re: gts1] #1823796
05/10/15 11:18 PM
05/10/15 11:18 PM
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1969ronnie Offline
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hi gts,is the full weight of car on suspension or on jackstands? ronnie

Re: Do I need to shorten my driveshaft? [Re: gts1] #1824372
05/11/15 07:10 PM
05/11/15 07:10 PM
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gts1 Offline OP
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Thanks guys,
I have the long boot like what's pictured above.
That's with the car sitting on all four wheels.
Think it will be OK?

Re: Do I need to shorten my driveshaft? [Re: gts1] #1824386
05/11/15 07:30 PM
05/11/15 07:30 PM
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Lincoln Nebraska
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RapidRobert Offline
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butt the shaft forward & see if you have 3/4-7/8" play cuz that is what those parts will enounter & if so you're good. iirc with that type you're already set but I would check unless someone chimes in that you are OK from the pic/descrip


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Re: Do I need to shorten my driveshaft? [Re: gts1] #1824691
05/12/15 12:31 AM
05/12/15 12:31 AM
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Hamilton, Ontario Canada
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Unless you have something extreme like a car sitting super high in the rear and driving it compresses things alot. Less than 1/2 will work.

When the front leaf spring is parallel with the rocker panels. This is just about as forward as the yoke will ever be. Now lift the car by the frame and allow the springs hang until the shock absorbers reach their limit. Not many circumstances will allow the yoke to go in further than that.

I had a leaf sprung Dodge truck. With grease smeared on the yoke. I drove it, raced it, power shifted it, towed a trailer with it and found 1/4" of travel witness by the grease line.


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