My ‘55 F-100 has a T98 transmission. According to the catalog, it should have this driveshaft:


, which is the one I have. Problem is, it appears to be 2” or so too long. Is this the correct driveshaft? And if it is, could it be that I have my rear springs in backwards? Wheelbase is supposed to be 110”, but it’s actually closer to 109”. Thoughts?

 

I just glanced at the rear leaf springs in my 1956 F100, they are original, have been re-arched and the eyes reversed. But, the longer length is toward the back.

 

Check that the slip joint is not seized , does it move ?

 

It’s supposed to move? No - doesn’t budge. Best way of freeing it up?

 

Mine was also stuck on mine .
Just took some lube spray and some persistence to free it up .
Then I totally pulled it apart and give it a good clean and grease and put it back together with new cork seal .

 

Great! I’ll give it a shot tonight. Thanks a bunch!

 

Your leaf springs are in correctly. This is from one of the spring manufacturers. https://www.generalspringkc.com/prod...yABEgKtHvD_BwE

 

Well, it looks like I missed a few things in the catalog (again). There were 4 variations of this particular driveshaft. The ones used on ‘56 w/3-speed medium duty trannies were 61” long (B6C 4605-F), the ones used on ‘53-‘56 w/3-speed heavy duty trannies were 61-5/8” long (TAAA 4605-B). There were 2 different part numbers used for the 4-speed tranny - ‘53-‘55s (TAAA 4605-C) and ‘56 (B6C 4605-G), both were 58-27/32” long.

As my luck goes, the one I bought was for a 3-speed (61” long). My initial assessment of it being 2+” too long was correct... 2-5/32”, to be exact. Now I need to find someone to shorten it.

Thanks to all for the input - it was all helpful.