axle swap - driveshaft length?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
axle swap - driveshaft length?
Preparing to swap a 8.8 into my 48 F-1. I'm aware of the bolt pattern difference and spring perches, etc. What I haven't nailed down, though, is the driveshaft length. Will I need to lengthen it? Add a longer yoke? I've read through the axle swap article and several threads and haven't been able to find this piece. Thanks!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 3
From: Morgan Hill, CA
You'll need a drive shaft with the original end for your transmission, and the flanged end from the 8.8. Did you happen to grab the drive shaft out of whatever vehicle you got the 8.8 from??
A good driveshaft shop can make up what you need. Find one in your area and call them. After you have the rear end installed, they'll want the measurement from the back fo the transmission to the yoke or flange on the rear end. With that measurement, and your original drive shaft, and the right end from the donor vehicle drive shaft, the shop can cut down the donor driveshaft and weld on the right yoke for the U-joints that you need. They'll also put new U-joints on and paint it....all from around $150.
If you don't have parts from the donor vehicle, take in the measurement, your old drive shaft, and information on what kind of rear end your have...even a pic with measurements. A good drive-line shop will have all of the different types of flanged ends for the new 8.8.
Dan
A good driveshaft shop can make up what you need. Find one in your area and call them. After you have the rear end installed, they'll want the measurement from the back fo the transmission to the yoke or flange on the rear end. With that measurement, and your original drive shaft, and the right end from the donor vehicle drive shaft, the shop can cut down the donor driveshaft and weld on the right yoke for the U-joints that you need. They'll also put new U-joints on and paint it....all from around $150.
If you don't have parts from the donor vehicle, take in the measurement, your old drive shaft, and information on what kind of rear end your have...even a pic with measurements. A good drive-line shop will have all of the different types of flanged ends for the new 8.8.
Dan
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
Thanks Dan. My brother is a mechanic and he just has a few 8.8s sitting around from other swaps, so no driveshaft. But he probably has a flange sitting around. That said, I assume there is some lengthening involved in addition to changing flanges, or should they be about the same?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 3
From: Morgan Hill, CA
It depend on what trans you're running. If you have the stock 3 or 4 speed the driveshaft has a slip joint to accommodate the change in length as the rear end travels up or down. If that's what you have, have the stock driveshaft modified.
If you have a modern auto trans that function is done by the yoke that slips into the tailshaft. So in this case you'd want to get an explorer driveshaft (or something like it) & have that modified. Either way, length will be close to stock.
If you have a modern auto trans that function is done by the yoke that slips into the tailshaft. So in this case you'd want to get an explorer driveshaft (or something like it) & have that modified. Either way, length will be close to stock.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
Yes, I have the original 4 speed. The whole drivetrain is about as close to original as you'll get - flathead, 4 speed, 4.27 rearend, etc. Looking to actually drive this thing above 40 MPH without the engine screaming.
And thanks again for the info... I'm still learning this stuff as I go along.
And thanks again for the info... I'm still learning this stuff as I go along.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tom92F150
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
3
Dec 17, 2004 07:23 PM
