driveshaft question
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Posting Guru
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driveshaft question
I'm BA-A-A-A-CK!!!!
Been REALLY busy for the past month, to the point where I actually didn't even log in for the past week or two.
Missed you guys!
Anyway -
In the little time I've had lately, I did manage to pull the engine, tranny and ENTIRE wiring harness from my donor truck (90 F150).
Here's my question -
I also pulled the the really spiffy aluminum driveshaft from the donor. Sure I realize I'll have to have it shortened when/if I ever get to the point that the drivetrain is installed in Euphemia, but the rear U-joint in the driveshaft is a wee bit too large for the rear end I'm using. So! Can you buy U-joints that have one half a different size than the other. That is - the two cups that bolt into the rear end are a different size than the two cups that bolt into the driveshaft?
The other alternativea are;
1. when the driveshaft is shortened, try to have a new coupler welded into the end of the driveshaft that fits the rear end I'm using.
2. throw the spiffy aluminum drvieshaft into the back of the donor truck before the wrecking yard comes to haul it away in the next few days and find another driveshaft...
Thanks,
Been REALLY busy for the past month, to the point where I actually didn't even log in for the past week or two.
Missed you guys!
Anyway -
In the little time I've had lately, I did manage to pull the engine, tranny and ENTIRE wiring harness from my donor truck (90 F150).
Here's my question -
I also pulled the the really spiffy aluminum driveshaft from the donor. Sure I realize I'll have to have it shortened when/if I ever get to the point that the drivetrain is installed in Euphemia, but the rear U-joint in the driveshaft is a wee bit too large for the rear end I'm using. So! Can you buy U-joints that have one half a different size than the other. That is - the two cups that bolt into the rear end are a different size than the two cups that bolt into the driveshaft?
The other alternativea are;
1. when the driveshaft is shortened, try to have a new coupler welded into the end of the driveshaft that fits the rear end I'm using.
2. throw the spiffy aluminum drvieshaft into the back of the donor truck before the wrecking yard comes to haul it away in the next few days and find another driveshaft...
Thanks,
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,779
Likes: 557
From: Kalispell, MT
driveshaft question
"So! Can you buy U-joints that have one half a different size than the other. That is - the two cups that bolt into the rear end are a different size than the two cups that bolt into the driveshaft?"
Hi Ferggie! Short answer - yes. Go to your best auto parts place with the sizes you need see if they can find a u-joint that will work. Best on a quiet day when they're looking for something to do.
You missed this bunch?? - now I'm really starting to worry about you!
Sounds like you had a good couple of weeks on the project. Hang in there.
Hi Ferggie! Short answer - yes. Go to your best auto parts place with the sizes you need see if they can find a u-joint that will work. Best on a quiet day when they're looking for something to do.
You missed this bunch?? - now I'm really starting to worry about you!
Sounds like you had a good couple of weeks on the project. Hang in there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
driveshaft question
RMF
We missed you. Done the hybrid U-joint trick a bunch of times. Best to pay the extra dollar and go to a more traditional parts store. You may get a confused look from the typical discount store guy. I don't think you'll have a problem. If you do, post the two different applications for the rear diff and shaft and we'll get you a P/N.
We missed you. Done the hybrid U-joint trick a bunch of times. Best to pay the extra dollar and go to a more traditional parts store. You may get a confused look from the typical discount store guy. I don't think you'll have a problem. If you do, post the two different applications for the rear diff and shaft and we'll get you a P/N.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: nor cal
driveshaft question
If you have to get the shaft shortened why not have them weld the matching end on while they're at it? it would make emergency u-joint replacement much easier by not having to search for "hybrid" parts. im not against them, just against the 2 day wait to special order when i want my instant gratification.
josh
josh
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
driveshaft question
I hear what your saying Josh but this part is not going to be that rare. Once armed with the correct Spicer or Dana P/N, it will not be difficult to procure locally and in stock. If Fergy happens to know somebody that is skilled at high strength welding of cast iron yokes to aluminum tubing, then go for it i guess.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
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From: Erie, pa
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 910
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
driveshaft question
I am not so sure those aluminum drive shafts can be shortened. They have carbord fitted inside of them so they keep their shape. The carbord may burn when they try to weld it I think it glued as well. But I could be wrong.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 486
Likes: 66
From: South Carolina
driveshaft question
I installed a rear axle frome a 97 Lincoln Town Car in my '55.
The aluminum driveshaft was from a 98 Crown Vic police car and I had it shortened and balanced($150) with no problems.
The u-joint and yoke fit up fine in this case.
The aluminum driveshaft was from a 98 Crown Vic police car and I had it shortened and balanced($150) with no problems.
The u-joint and yoke fit up fine in this case.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
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driveshaft question
MTFlat,
Actually, that was three days (and about 5 coffees per day)- 2 to pull the engine and tranny and 1 to pull the harness.
That's great that I'll be able to use the spiffy, lighter aluminum driveshaft. Should conserve upwards of 1 HP to the rear wheels and let's face it, runnin a 302 with SDI I'll need every trick in the book to avoid being passed by the wife's Neon.
Later,
Actually, that was three days (and about 5 coffees per day)- 2 to pull the engine and tranny and 1 to pull the harness.
That's great that I'll be able to use the spiffy, lighter aluminum driveshaft. Should conserve upwards of 1 HP to the rear wheels and let's face it, runnin a 302 with SDI I'll need every trick in the book to avoid being passed by the wife's Neon.
Later,
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,779
Likes: 557
From: Kalispell, MT
driveshaft question
I thot you were working on your truck all that time..........
Hey, it also sounds like you're letting the 'boo-birds' get to you about your choice of power plants. Stay strong!!!
I've run with the BIG block guys on long distance trips before and tho they can pass me like I'm standing still, I get to toot the horn and wave as I go by the gas station where they're takin' on another tank full - if you know what I mean..........
All seems to come out in the wash about the same. LOL
'course I haven't run against a neon - so you're on your own there - but if you're nice maybe your wife will let you win?
Hey, it also sounds like you're letting the 'boo-birds' get to you about your choice of power plants. Stay strong!!!
I've run with the BIG block guys on long distance trips before and tho they can pass me like I'm standing still, I get to toot the horn and wave as I go by the gas station where they're takin' on another tank full - if you know what I mean..........
All seems to come out in the wash about the same. LOL
'course I haven't run against a neon - so you're on your own there - but if you're nice maybe your wife will let you win?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
driveshaft question
"Hey, it also sounds like you're letting the 'boo-birds' get to you about your choice of power plants."
No Tim, he just told us how sorry 302s were for so long that he convinced himself instead. An injected 302 will run just fine with the correct gears. Hey, I wonder if you can run a 2 inch PVC pipe for a driveshaft with a Speed Density 302. Probably save another 20 pounds.
No Tim, he just told us how sorry 302s were for so long that he convinced himself instead. An injected 302 will run just fine with the correct gears. Hey, I wonder if you can run a 2 inch PVC pipe for a driveshaft with a Speed Density 302. Probably save another 20 pounds.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,779
Likes: 557
From: Kalispell, MT
driveshaft question
"Hey, I wonder if you can run a 2 inch PVC pipe for a driveshaft with a Speed Density 302. Probably save another 20 pounds."
Great idea!! A side benefit would be reduced axle wrap from the torque.....and how 'bout using helium in the tires instead of air. That should make it really light on it's feet, not? Then he could brag how he was really 'flying' along out there - er, would you need permission from FAA for this?
Great idea!! A side benefit would be reduced axle wrap from the torque.....and how 'bout using helium in the tires instead of air. That should make it really light on it's feet, not? Then he could brag how he was really 'flying' along out there - er, would you need permission from FAA for this?
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
driveshaft question
I know it's not PVC, but I saw an ad for a carbon fiber driveshaft a week or two ago. Probably old news for you experts, but I thought it was a bit exotic, unless you are on a big bucks racing circuit. On the other hand, what do I know.