extending driveshaft
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
extending driveshaft
i don't really know what forum to put this in so i will just put it inthis because i have heard it discussed when talking about puttin on a 6 inch lift. Is it absolutely nessecary to extend the driveshaft if putting a inch lift on a 95 f-150 reg cab shortbed. If it is how will i know if i need to do it. will i feel it when driving it.Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 14
From: West Cornwall, CT
extending driveshaft
A 6 inch lift might require extending the rear driveshaft depending on how the lift kit was made.
When you lift your F-150 the distance between the transfer case and the rear axle gets longer - this extra length causes the driveshaft's slip yoke to come out of the transfer case enough to compensate for the extra length. If the slip yoke is pulled too far out of the transfer case due to the lift, it might come out entirely at full suspension droop.
Most lift kits come with tapered shims that are installed between the spring pack and the axle. Some kits have the taper built into the lift blocks instead. This rotates the rear end upward and tends to lengthen the driveshaft.
Before you install the lift kit, measure the distance that your slip yoke is already extended from the tranfer case. Check that distance after the lift is installed. If the extension is more than an inch or two more, I'd check the amount of slip yoke extension you have at full suspension doop before doing much driving.
Lou Braun
When you lift your F-150 the distance between the transfer case and the rear axle gets longer - this extra length causes the driveshaft's slip yoke to come out of the transfer case enough to compensate for the extra length. If the slip yoke is pulled too far out of the transfer case due to the lift, it might come out entirely at full suspension droop.
Most lift kits come with tapered shims that are installed between the spring pack and the axle. Some kits have the taper built into the lift blocks instead. This rotates the rear end upward and tends to lengthen the driveshaft.
Before you install the lift kit, measure the distance that your slip yoke is already extended from the tranfer case. Check that distance after the lift is installed. If the extension is more than an inch or two more, I'd check the amount of slip yoke extension you have at full suspension doop before doing much driving.
Lou Braun
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 892
Likes: 3
From: Quinton NJ
what about shortening the drive shaft? I'm planning an engine tranny/swap and the setup is gonna be longer I know it (knowing my luck). well any way how would i go about shortening it when the time is ready?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
well you don't have to always extend with a 6 inch lift, i didn't and theres plenty of yoke left in, anyhow, if you need to shorten your drive shaft you cut the yoke out of one end, shorten the tube, reweld it, and have it balanced, the eaisiest thing to do is have a driveshaft shop do the whole thing.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
79FORDSWAMPER
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
May 28, 2010 12:26 AM
truckfreak69
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
5
Nov 2, 2002 06:14 AM
