Driveshaft help

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Nov 5, 2005 | 04:18 AM

1968customcab

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Junior User

Joined: Oct 2005

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From: DESERT

Driveshaft help

Hi all,
I know you guys see this alot but i have a problem i think. I was recently under the truck and noticed that there is a nice sized separation betwwen the first driveshaft and the second one. The first one comes to a bearing and then has splines, well there is a decent gap between where the splines start and the second driveshaft starts. I was wondering if anybody new what the max space in there should be? This is a 1968 F100 LWB, and i just want to make sure that my driveshaft is not going to slip out of the splines. I hope this made enough sense for someone to help me out, thank you much in advance.

Nov 5, 2005 | 04:35 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

68 Welcome to FTE

The best truck show on the net.

One would think that a drive line that has been in place and working since 1968 and everything is still in place would continue for several more years.

John

Nov 5, 2005 | 10:06 AM

Chevy_Eater

Logistics Pro

Joined: Apr 2005

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In other words, if it ain't broke...

Nov 5, 2005 | 12:26 PM

dcbullet

5th Wheeling

Joined: Mar 2005

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Mine looks the same way... It needs some room to move back and forth as your truck flexes.

Nov 5, 2005 | 12:45 PM

"Beemer Nut"

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From: "Islander"

There's alot of spline inside the yoke, spline stick out is normal to allow for rearend wrap up under acceleration. The bad thing is that 68 was the last year of 2" diameter front shaft, they went to 3" diameter 69 onward. I twisted the front shaft 1/16" behind the welds at both ends of the front shaft which will cause bad vibrations. If you locate a newer shaft (front and rear) change them out for the stronger shaft. I only have a 410 with auto and it twisted up the first week of motor transplant.

.....=o&o>.....

Nov 5, 2005 | 02:12 PM

1968customcab

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Junior User

Joined: Oct 2005

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From: DESERT

Thanks guys i appreciate it, i was just wondering because i was going to be lifting the rear end about 2 inches and i did not want the angle to be to great and the secondary driveshaft to slip out. But i am taking it as there is plenty in there and it will not slip out even with the lift? Thanks again, oh and what years could i use to replace the driveshaft with?

Nov 5, 2005 | 04:53 PM

"Beemer Nut"

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Joined: Dec 2003

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From: "Islander"

I replaced the twisted 68 shaft from a 71, I think (danger) up to 79 will fit.
If you have power steering it will be a Bendix box, a expensive POS that will forever be a leaker, get a later Ford box as well the left side motor perch and steering column as they are different.
.....=o&o>.....

Last edited by "Beemer Nut"; Nov 5, 2005 at 04:57 PM.