68 Ford Driveshaft
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68 Ford Driveshaft
I have a 1968 Ford F100 2wd Custom Cab. It has the original 360 in it and I have changed the original 3spd trany to a C6 auto, column etc. I'm having trouble finding a driveshaft for it. I assume that Ford did make these trucks with this engine and trans. combo. So I'm told anyway. I have located several driveshafts in my area, but I still need some advice here. What I did was pushed the slip yoke all the way into the trans and then measured from the center of the U-joint on the slip yoke back to the center of the U-joint on the pinion yoke. That measurement was 52 5/8". What I would like to know is how much travel should be allowed? Do I need a 52" driveshaft? Is 5/8" enough travel? Or should there be more like a 1 1/2" travel. Also, I dont have the truck at my disposal. I guess that I need to also measure the width of the yoke's so that I can find the correct U-joints, however I can't do that with ease. Do any of you happen to know the factory width of the pinion yoke or the correct size U-joints on these trucks. Mine has the original 9" rear in it and it's a 1/2 ton short bed. Any, and all help would be appreciated. Thanks, Bill
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Iowa
68 Ford Driveshaft
When I converted my '70 F100 to an auto, I just replaced the front shaft with the one that came with the tranny. The rear shaft stayed in the truck. I switched from the NP435 to a C6. I don't know if this bit of info will help or not...
Jason Kendrick
1970 F100 Custom 390/C6
1978 F150 Ranger Lariat Supercab 460/C6
Jason Kendrick
1970 F100 Custom 390/C6
1978 F150 Ranger Lariat Supercab 460/C6
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68 Ford Driveshaft
I've always pulled the slip yoke out one inch, than measured the length of shaft that was needed. Since the leaf springs don't really allow for alot of suspension travel, an inch is usually all you need
John,
GM writes my paycheck, but all I drive is FORDS
John,
GM writes my paycheck, but all I drive is FORDS
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68 Ford Driveshaft
Thanks alot guys. I really appreciate the help. I do believe that I have located a driveshaft. It is 52" and thanks to the forum here, it has made it easier. John, I have talked to alot of different people today and I have had alot of feedback and oppinions. I've heard "allow about 2" for travel" "allow 1 1/2" for travel" and I think that what you say about the leaf springs is very true. One inch will be perfect. Especially since we installed 3/4 ton springs in the truck. I re-measured once again to double check. I do believe that 52" will work just fine. Thanks again for the input.
Bill
Bill
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68 Ford Driveshaft
Jeff, If it's not too much hassle,I would really appreciate it very much!!!!!! I think I have the right measurement, but if you could tell me EXACTLY, that would be alot of valued information.
Thank you, Greg
Thank you, Greg
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68 Ford Driveshaft
no problem Ill measure it post it on here later tonite or tommorrw morning because Im at work now
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68 Ford Driveshaft
I put a c6 behind my '68's 360 last year. I had to shorten the shaft to 53 3/4", tip-to-tip.
Dan Blackwell
Dan Blackwell
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68 Ford Driveshaft
Dan, do you know what the measurement is from center-to-center of the U-joints? (center of the U-joint on the slip yoke to the center of the U-joint on the pinion yoke) If not, thats ok. I appreciate the help anyway. I guess that measurement depends of the length of the slip yoke as well.
Bill
Bill
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68 Ford Driveshaft
What transmission did you have in before the C6? I had a 4spd and the driveline that slipped out of it worked for my C6. It was a tight fit, but it did fit.
*jdbanks*
83 F150, 300-6, 4spd
-projects
67 SWB 360 auto
68 SWB 360 4spd
*jdbanks*
83 F150, 300-6, 4spd
-projects
67 SWB 360 auto
68 SWB 360 4spd
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68 Ford Driveshaft
>Dan, do you know what the
>measurement is from center-to-center of
>the U-joints?
It's a tough measurement to get precisely, but looks like about 52 3/8. Tip to u-joint center is less than 3/4 but more than 11/16 on another shaft I have in the garage which adds up about right. If you take it to a shop to get it reworked, they'll likely want to know how long you want it tip-to-tip.
>I guess that measurement depends of
>the length of the slip
>yoke as well.
I don't think so. I believe the yoke will bottom out on the end of the output shaft before the end of it hits anything inside the tranny.
DB
>measurement is from center-to-center of
>the U-joints?
It's a tough measurement to get precisely, but looks like about 52 3/8. Tip to u-joint center is less than 3/4 but more than 11/16 on another shaft I have in the garage which adds up about right. If you take it to a shop to get it reworked, they'll likely want to know how long you want it tip-to-tip.
>I guess that measurement depends of
>the length of the slip
>yoke as well.
I don't think so. I believe the yoke will bottom out on the end of the output shaft before the end of it hits anything inside the tranny.
DB
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68 Ford Driveshaft
I just went through a custom drive shaft build up on another ford. The '66 mustang. From a source who has been building driveshafts for 35 years, "Insert the slipyoke into the tailhousing until it bottoms out. Then pull it out 1". Take a measurement from the center of the front u-joint to the center of the rear u-joint. There is the drive shaft length."
But I was thinking, My brothers '68 has a two piece drive shaft in it. So does my '77. What is yours?
1977 F-100
300 I-6 / C-4 (soon to be AOD)
Offy C intake w/Edelbrock 500CFM
Hooker Ceramic coated headers w/duals, turbos, tips, and 02's
MSD6A w/Blaster Coil
Headlight relay system (Delanty style)
Overhead Mount FM-CD etc.
R-134 A/C system (I'm cool)
But I was thinking, My brothers '68 has a two piece drive shaft in it. So does my '77. What is yours?
1977 F-100
300 I-6 / C-4 (soon to be AOD)
Offy C intake w/Edelbrock 500CFM
Hooker Ceramic coated headers w/duals, turbos, tips, and 02's
MSD6A w/Blaster Coil
Headlight relay system (Delanty style)
Overhead Mount FM-CD etc.
R-134 A/C system (I'm cool)
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