2 piece drive shaft conversion

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Jul 12, 2008 | 10:58 AM

gearhed1971

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From: Little Falls,New York

2 piece drive shaft conversion

I have a basically a '73 f100,but on a '72 frame.I have a 2 piece drive shaft and would like to change to a straight shaft.Does anyone have any tips for an easy conversion?

Jul 12, 2008 | 03:55 PM

gearhed1971

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From: Little Falls,New York

Also,I am running a 4 speed man.,with a 78 bronco rear end

Jul 12, 2008 | 04:37 PM

84-250

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From: Munroe falls, Ohio

The reason for two piece driveshafts is because the truck is too long for a single shaft or there is no slip yoke at the trans. If your trans has a fixed yoke you're pretty much tied to the two piece. I dont know if there are any manual trans with a slip yoke instead of a fixed yoke.

Jul 12, 2008 | 07:08 PM

85e150

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Even if your two piece needs repair, stick with it. The driveshaft whip and vibrations you invite with a long shaft will make you wish you hadn't changed.

Jul 13, 2008 | 09:06 AM

gearhed1971

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From: Little Falls,New York

I see a lot of higher power trucks at pulls blow out what looks to be the front part of the shaft.How will that setup hold out when I add another 100+ hp?

Jul 13, 2008 | 09:09 AM

gearhed1971

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From: Little Falls,New York

Also my 77 with a three speed had a straight shaft,but different length to the rear end.No shake problems,but only a straight 6 300

Jul 14, 2008 | 01:48 AM

85e150

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Quote:

Originally Posted by gearhed1971

I see a lot of higher power trucks at pulls blow out what looks to be the front part of the shaft.How will that setup hold out when I add another 100+ hp?

100 horse on top of what? Any stock motor? No problem.

You may or may not have whip/vibration issues. Since there does not appear to be anything to be gained by changing, why invite those issues and expenses?

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Jul 30, 2008 | 12:27 AM

79F1504X4a

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From: Mattawa Northern Ontario

2-piece driveshafts reduce stress on the universal joints.

When the angle between the transmission and rear axle is too severe, a two-piece shaft cuts down on the flexing/stress on the u-joints, ergo, less u-joint stress and failure. As a previous poster sugessted, stick with the 2-piece. Manufacturers are cheap, if they could get by with a single shaft, no center-hanger, and one less u-joint, they woulda done it.