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| | | | Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 54 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 54 | Swapping a 350/350 combo into a 1954 3600 just wondering if i can get a long shaft trans or if i will have to get a short tail due to too much vibrations from the driveshaft. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | By all means check and see if you have a local driveline shop and ask for some advice. I worked part time for 5 years at Carolina Driveline and saw many wonders as Tom has been doing it for 30 plus years.
My personal opinion with your set up is yes you can run a one piece driveshaft and be fine.....but for info, what rear end are you running?
...and a good driveline shop can make shafts of several different materials/strength.
(you can google Carolina Driveline and call and speak with Tom or Steven. They ship shafts every day to all parts)
(measure twice, cut once)...and be sure to measure it correctly according to the shop your dealing with. Not all measure the same way! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 54 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 54 | Stock rear end so fairly certain its 4.56
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2016 Posts: 916 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2016 Posts: 916 | Did you truck originally come with a two piece driveshaft?
I have a '50 3600 with the two piece driveshaft and I had it converted to a single driveshaft when I installed a T5 tanny- it was no problem. 4" diameter tube. I don't think your driveshaft length would be any longer than mine...
But, I installed an updated rear axle and so I measured driveline angles and welded new spring perches... it is entirely possible that converting to a one piece driveshaft without changing the rear axle would require shims at the stock perches to get the driveline angle where it needs to be, since that angle will change with a one piece drive shaft.
~ Dave
1950 Chevrolet 3600 3/4-ton with 261 engine & T5 Transmission
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 54 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 54 | Yes my truck has the 2 piece driveshaft. I called the local transmission shop for a quote to rebuild a th350 and he said get the short shaft or the driveshaft might be too short and it will cause vibrations. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | If your rear end ratio is 4.56, jack one wheel to be sure, better get that resolved first, might want to change rear axle to get compatable with direct trans. first .
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,279 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,279 | What EdPruss said. You will not enjoy the 4.56 gear ratio with a 350 engine/350 transmission. They don't make gas stations close enough together to keep that setup going down the road.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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