The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Drive Shaft Swap

'66 1/2 ton Panel. I want to get rid of my 2 piece drive shaft. Is there an application out there for a direct swap. I'd rather not cut & weld. Has anyone done this swap already?? Any issues with pinion angle??

Thanks,

Jim Sgrig

Automatic? I have done both a 64 & 69 shortbed 1/2 tons which use the same frame as your panel I believe. 69 used a TH400, had driveshaft built locally about $125, removed carrier mount, bolts right up. On the 64, it has 700r4, I used a shaft that "came out of 85 shortbed Silverado" although it was in the bed I am not sure that's what it came out of, as engine/trans/shaft was already removed. Brian

Brian,
I'm running a TH350. The trans mount bolts right up to the existing crossmember. The P.O. also installed a 1" block between the tail shaft & trans mount for proper pinion angle. I'm hoping to eliminate this "spacer".

Thanks,

Jim Sgrig

No spacer on either of the trucks I'm speaking of, pinion angle seems fine. I think trans mount spacers are neccessary if it is lowered considerably. Brian

I know people like to swap the two-piece for a single, but its a good idea to consider why you'd want to do it. Using a two-piece you can get your truck lower while maintaining the correct pininon angle and limiting the size of the driveshaft tunnel.

I know one guy who thinks a performance truck must have a one piece drive shaft. I disagree.

Looking under modern big trucks you often see two-piece drive shafts. If one of those can stand the stress applied to start out 80,000 pounds and more, then it seems the issue is getting the right parts in place and set up correctly.

You don't say why you want to change. What are you trying to accomplish?

I wish to eliminate the "launch shudder" I am experiencing.

JS

Launch Shudder? As in you're drag racing this panel?

Unless you're working it real hard I bet there are easier ways to solve the problem. Do you know why it shudders?

Since the turbo 350 was not stock I'd check the pinion angle, transmission mount, drive shaft length and balance. Center bearing and carrier.

Lots of things could cause the shudder, and unless the problem is the driveshaft itself or the center bearing that would be removed in the process changing to a one-piece won't solve the problem.