The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop build yer own driveshaft?

Welp.....most of my posts on this site dont get too much in the way of replies, so i have high hopes for this one.

I put a v-8 and auto in my jimmy, i still need a driveshaft of the correct length. I ran one that was too short just around the yard and can quickly see that is a bad idea..ruined the seal.

What is to prevent me from cutting down a too long driveshaft to fit? I am a competent welder and engineeer/rigger...what is keeping me from doing it? Is there something magic about driveshaft tubes i dont know about? C'mon guys talk me out of it.....cause i know darn well I can do it.....but should I?

Should be no problem if you're a good welder.....but the thing's got to be balanced. I got mine shortened and balanced at a machine shop...it was only $50, money well spent in my opinion.

I had a driveshaft built and the shop told me they never balanced them, and have had no complaints. Mine was fine as is, but these guys turn out about 5 a day so I guess they have the touch.

Phasing of the drive shaft yokes is important, too. Do you have a jig or fixture to hold it straight? Good. luck.

I DID MINE BY PUTTING A LONGER ONE IN A PIECE OF ANGLE IRON TO ATTRACT THE HEAT AND KEEP IT STRAIGHT WELDED IT, GROUND IT DOWN AND PAINTED IT. AND HAVE BEEN USING IT FOUR A COUPLE OF YEARS NOW.

I FORGOT TO SAY CUT IT TO SIZE THEN -------

check with your local 4wd shop. They offten do custom drive shafts for the guys who put lift kits and what not on their trucks.

good luck

Go ahead and try it first. You might get lucky. I did.

It's pretty easy to cut the ends off and reweld. Use a chop saw and slowly cut around the yoke not cutting into the yoke. They have a flange that fits onto the tubing. The u-joint it self will compensate for any miss alignment as long as it's minimal. Joe

We had a guy in high school that was good at welding them. He never stretched one, always got one that was too long and cut it down. Made the cut near one end. I don't know what he used to align for welding, I would assume some angle for a big vee block setup. He also used a stick welder, home mig welders were unheard of then.

I would think the thing to do would be to find someone that had too many, get them and practice.