The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Drive Shaft Question

I plan on putting a T5 into my '54 3/4 ton (open drive line). Is there any disadvantage in replacing the two piece drive shaft& carrier bearing assembly with a single drive shaft? Why did GM use a 2 piece drive shaft in the first place?

Thanks in advance.

I do not see why you could not replace your 2 pc with a one piece shaft if the dimensions are right. In my opinion the primary reason for using the closed center front shaft was to be able to have a single transmission that could be used in either the 3100 or the 3600 series trucks. Certainly the length of the shaft must be considered but assuming it is 3" x .083 or larger and not over 55" weld/weld you should be OK. Properly built it doesn't require balancing either. If it needs to be longer than that then YES, a carrier bearing and rear shaft are necessary.

This would be a good question for a driveshaft shop. Depending on shaft diameters and material used there are maximum allowable lengths. If the shaft is too long it will begin to whip, kinda like a jump rope. If it is too severe, it will pull out of the trans, a failure I wouldn't want to experience. An interesting side note, the Lincoln MK8 was speed limited for this very problem. John

On a single piece shaft, the yoke slips in and out of the tailshaft housing. On the two piece, the shaft has a slip yoke built into the drive shaft because the trans has a solid yoke. If you're going to the T-5 that has an open tailshaft housing, you'll need a one piece drive shaft,
Scott

Thanks for the replys

Remember the old 62-64 Impalas that came with a 425HP 409 CID? They had 2 piece drive shafts. You can get the job done with a two piece. Try a poly center support bearing from Inland Empire Driveline http://www.iedls.com/home.html I run 400 hp through a 2 piece with no problems...