The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Attaching the driveshaft

Hey guys,
Please excuse my ignorance on this one. I just got a 52 half ton and the 4 spd muncie transmission was not hooked up to the driveshaft or what the book calls the prop shaft. I am missing a few parts to make the connection. I have what looks to be a half a yoke (c shaped) part on the 4 spd and my drive shaft is just a shaft with a grooved end. What am I missing to connect these and where can I find the parts. I have been online trying to source the parts and cant seem to find anything. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Brad

If you are able to post a couple photos that might help.

The original '52 half ton 4 speed transmission used an enclosed driveshaft. The rear of the transmission had a fitting for the ball that fit on the enclosed driveshaft to fit into. Inside the ball was the universal, which bolted to the transmission and the other end could slide on the splines of the driveshaft. The universal was splitable, having 4 small bolts and locks to allow it to be split when removing the transmission. The outer ball is retained by a ring that bolts to the rear of the transmission housing and uses a cork gasket between the ring and the ball for a seal to keep the oil in.
It is really hard to explain if you are not familiar with it....

John

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0712.htm

Try that link for a picture.... John

Could your truck be a 3/4 ton or maybe have a 3/4 ton transmission? Does this look like your parts?



http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0452.htm

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for parts try ebay,parts wanted section of forum, chevs of 40 list u-joints,or call Lester
others may have better suggestions for parts

It looks like I need a few parts.
Here is the link to a pic of the connection on the 4 speed.
https://plus.google.com/photos?banner=pwa&pid=5903934436626593442&oid=111375715088095999798

Here is the link for the pic to the drive shaft
https://plus.google.com/photos?banner=pwa&pid=5903934442741976690&oid=111375715088095999798

Now the tough part, trying to find the parts. If you have any idea of who has them please let me know.
Thanks,
Brad

Nice pictures DADS50

John

Brad,

I will say the three speed transmissions use a different universal than the 4 speed does.

John

I cannot view the photos, but, as John posted, the 1952 1/2 ton 3-speed u-joint assembly is different from the 4-speed u-joint assembly.

Yeah I got into the U-joint problem back in the mid 1980's. My '53 1/2t truck coughed up the universal. Don't know if the previous owner didn't put the locks on to keep the bolts tight or what, but it chewed up the universal and also scored up the ball....
At that time it seemed 4 speed 1/2 tons were few and far between around here. I ended up getting a universal out of a 3/4 ton Chevy with the enclosed front portion of the driveshaft. Took it to a local machine shop, they machined out the rear portion, machined out the back piece I had from a 3 speed u-joint for the 1/2 ton and welded it in the rear portion of the 4 speed universal. Works great, only thing there is no way to split it in the truck, you have to pull the rearend to take out the tranny....

John

Here is another link to pictures of what I have.
Here is a pic of the end of the 4 speed
http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/anssec66/media/IMG_0075_zps46f54655.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

and here is the pic of the drive shaft
http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/anssec66/media/IMG_0076_zps3b796369.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

This is all I have. Having a bit of trouble sourcing the parts.

You'll need the U-joint, ball collar and ball, the U-joint yoke that fits into the end of the driveshaft, and a gasket kit. Pictures in links above show all parts except gaskets. Most vendors that deal used parts can help you out. Seems that your posting in parts wanted has you on your way!

Looks like you have the correct front portion of the universal already on the transmission. You'll need the rear part of the universal, the bushings that go on the pins of the rear part of the universal and the retainers for the bushings and of course the 1/4" bolts that bolt it to the front piece.
Looks like the screw on collar slid back on the front part of driveshaft. You'll need the ball assembly, and retainer, along with the gaskets.
I believe the rear portion of a three speed universal from those year trucks will also work in that front portion of the universal on your 4 speed.....

John