How much of the drive-shaft snout needs to be on the output shaft of the trans (car parked)? Both my cars look to be about 2.5 to 3 inches currently. Is 1.5 inches too little when the rear end winds up? I'm trying to decide whether to swap in a beefier drive shaft that I have that's about an inch too short, in my opinion...but what do I knowuzzled: .
From what I've been told having drive shafts made was that the yoke should be pushed all the way in, the pulled back 3/4 of an inch, so I think with a th400 that would have about 4 1/4 inches in the trans. with car level and weight on wheels. I figure that if the pinion angle and rear suspension is set up pretty good, the shaft probably would pull out a small amount. Gary G.
Actually... WHen the car is sitting level.. the drive shaft will be the farthest out.. With a 4 link suspension, the shaft moves IN when the suspension moves up or down. I can't answer about the length tho... I wouldn't think 1.5 would be a prob for a street motor... But anything built and I wouldn't trust it. Good luck
Thanks guys. I was more worried about the drive-shaft coming off the output shaft, but I didn't think about the reduced spline contact surface area! Looks like it's time for a longer "tube".
