Short versus long tail/drive shaft?

Discussion in 'Got gears?' started by 1970BUICK, Mar 13, 2005.

  1. 1970BUICK

    1970BUICK Member

    Here's my question.

    I have a 1970 Buick Skylark Custom.

    I'm swapping out the 350/T350 with a 455/T400 from a 1970 Buick Electra 225. The drive shaft. Will I need to have a custom one made? Can I use the original on the Skylark? What's the deal here?

    Thanks.
     
  2. 70lark

    70lark Well-Known Member

    You won't be able to use the long tail TH400 in the Skylark. Even if you shorten the drive shaft, the pinion angle will be all wrong. You'll need a short tail TH400 trans., or leave the TH350 in until you find one. It'll probably last longer than than you think if its still in good shape.
     
  3. Superpowers455

    Superpowers455 SUPERPOWERS455

    ...Thanks, Andy. I had no clue. I was seriously thinking of using a longtail TH400 this time around for my new '87 Regal455. I currently have the stock TH200-4R that came in the Regal... which will be replaced by a TH400 "short-tail" tranny. I posted a "GM 8.5-inche 10-bolt posi rear issue." Maybe you can help me.

    Thanks just the same. :laugh:
     
  4. buickgsman

    buickgsman Well-Known Member

    I had a 68 cutlass in High School and I had put a long shaft 400 in it and had a shortened driveshaft made. It worked fine, no problem at all. Think of it this way.. people are using that Gear Vendors OD unit which lengthens the trans quite a bit with no problems..

    so I say go for the long tail unit.

    Bob
     
  5. austingta

    austingta Well-Known Member

    You can get a short tailshaft for your THM400 from any 73-77 Grand Prix in the junkyard.

    Frank
     
  6. buickdav

    buickdav Kris' other half.

    HUH ???????? I have used several long tails in 3 different skylarks before. Pinion angle isn't fixed, it can be adjusted. Just my opinion on this but I drove and raced a 66 WITH a long tail shaft trans in it. But it was only driven for 5 years and raced for 3.
     
  7. austingta

    austingta Well-Known Member

  8. austingta

    austingta Well-Known Member

    Have you thought about keeping your 200-4R?

    It's funny-- people are converting to that all the time on this board, and paying big bux too...

    :laugh:
     
  9. 70lark

    70lark Well-Known Member

    Well, I guess I should have noted that my statement was not from experience with that swap, but from the advice given to me from many others here and elsewhere. I've personally never heard anyone recommend a long tail for a 70-72. Maybe the short tail crowd will chime in. Just the same, D/S length and pinion angle would just be more to worry about getting right with the swap, but thats just my opinion........
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2005
  10. Ray

    Ray Well-Known Member

    70lark

    well just my thought on it if you shorten driveshaft did anyone tell yah to get the damm thing balanced. why screw around taking a chance that you might have a vibration or some other crap when you can just use the 350 tranny and it will work fine. my 2 cents worth.as soon as you alter things you get problems. thanks ray
    ________
    100% FREE STREAMING XXX HOME VIDOS
     
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2011
  11. TF204

    TF204 Well-Known Member

    Something to consider if you go w/ the 455/t350, would be to get a one piece driveshaft made anyway. My driveshaft (original 350/t350 car) was a two piece unit w/ a rubber ring at the junction of the two pieces (to absorb vibrations?). The rubber was shot and it was suggested that I make it into a one piece to avoid any durability issues (from that 455 TORK!) So far so good.
    Good luck,
    Ed
     

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