I need to shorten my driveshaft due to switching my8.2" to an 8.5" rear end. I brought my driveshaft in to get shortened and the guy told me that my front yoke is worn down where it rides in a bushing, I agree that it is worn a little. He thinks I should replace the yoke and get the brass bushing that holds the yoke in place replaced. Does anyone know how to replace this bushing? It sound like it will be located in the tailshaft assembly. Any ideas? Thanks Tim
What transmission do you have? Go to the local transmission supply(not AAMCO, here it is either Lester's Gear or OTS-Oklahoma Transmission Supply) all the transmission rebuild shops and most dealerships get the part from them. Get the tailshaft bushing and a tail housing gasket or o-ring and a new rear seal. Those bushings can be driven in or out with a hammer and drift. I use an arbor press and large sockets. Some advise to place the new bushing on top of the old one to use to press in/out. I would get the bushing, then go to a pawn shop and find a cheap big socket that is the same size O.D. as the bushing to drive it in with. Or, a little larger one, and chuck it up in the lathe and turn it down so it fits loose inside the bushing, but has and edge to fit against the bushing to press or drive it into place. It helps to put a little oil or automatic trans fluid on the bushing or in the case when you go to press it in. 350, 700R4, & 400TH have removable tail housings, the 200R4 does not, you may rent that tool from the said transmission supply place. Same type of deal for the sticks(M-20, M-21, T-10). You might try scoring another drive shaft or yoke or all of the above from a salvage, the 4L60 / 700R4 from later odel GM cars, trucks and vans uses the 350/M-21 style yoke. Save your drive shaft and cut up a new one for length and have a new yoke(as in not 30 years old). Let me know if you need anything else.
I have the Muncie M21, I did get a used yoke but it won't go on my tailshaft more than 1 1/2". It must be hitting the bad bushing????? It sounds like I just need to remove the tailshaft housing, I think I might bring it to a good trans shop and have them replace the bushing for me. Thanks for your help. Tim
Tim,K-D tools makes a bushing removal and install tool @150$$.Removing the tail on your trans will be tough.You have to remove the roll pin retaining reverse lever and pull lever out,this will disengage the reverse gear,when you remove the tail you will also probably drop the reverse idler in the main body as the shaft is usually stuck in the tail.Thus the beauty of the tool ,it removes and installs the bushing with nothing more than removing the driveshaft and output seal!!!Any good trans shop should have this tool and if the shop owner or manager are an enthusiest they'll charge @35-75$$ if not @150.hope I helped.Joe, Competition Transmission 708 418 5730 Lansing IL.
I just removed my Muncie M21, then unbolted the tail shaft housing. Took the housing to a recommended local transmission shop that specializes in gear boxes and manual transmissions. They replaced both the brass bushing ($10) and the rear oil seal ($5) for $5 labor. Thats a total of $20, and did this in 5 minutes while I waited.
