Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

The drive shaft came from Fast Shafts in Des Moines, IA. They also provided the differential center section for this build and our 56 Chevy. Pat, the owner, builds a lot of these for the dirt track racers and really knows his business. If you call, it is likely Pat will answer the phone and help them out.

He sent me a 3" steel shaft with 1350 joints and clear coated finish. It is a nice piece and Pat's prices are reasonable for a custom made shaft.

The last picture I pulled the snap ring out for checking the front working angle.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

big ticket items getting checked off, exhaust and DS, getting close. But oh boy does interior stuff take forevvvveeeerrr. I'll have to look into those DShafts.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

I wanted to check the front u-joint working angle before I started roughing in the exhaust in case I needed to move the transmission up or down.

The way I check working angles is to use the u-joint bearing caps as they are parallel to the centerline of the transmission output shaft as well as the drive shaft.

First pic I am making sure the u-joint is straight up and down. When the digital meter gets close to zero the bearing cap is pretty close to flat of the earth. I do this every time I check the angle as shown in second picture.

Second picture this is angle of the centerline of the drive shaft 0.65 degrees.

Third picture is the angle of the centerline of the transmission output shaft 3.60 degrees.

Subtract the two measurements and you get a 2.95 degree working angle. Typically 3.0 or less is acceptable.

If you look at the transmission and drive shaft from the side and imagine their center lines connecting, that is the working angle. Think of these centerlines connecting as making a mild v (holding water) or a mild roof shape (upside down V shedding water).

The trainers / classes I had taught me we want the front working angle to shed water. In this case it is holding water. The rear of the transmission needs to come up several degrees, 3, 2, 1, 0, then 1, 2 as it swings through the arc.

Or the rear of the propshaft needs to go down by tipping the rear differential forward, tipping the pinion down. Probably a little of both.

Right now, I just wanted to see if the front working angle was in the ball park and it is not bad for an eyeball guess. If I tip the rear of the transmission up, the exhaust downpipe of the right side will be pointing at the transmission crossmember.

Another solution to move the rear of the transmission up is to move the crossmember up too. Since I am not happy with this crossmember set up, I ordered one with a 6 inch drop that will be able to attach to the side of the frame. Once that comes in I will dial in both front and rear working angles.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Before I can start on front of the exhaust system, I need to replace the transmission crossmember then dial in the front and rear propshaft working angles.

So I moved to the exit end and started on the through the running board exit. The first exhaust tips (on the left side of picture 1) were perfect for depth though wouldn't work for the exit I want behind the back running board bracket.

The tips on the right had the exhaust set off to one side which was perfect to fit between the running board bracket and four link bracket on the outside of the frame.

Since the side of the running board was now cut out on the side, I followed the lead of oldnslow and Marc in the way they did theirs. Basically I built a box from 3/16 flat steel to provide an attachment for the exhaust tip and add back in some rigidity to the board.

Though I didn't get it finished today, this is the direction it is going. Yeah, the tip is just a little below the bottom of the running board and I don't think the boards will lay flat when aired out.

Until I try it, drop the truck and probably put the squeeze on the exhaust tips.

More parts are on the way this week and hopefully I can finish up the exhaust exits next week end.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

very nice explanation on that. First I'v seen this method and I'v searched the subject a few times you could say. I usually shoot for a zero them out method. trans -3 and rear +3 for example. I know some guys have different methods with leaf springs vs link bars etc.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Nice parts Doug!
Great tutorial on how to measure the angles.

What kind of mufflers are you going to use?

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Yeah 99, the budget busters are coming along. And it seems everything on this build takes me forever. Still a ton on the to do list.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Thanks 99. And you are right the rear working angle, at ride height, needs to be the same as the front working angle, or at least within 0.5 degrees. This is the method I learned at GM tech class when I was a GM field engineer.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Thanks Kees! I am not sure on the mufflers yet. I don't want anything too loud and will see what will fit once the x pipe is mounted up. The 56 Chevy has Pypes mufflers and a good sound so maybe a set of those. The exhaust will probably take longer than the fuel tank mounting did. :)

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Looks great.

Love the exhaust coming out the running boards.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Coming along nicely!
Thanks for the write up on angles! I've booked marked for future reference.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Doug, nice work man...Jim

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Doug,

Thanks for the lesson on driveline angles. I wondered how I would accomplish this. Where can I get one of those meters?

Jeff

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Great progress Doug. After looking at all of this I feel pretty confident that I have a strangle hold on 3rd place...Not to jinx you.

The exhaust tips that I used on my 48 were like the pair on the left with center inlet.

Keep it up

Marc

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Thanks Coach! it would have been pretty tricky to route exhaust to the back so running boards should be good.

You are welcome Iowa, when I set the rear I will probably show that too. Usually this is done from the bottom with the body on though same principle applies.

Thanks Jim, I'm not talented like a lot of folks on here though I enjoy trying my best.

Old Jimmy you are welcome. That angle finder came from Amazon Amazon.com: Calculated Industries 7434 AccuMASTER...
Please be sure to use a socket (or big roller bearing) that is true on both sides or your angles will be off.

Thanks Marc, I might be good for third place as what I posted took all day Saturday. Blew off mowing the grass and wife will handle that this week...which is a blessing from the Lord. The exhaust tips I didn't use would have been better size wise. Oh well, more parts for the ever growing swap meet pile.

Guys, appreciate the words, encouragement and good natured chop busting. Helps keep me motivated as we all know how much time, effort and resources these builds take.

Next weekend hope to finish the through the running board exhaust tips and maybe get the new transmission crossmember in.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Every time I read on how to set up axles and ds I learn something new Thanks. Nice looking exhaust are you going to put in some kind of flex joint?

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Very welcome. Yes, SS flex joints are in the shop awaiting install, probably right on the exhaust tip. Good thought on that. Ordered some SS flanges and hangers from Paul Horton so sending some business to Canada. Met him several years ago at the street rod nationals in Louisville. Good guy.

Still have to get some 90's and mufflers.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Awesome work with the exhaust , love it.:metal:

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Cool exhaust. I really like the exit in the running board.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Thanks BC and 65! Hope the rest of the exhaust comes out ok...I think I have a plan, or at least a rough draft of an idea.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

RE: pinion angle finder - Anyone who has a smart phone there is an app (I think is free) called Tremec tool box.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

nice tutorial on angles! I always thought it was funny how your brain works, 4 degrees looks like a lot more than 4 degrees, and when you see a really steep hill and find out its less than 15 degrees, its hard to believe.

side exit is a cool idea too, I just realized the 91 donor in the driveway has a fancy boxed exhaust tip on it, maybe I will use it!

love the switch magnets, and how you drill then plug weld, I do that constantly, my favorite way to make a very solid weld to an existing flat surface

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Thanks NorCalGal, that is a pretty cool app! The side of my smart phone has control buttons making it difficult to get perfectly flat, though it is probably really close. I was trying it out here.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Thanks joedoh. Angles can be eye deceiving for sure!

The side exit hopefully is a better solution than dumping the exhaust in front of the rear axle and I am copying from Marc and oldnslow so I am following good leads.

Those magnet switches you found are really handy! Yeah, I got a lot of practice plug welding on the floor and it should work in this application.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Just a little more on the working angles of the drive shaft. I mentioned ideally the front working angle should be shedding water and the rear working angle holding water. They should both be less than 3 degrees and the front and rear working angles need to be within 0.5 degrees of each other. Ideally.

When a vehicle accelerates, the nose of the pinion wants to climb. If the driveline has been dialed in with the front working angle shedding water and the rear holding water, the climbing pinion isn't increasing the working angle beyond desired limits. In fact, the climbing pinion is reducing both working angles closer to zero.

Here is a drawing I put together of the front working angle to help me better visualize the angle shedding water or holding water. It has been 15 years since I did this, so I had to kick it around with a friend who was very good with driveline working angles.

I increased the measured angles x 10 just for my visualization.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Left side exhaust outlet done.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Right side too. Funny thing, it took me twice as long to do the second one. Measure, cut, weld, grind back out, measure twice, cut, weld....I think it was too nice out to focus.

So I didn't get through the to do list on Saturday....

Next Saturday headed to Hanover PA for the week to visit with daughter and family so shop time will be non-existent for awhile.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Umm it's supposed to be easier & faster the second time? I hate when that happens looking good though!

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

I think I'm gonna get the Texas run Next week... will you be back by Thursday (28th)? On my way back I would love to stop by and check out the build and shake your hand... can I pull a semi in your place?

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Drifters, I know right...second one mopped the floor with me a bit.

Possmguts, that would be way cool! Unfortunately we will still be on our trip. And plenty of room for a semi so maybe catch it on the next trip.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Nice looking exits Doug!
Have fun on your trip!!

Truck can wait ;);):lol:

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

AD,

Nice work on the installation of the exhaust tips in the running boards. I've been wanting to do the same thing on mine. Thanks for posting the pics!

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Thanks Mark. I think it would easier and cheaper to buy one done...and not as rewarding. I enjoy the challenge, problem solving and improving my skills. Oh yeah, and looking at the accomplishment which was darn little Saturday. :)

Thanks Kees! Yep, truck can wait, going on 22 years now.

Thank you Tikal. I am copying oldnslow and Youngrodder. Love how your hood came out!

Some shop time was possible Saturday because of my wife. She is awesome. Praise the Lord!

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Looks like you have a good lawn girl. Those lines are nice and straight...

Marc

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Exhaust tips turned out real nice, well worth the time. I agree build it don't buy it.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

Doug, looks like you buy Cindy good equipment to use...Jim

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

She is great Marc. And loves doing yard work, keeping the place looking nice!

Thanks Lower. They need some kind of blending in finishing surround to look really good. Building is more fun...and I like the end result better. Like your awesome truck...wow!

You have a Grasshopper? The good equipment tends to last. Like the Gator we bought used in 1997. Our kids learned to drive with it and now our Grandsons are too.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

There was some space left in the back of the shop and my friends / neighbors managed to fill it with one of their pieces of equipment.

Re: 48 Burb, bagged, 5.3, 20 year wait
 

This showed up this week. Maybe after a few hundred hours of practice I can weld my own exhaust...maybe.