Driveshaft...

[COACHMEASON]

I shortened my frame from long to short...I have my long bed two piece driveshaft...Will I be able to reuse this or I am going to find another driveshaft? What are my options?

Thanks

[Longhorn Man]

it's 12 inches too long now... since you cut 12 inches out of the middle of the frame.
You can have it shortened, or locate a SWB shaft or shafts.

[brad_man_72]

i would reuse trans yoke and weld yokes and have a one piece made if you can.

[Longhorn Man]

if going for a real low stance, 2 piece may be better. A 2 piece is truely a better set up, just takes quality parts to make it worth while.

[jholley]

Unfortunately I've got some experience in this area. As expressed above you can use your front and rear yokes and have a driveshaft custom made. It really isnt that expensive. I paid about $200 to have my driveshaft lengthened two inches. I know that sounds like a lot but really what I'm getting is a new shaft with my front and rear yokes welded to it and balanced.

[the lights]

I did what you did and I shortened my own drive shaft just took it out of the front that hooks up to the transmission. I split the weld to take out the yoke and shortened then re welded it is worth a shot. I thought it might vibrate at freeway speeds but nothing at all.

[brad_man_72]

Originally Posted by the lights

I did what you did and I shortened my own drive shaft just took it out of the front that hooks up to the transmission. I split the weld to take out the yoke and shortened then re welded it is worth a shot. I thought it might vibrate at freeway speeds but nothing at all.

after working in a driveshaft shop, i highly recommend not doing this yourself. while a diy job is great for getting your truck out of the field, you will be lucky to make a shaft that a pro can fix, most arrent that lucky, and end up spending more money than they were trying to save.
i have seen professional mechanics that couldnt properly install a ujoint if their life depended on it, much less try to weld in an end yoke straight enough to be useable.

[the lights]

I share your concern, it was supposed to be temporary so I could take it to the dmv to be inspectedt, but it worked so good I ended up just leaving it.

[brad_man_72]

a 2 piece is better but when working with 40 year old parts, buying a new slip, stub, and carrier bearing when you could just get a 1 piece shaft made doesnt make alot of sense to me