Shortened Driveshafts

[Linz]

Hi Guys

After a bit of searching I haven't really found an answer (if it's been covered I apologize) I have a 72 (longbox) and have recently done a 2/4 suspension drop. On my first drive since lowering it I managed to rip the welds from my hanger bearing hence the driveshaft dropping down. I managed to find a welder and tack it back up to make it home where it drove fine. I'm thinking this is just to much of a coincidence being it was fine before hand. So my question is do I need to shorten my driveshaft and if so how to go about it. It's a 2 piece so the front section or rear section or both?? I have an excellent driveshaft shop close perhaps they can advise. I was just curious if anyone else had run into the same problem. I bet I only need an inch or so shaved of. I'm thinking this is for sure the problem. Truck had factory heavy duty coils to start with so it was quite a drop.

[harpo231]

If shaft is out of phase , you'll need to get angles right above all

[harpo231]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idk3BVDVHq4

Good stuff on angles etc:

[Linz]

Im sure the driveshaft phasing is fine I have no driveshaft vibrations etc. When the hanger bearing dropped down I noticed a bad cross in the rear universal so I thought I'd replace it while I had the driveshaft out. But had a hard time getting the driveshaft out because it was so tight. So that's why I'm thinking it needs some of.

[tutone]

First off, you have a little wiggle room in the carrier brg mount. Unless for some unforseen reason that you don't, then slot the holes a dab. Your front shaft should have room to slide forward into the tail shaft another inch or so. There really is no need to shorten it . Do check your pinion angle to be on the safe side.

[Linz]

Ok sounds good guys I'll look into that!! I just feel the whole driveshaft is a bit tight you shouldn't have to pry it out of the back yoke to get it out right. Maybe it was just that center bearings time to go.

[leddzepp]

I have a 5/7 slam on one of my trucks. Pinion angle needed adjustment but driveshaft did not need to be shortened. I don’t think I know of anyone that has had to have a driveshaft shortened for a drop

[demian5]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I have a 5/7 slam on one of my trucks. Pinion angle needed adjustment but driveshaft did not need to be shortened. I don’t think I know of anyone that has had to have a driveshaft shortened for a drop

What wedge do you recommend for a 4-5" drop?