LWB driveshaft suggestions. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shawn57nomad · 03-26-2009, 03:23 AM

Hey guys and gals, Just wondering if anyone has a one piece drive shaft in their lwb 2wd truck. I would like to know if new is better or junkyard units rebuilt are okay too. If Junkyard shafts are okay what years of GM 2wd truck can I get one out of. I have sbc with a turbo 400 with a bolt on yoke if that helps any. All post would be greatly appreciated.

Andy4639 · 03-26-2009, 06:20 AM

I was told it want work well. I just had my spare two peice done. For what it's worth.

Bob 68327 · 03-26-2009, 10:43 PM

As far as I know gm never made a 1 piece shaft in a 2wd with a slip yoke built in it. You might measure some 4wd and see if they are long enough or change the tailshaft on your tranny and get a slip yoke . My 2cents , Bob

69chevytruckin · 03-27-2009, 12:10 AM

My friend has a 72 GMC with a one-piece. However when my dad called a good driveshaft shop in my area the master mechanic said it would not work to much lope.

Andy4639 · 03-27-2009, 08:24 AM

You would have to redo the support where the center bearing rides now. With the angle it would have to be cut from what I have been told.

shawn57nomad · 03-27-2009, 10:53 AM

Cool guys thanks 2 piece it is...KNock knock BOB need drive shaft setup i,m thinking when u get a chance. Thanks again.
How does the setup measure with a bolt on yoke?

brad_man_72 · 03-27-2009, 01:22 PM

at that lenth the diameter of tubing that would need to be used to not fail at a high speed creates clearance issues. save alot of time and trouble by sticking to a 2 piece.

Bob 68327 · 03-28-2009, 09:36 PM

Mine has been over 90mph and it fits in through the hole where the carrier bearing used to be . I had it made a driveshaft shop and it wasn't cheap . I'm glad everyone here say's it won't work . It makes me feel better that I made it work with no troubles . The biggest problem I see with Shawn's is the bolt on yoke . With that he needs to go back to the 2 piece set up . Bob

PHAT TONY · 03-29-2009, 12:18 AM

Machine shop here said they will make a shaft up to 78" long, that's 9 longer than needed.

shawn57nomad · 03-29-2009, 11:21 AM

Just measured the one pc in the garage and it is about 71" from joint to joint. the Diameter is about 3.5" is this going to be good enough for a shop to use for a one piece? Thanks guys.

adpostel · 03-29-2009, 03:42 PM

I'm running a 454 BBC with a TH400 Trans and have a one piece that was built at a local DS shop. It has the heavy duty greaseable U-joints and was fairly cheap to do. The measurement they will need is from the face of the output shaft on the trans to the flat portion of the yoke on the rear end, so that would be the first flat piece of steel you get to on the rear end yoke (just for clarification) Mine was 70.5 inches. The original bracket where the carrier bearing was will create issues fitting the one piece in. After hours of banging my head trying to get it to work, I finally took out the sawzall and just cut the bracket off. It went in like a glove after that. I don't know what the fuss is about, think about all the suburbans and trucks that had one piece shafts, why would the manufactuer put them in if they were unreliable. I'll take some pics of mine and post them up later today or tomorrow.

adpostel · 03-29-2009, 03:44 PM

Shawn, I don't think your one piece will work, go get the measurement that I just posted, that will give us a better idea. And I can tell you this, I had a th350 in mine before the 400 and i had to get one re-made, so i have a one piece for a lwb with a th350 trans in the garage.

Bob 68327 · 03-29-2009, 04:07 PM

Pics of mine as promised . After I took these I felt a little embarassed that I still need to cut the trailing arm mounts off

Here ya go . Bob

Longhorn Man · 03-29-2009, 09:23 PM

there are many many variables
One that bob's points out, is ride height. His shoots straight to the rear, not much suspention travel. I don't think anyone needs to explain what would happen if his rear axle were another 4 to 6 inches lower, and then was unloaded like going over rail road tracks.
Rear suspention type is another important one. Looking at bob's again, with a pipe of that diameter, if he had a coil spring rear, which moves side to side, the shaft can and would probably tag the cross member.
Drive shaft shop. Many who will build one over 60 inches, SHOULDN'T
As far as the measurement directions go... call your driveshaft place, the directions above are NOT the industry standard.
Expect to spend quite a bit of money to get one done properly... esp if you need a slip shaft in the one piece shaft.

jrdz2120 · 04-01-2009, 09:48 PM

I have gone to driveshaft king and stan owen co. out here in dallas, and both recommended I go to a one piece on my longbed since it has a 4/6 drop. 200 bucks using the same slipyolk. I gave my two piece one more try and no problems yet. The tubes were all out of balance and I had the carrier bearing welded around the edge and so far so good.

03-26-2009, 03:23 AM	#1
shawn57nomad Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Newton, IA Posts: 173	LWB driveshaft suggestions. Hey guys and gals, Just wondering if anyone has a one piece drive shaft in their lwb 2wd truck. I would like to know if new is better or junkyard units rebuilt are okay too. If Junkyard shafts are okay what years of GM 2wd truck can I get one out of. I have sbc with a turbo 400 with a bolt on yoke if that helps any. All post would be greatly appreciated. __________________ FAST cars don't make power to the front wheels, THEY LIFT 'EM!

03-26-2009, 06:20 AM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. I was told it want work well. I just had my spare two peice done. For what it's worth. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-26-2009, 10:43 PM	#3
Bob 68327 72 Chevelle Club Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Newton , Iowa Posts: 2,052	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. As far as I know gm never made a 1 piece shaft in a 2wd with a slip yoke built in it. You might measure some 4wd and see if they are long enough or change the tailshaft on your tranny and get a slip yoke . My 2cents , Bob __________________ I Have The Right To Remain Silent,But Lack The Ability 1972 Chevelle ... Mine 2006 Trailblazer... Hers 2002 Buick century ... Kids 2002 K1500 Z-71 EXT CAB ... Daily Driver 2005 Rockwood Roo ... For Camping 1974 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 84'' stroker

03-27-2009, 12:10 AM	#4
69chevytruckin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hanford Posts: 41	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. My friend has a 72 GMC with a one-piece. However when my dad called a good driveshaft shop in my area the master mechanic said it would not work to much lope. __________________ [Dont Trasem' Restorm

03-27-2009, 08:24 AM	#5
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. You would have to redo the support where the center bearing rides now. With the angle it would have to be cut from what I have been told. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-27-2009, 10:53 AM	#6
shawn57nomad Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Newton, IA Posts: 173	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. Cool guys thanks 2 piece it is...KNock knock BOB need drive shaft setup i,m thinking when u get a chance. Thanks again. How does the setup measure with a bolt on yoke? __________________ FAST cars don't make power to the front wheels, THEY LIFT 'EM!

03-27-2009, 01:22 PM	#7
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. at that lenth the diameter of tubing that would need to be used to not fail at a high speed creates clearance issues. save alot of time and trouble by sticking to a 2 piece. __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,

03-28-2009, 09:36 PM	#8
Bob 68327 72 Chevelle Club Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Newton , Iowa Posts: 2,052	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. Mine has been over 90mph and it fits in through the hole where the carrier bearing used to be . I had it made a driveshaft shop and it wasn't cheap . I'm glad everyone here say's it won't work . It makes me feel better that I made it work with no troubles . The biggest problem I see with Shawn's is the bolt on yoke . With that he needs to go back to the 2 piece set up . Bob __________________ I Have The Right To Remain Silent,But Lack The Ability 1972 Chevelle ... Mine 2006 Trailblazer... Hers 2002 Buick century ... Kids 2002 K1500 Z-71 EXT CAB ... Daily Driver 2005 Rockwood Roo ... For Camping 1974 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 84'' stroker

03-29-2009, 12:18 AM	#9
PHAT TONY Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Red Deer ab canada Posts: 1,250	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. Machine shop here said they will make a shaft up to 78" long, that's 9 longer than needed.

03-29-2009, 11:21 AM	#10
shawn57nomad Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Newton, IA Posts: 173	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. Just measured the one pc in the garage and it is about 71" from joint to joint. the Diameter is about 3.5" is this going to be good enough for a shop to use for a one piece? Thanks guys. __________________ FAST cars don't make power to the front wheels, THEY LIFT 'EM!

03-29-2009, 03:42 PM	#11
adpostel New Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 132	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. I'm running a 454 BBC with a TH400 Trans and have a one piece that was built at a local DS shop. It has the heavy duty greaseable U-joints and was fairly cheap to do. The measurement they will need is from the face of the output shaft on the trans to the flat portion of the yoke on the rear end, so that would be the first flat piece of steel you get to on the rear end yoke (just for clarification) Mine was 70.5 inches. The original bracket where the carrier bearing was will create issues fitting the one piece in. After hours of banging my head trying to get it to work, I finally took out the sawzall and just cut the bracket off. It went in like a glove after that. I don't know what the fuss is about, think about all the suburbans and trucks that had one piece shafts, why would the manufactuer put them in if they were unreliable. I'll take some pics of mine and post them up later today or tomorrow. __________________ 1968 C10 LWB Project 454/400 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2417713

03-29-2009, 03:44 PM	#12
adpostel New Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 132	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. Shawn, I don't think your one piece will work, go get the measurement that I just posted, that will give us a better idea. And I can tell you this, I had a th350 in mine before the 400 and i had to get one re-made, so i have a one piece for a lwb with a th350 trans in the garage. __________________ 1968 C10 LWB Project 454/400 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2417713 Last edited by adpostel; 03-29-2009 at 03:45 PM.

03-29-2009, 04:07 PM	#13
Bob 68327 72 Chevelle Club Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Newton , Iowa Posts: 2,052	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. Pics of mine as promised . After I took these I felt a little embarassed that I still need to cut the trailing arm mounts off Here ya go . Bob Attached Images __________________ I Have The Right To Remain Silent,But Lack The Ability 1972 Chevelle ... Mine 2006 Trailblazer... Hers 2002 Buick century ... Kids 2002 K1500 Z-71 EXT CAB ... Daily Driver 2005 Rockwood Roo ... For Camping 1974 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 84'' stroker

03-29-2009, 09:23 PM	#14
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. there are many many variables One that bob's points out, is ride height. His shoots straight to the rear, not much suspention travel. I don't think anyone needs to explain what would happen if his rear axle were another 4 to 6 inches lower, and then was unloaded like going over rail road tracks. Rear suspention type is another important one. Looking at bob's again, with a pipe of that diameter, if he had a coil spring rear, which moves side to side, the shaft can and would probably tag the cross member. Drive shaft shop. Many who will build one over 60 inches, SHOULDN'T As far as the measurement directions go... call your driveshaft place, the directions above are NOT the industry standard. Expect to spend quite a bit of money to get one done properly... esp if you need a slip shaft in the one piece shaft.

04-01-2009, 09:48 PM	#15
jrdz2120 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: dallas,tx Posts: 46	Re: LWB driveshaft suggestions. I have gone to driveshaft king and stan owen co. out here in dallas, and both recommended I go to a one piece on my longbed since it has a 4/6 drop. 200 bucks using the same slipyolk. I gave my two piece one more try and no problems yet. The tubes were all out of balance and I had the carrier bearing welded around the edge and so far so good.



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