Auto shifter linkage & driveshaft?

[aurorable]

This has most likely been answered on here before, but still kinda new here. I'm getting ready to convert my 70 GMC to an auto column with a 350 turbo. My question is, do I have to find all the auto shifter linkage parts for our year trucks, or does 73 and later trucks have the same linkage? I think I read on here also that the 2 piece driveshafts length is the same with an auto or manual trans. Is that right? I'm also thinking on having a 1 piece driveshaft made and was wondering if anyone knows what length it would be? The 350 turbo is a short shaft, 12bolt leaf spring rear, LWB frame and 350 V8. Will any cutting of the center carrier bearing mount have to done for clearance, or will I have plenty of room for the driveshaft up and down movement?

Thanks, Steve

[purple gas]

well, I'm no expert. but I did the same thing last year. 1 st. The linkage is the same on many years of trucks into the 70's. I got all my parts at a wrecking yard. One thing that's a little different is the part that bolts to the frame for a shaft to slip into. I'm still running one doesn't bolt up exactly but it works. there are several differnt drive shaft lenghts. I got 3 differnt ones from a buddy and only one fit. ( not sure what tranny lenght I got, it came from a Van) If you go 1 piece I'm sure you have to do some cutting. When the experts wake up I'm sure they'll have more precise info for you.. Good luck

[jetfixr]

I had a one-peice driveshaft fabricated. It cost like $200, but it fit right in place of the old two peice unit like it belongs there. I didn't have to do any cutting, just removed the old carrier bearing. The guy at the driveline shop told me that if you use an existing driveline and it is just a tad too long, the spline can slam into the transmission case if go over a bump and the springs compress suddenly. I had actually never heard of it happening to anyone here, but it did seem to make since.

[kelsfine69]

Locar makes a nice shifter linkage ACA-1800. It works for all auto trans setups. Check it out on ther website

[aurorable]

Thanks for the help on this.............