One piece driveshaft - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dropthehammer · 06-18-2005, 06:05 AM

Hi, I have a 71 C-10 LWB, 350, 3spd (manual). Could anyone tell me if there is a one-piece drive shaft, that will bolt right in with no modifications? What year truck would this shaft be out of? Does anyone know the length? Where are the measurements taken from on the driveshaft? Does the one-piece shaft go through the crossmember? Whew, I think that covers it. Thanks

**special-K** · 06-18-2005, 08:21 AM

I don`t think there is any such thing except custom.I`m not sure it would clear the hole in the cross-member unless lowered.It`s close on a shortbed.What are you looking to gain from this?

dropthehammer · 06-18-2005, 10:33 AM

special-K, these carrier bearing drive shafts are new to me (I'm a converted 73-79 guy) , my concern is how these shafts hold up under rapid acceleration, and if they have any affect on how the rear-end hooks up under these same conditions. My truck is no power house, but I have in the past enjoyed taking my previous trucks to the track on grudge night. Thanks

Mongo · 06-18-2005, 11:11 AM

when I wanted to go to a one piece driveshaft on the 66 LWB I had I had three shops refuse to make a drive shaft that long. Was told that they were almost impossable to keep blanced and that they tend to bend or twist easily. I dont know if what they told me was tru or not.

**special-K** · 06-18-2005, 11:36 AM

Two-peice driveshafts can take it,don`t worry.You`ll be fine.

**68 Stepside** · 06-18-2005, 03:28 PM

I've also heard the same thing about long driveshafts, that they're hard to balance, and bend easily. I have heard of people taking a one-piece driveshaft out of large Ford vans and having them modified to fit, they're quite large in diameter. As far as a 2 piece driveshaft, they make a poly carrier bearing for them, that I would install if I were you. I've had 2 carrier bearing fly apart on me under heavy acceleration, one in my friends 75 3/4 ton chevy with a 454, and one in my 66 3/4 ton with a 250 and a 4 speed!!! (Broke it doing a burnout

) I believe member neonlarry knew of a source for the poly carrier bearings, and I'm sure others do as well.

Longhorn Man · 06-18-2005, 06:01 PM

I've seen stock replacement components hold up in a 12 second daily driver LWB 67 chevy...they are fine if built and maintained properly.

kelsfine69 · 06-18-2005, 06:52 PM

Where can I get one of those poly support bearings?????

cowboy33713 · 06-18-2005, 06:59 PM

Howdy;
I remembered seeing the Aluminum and Polyurethane Center (driveshaft) support in an article in the May 05 issue of CLASSIC TRUCKS magazine.Maker was listed as IEDLS. They didn't seem to think there was any problem with the two piece shaft.
Have not got around to doing the web search yet, but I hope this helps!
cowboy33713

mblackburnjr · 06-19-2005, 11:20 AM

Were the two-piece driveshafts used in shortbeds also? Both of mine are one piece, but they were 3 spds i converted.....just curious.

Longhorn Man · 06-19-2005, 12:00 PM

some SWB had one shaft, sopme had 2. Depends on the eng/tranny combo.

krue · 06-19-2005, 12:47 PM

My 350/350 combo came with two piece.

**Green Machine** · 06-19-2005, 02:23 PM

Some years (newer i think) have a larger diameter rear half. Thats what I have on my '70 LWB right now. Don't know if that is really any better, might be a little stronger, but takes same u-joint's.

**pjmoreland** · 06-19-2005, 02:36 PM

My 67 SWB came with a one-piece. It had a 250, 3-speed manual, and an overdrive unit.

redhead69 · 06-19-2005, 03:16 PM

mines a 2 pcs.. 69swb with a 307/ truck 4spd combo.

72MARIO · 06-19-2005, 05:53 PM

I had a 1 ton shaft cut to fit my SWB. The shop I delt with said he would not reccomend a 1 piece shaft over 60". Owr burb had a One piece and that was long.

**special-K** · 06-20-2005, 07:36 AM

On Shortys the 3spds had 1pc.Autos & 4spds had 2pc.Most people converting from 3spd(manual)to auto don`t go through the steps to add the 2pc.They either install the motor(if V8 swap)crammed against the firewall using the 6cyl mount holes and 3spd-1pc shaft or move forward to the V8 position and build(stretch)a driveshaft to fit.About 2 1/2",depends on stance.

Longhorn Man · 06-20-2005, 09:24 PM

To throw a stick ion the spokes here, my old 69 GMC had originally been equipped with a 305 V6 and a TH400, and had a one piece shaft. Later, when a small block was installed (in the small block location) and a short shaft Th350, a one piece shaft that was 4 ft 11 inch long was installed. (I think that number is right...been a while)

fastwillie 696969 · 06-21-2005, 02:09 AM

all this shaft talk making me want to go to my girlfriends house

**special-K** · 06-21-2005, 08:52 AM

V6/TH400/1pc.driveshaft,I didn`t know that.BTW,this was a shortbed?70blowngmc,let us know how it was(not!).Just treat her kindly,remember Bobbit?Don`t want to end up with a 2pc.shaft!

Roberty · 06-21-2005, 10:05 AM

Both shortbed '71's that I have were originally 350/350 trucks and both came with the one piece driveshafts.

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 06-21-2005, 10:53 AM

We have both a LWB and SWB truck. Both have 1 piece shafts that were built by the local driveline shop. Both work great with NO problems what so ever. There are some GREAT center support systems for 2 piece shafts out there that work just as well and are about the same cost, give or take, as having a shaft built.

Youâ€™re Choice

Good Luck

redhead69 · 06-21-2005, 11:56 AM

So when I swap in my unfound engine and my th400 what drive shaft should I use? I want to have around 300hp at the wheels. Any suggestions? oh yeah heres my tranny

70GMC_BOB · 06-21-2005, 05:17 PM

my 71 c10 2wd burb w/ 402(rated at 300hp) & th400 had 2 piece drive shaft

Jakes-66-K10 · 06-21-2005, 05:52 PM

Interesting thread. I've been leaning towards a one piece just so I don't have to worry about maintenance on the carrier bearing. But perhaps there isn't much to worry about. I would be really interested to hear what carrier bearings everyone has had the best luck with, or where you can buy the poly carrier for our trucks.

06-18-2005, 06:05 AM	#1
dropthehammer Needs Adult Supervision Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: N.E. Ohio Posts: 19	One piece driveshaft Hi, I have a 71 C-10 LWB, 350, 3spd (manual). Could anyone tell me if there is a one-piece drive shaft, that will bolt right in with no modifications? What year truck would this shaft be out of? Does anyone know the length? Where are the measurements taken from on the driveshaft? Does the one-piece shaft go through the crossmember? Whew, I think that covers it. Thanks

06-18-2005, 08:21 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	I don`t think there is any such thing except custom.I`m not sure it would clear the hole in the cross-member unless lowered.It`s close on a shortbed.What are you looking to gain from this? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

06-18-2005, 11:11 AM	#4
Mongo YES_____NO Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Somewhere in the vicinity of betelgeuse Posts: 7,351	when I wanted to go to a one piece driveshaft on the 66 LWB I had I had three shops refuse to make a drive shaft that long. Was told that they were almost impossable to keep blanced and that they tend to bend or twist easily. I dont know if what they told me was tru or not. __________________ People many not remember what you said or what you did, but they will remember the way you made them feel. - unknown Cause, remember: no matter where you go... there you are. - Buckaroo Banzai 1984 Help support the board Last edited by Mongo; 06-18-2005 at 11:11 AM.

06-18-2005, 11:36 AM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Two-peice driveshafts can take it,don`t worry.You`ll be fine. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

06-18-2005, 03:28 PM	#6
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,692	I've also heard the same thing about long driveshafts, that they're hard to balance, and bend easily. I have heard of people taking a one-piece driveshaft out of large Ford vans and having them modified to fit, they're quite large in diameter. As far as a 2 piece driveshaft, they make a poly carrier bearing for them, that I would install if I were you. I've had 2 carrier bearing fly apart on me under heavy acceleration, one in my friends 75 3/4 ton chevy with a 454, and one in my 66 3/4 ton with a 250 and a 4 speed!!! (Broke it doing a burnout ) I believe member neonlarry knew of a source for the poly carrier bearings, and I'm sure others do as well. __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay

06-18-2005, 10:33 AM	#3
dropthehammer Needs Adult Supervision Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: N.E. Ohio Posts: 19	special-K, these carrier bearing drive shafts are new to me (I'm a converted 73-79 guy) , my concern is how these shafts hold up under rapid acceleration, and if they have any affect on how the rear-end hooks up under these same conditions. My truck is no power house, but I have in the past enjoyed taking my previous trucks to the track on grudge night. Thanks

06-18-2005, 06:01 PM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I've seen stock replacement components hold up in a 12 second daily driver LWB 67 chevy...they are fine if built and maintained properly.

06-18-2005, 06:52 PM	#8
kelsfine69 18 Till I Die Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,522	Where can I get one of those poly support bearings?????

06-18-2005, 06:59 PM	#9
cowboy33713 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: metro Phoenix, AZ Posts: 241	Howdy; I remembered seeing the Aluminum and Polyurethane Center (driveshaft) support in an article in the May 05 issue of CLASSIC TRUCKS magazine.Maker was listed as IEDLS. They didn't seem to think there was any problem with the two piece shaft. Have not got around to doing the web search yet, but I hope this helps! cowboy33713 Last edited by cowboy33713; 06-20-2005 at 06:41 PM.

06-19-2005, 11:20 AM	#10
mblackburnjr collector of vintage rust Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: southern ohio Posts: 421	Were the two-piece driveshafts used in shortbeds also? Both of mine are one piece, but they were 3 spds i converted.....just curious.

06-19-2005, 12:00 PM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	some SWB had one shaft, sopme had 2. Depends on the eng/tranny combo.

06-19-2005, 12:47 PM	#12
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	My 350/350 combo came with two piece. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

06-19-2005, 02:23 PM	#13
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	Some years (newer i think) have a larger diameter rear half. Thats what I have on my '70 LWB right now. Don't know if that is really any better, might be a little stronger, but takes same u-joint's. __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0

06-19-2005, 02:36 PM	#14
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 5,426	My 67 SWB came with a one-piece. It had a 250, 3-speed manual, and an overdrive unit.

06-19-2005, 03:16 PM	#15
redhead69 fugedaboutit Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gresham, OR Posts: 832	mines a 2 pcs.. 69swb with a 307/ truck 4spd combo. __________________ Currently truckless



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06-19-2005, 05:53 PM	#16
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	I had a 1 ton shaft cut to fit my SWB. The shop I delt with said he would not reccomend a 1 piece shaft over 60". Owr burb had a One piece and that was long. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

06-20-2005, 07:36 AM	#17
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	On Shortys the 3spds had 1pc.Autos & 4spds had 2pc.Most people converting from 3spd(manual)to auto don`t go through the steps to add the 2pc.They either install the motor(if V8 swap)crammed against the firewall using the 6cyl mount holes and 3spd-1pc shaft or move forward to the V8 position and build(stretch)a driveshaft to fit.About 2 1/2",depends on stance. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

06-20-2005, 09:24 PM	#18
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	To throw a stick ion the spokes here, my old 69 GMC had originally been equipped with a 305 V6 and a TH400, and had a one piece shaft. Later, when a small block was installed (in the small block location) and a short shaft Th350, a one piece shaft that was 4 ft 11 inch long was installed. (I think that number is right...been a while)

06-21-2005, 02:09 AM	#19
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	all this shaft talk making me want to go to my girlfriends house __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

06-21-2005, 08:52 AM	#20
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	V6/TH400/1pc.driveshaft,I didn`t know that.BTW,this was a shortbed?70blowngmc,let us know how it was(not!).Just treat her kindly,remember Bobbit?Don`t want to end up with a 2pc.shaft! __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

06-21-2005, 10:05 AM	#21
Roberty Hot Damn - Here I Am!! Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Ringgold, Georgia Posts: 726	Both shortbed '71's that I have were originally 350/350 trucks and both came with the one piece driveshafts. __________________ My vehicles: '90 Silverado Sport '71 Chevelle SS Convertible '70 C-10 - My Grandfather bought it new - original un-restored

06-21-2005, 10:53 AM	#22
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,111	We have both a LWB and SWB truck. Both have 1 piece shafts that were built by the local driveline shop. Both work great with NO problems what so ever. There are some GREAT center support systems for 2 piece shafts out there that work just as well and are about the same cost, give or take, as having a shaft built. Youâ€™re Choice Good Luck __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

06-21-2005, 11:56 AM	#23
redhead69 fugedaboutit Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gresham, OR Posts: 832	So when I swap in my unfound engine and my th400 what drive shaft should I use? I want to have around 300hp at the wheels. Any suggestions? oh yeah heres my tranny __________________ Currently truckless

06-21-2005, 05:17 PM	#24
70GMC_BOB Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lynnwood, washington Posts: 121	my 71 c10 2wd burb w/ 402(rated at 300hp) & th400 had 2 piece drive shaft __________________ 1972 chev c20 2wd lwb 350v8/th350. (dad's)1970 gmc longstep (9ft commercial bed), 1 ton, 2wd, 350/th400.

06-21-2005, 05:52 PM	#25
Jakes-66-K10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 640	Interesting thread. I've been leaning towards a one piece just so I don't have to worry about maintenance on the carrier bearing. But perhaps there isn't much to worry about. I would be really interested to hear what carrier bearings everyone has had the best luck with, or where you can buy the poly carrier for our trucks.

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