71 LWB Replacement Drive Shaft?

[maddog1331]

Hi all, I recently put in U-joints in my 71 LWB. It has a 2 piece drive shaft, with a hanger bearing. Mostly this went fine, though I could not replace the hanger bearing, and two of the C-clips refuse to go in, not enough clearance (yes, I have checked for loose bearings and such).

I am trying to figure out what to do about this. In the meantime, I may try to put a different one in. Do any of you know what all years this type of drive shaft should excahnge with? I am considering buying another if I can find one cheaply.

If it helps, the bolts on the hanger bearing are in line with the drive shaft itself, one right behind the other.

Any ideas?

[Longhorn Man]

I always recomend taking a drive shaft to a driveshaft shop. They have the press and all the correct tools, and they will ballance the assembly too.
I'm the cheapest SOB you'll ever meet, but both of my trucks have 2 piece drivesafts that were done right, and I won't have to worry about for another 20 years.

[maddog1331]

Thanks Longhorn, I appreciate it. I just now took it to the mechanic I use around here to have him check it out to be on the safe side and have him replace the hanger bearing, and check my shoddy work

I don't know if there are any driveshaft shops around here, if I can find one I'll take mine to it if it isn't completely fixed up by my mechanic....he is pretty good, and honest to boot (which is a rarity here in Somerset Kentucky).

[Andy4639]

I doped mine off last week to have everything done to it. They were cutting 3" out of it and new center bearing and u joints. I pick it up Wenesday. The speed balance it and make sure everything is correct the last one they did was back in 89 and it's in the truck now.

[chevelle]

Has anyone put a one piece shaft in a long bed?

[Longhorn Man]

it's not a good idea. Some shops can make one properly, but many will only try to do it right, and there's planty that won't even consider it.
Once your driveshaft is over 6 feet long it starts to 'whip' unless you have a large diameter pipe used, but then you have to mod your cross member and everything... in all reality, there's no real reason to do it, a 2 piece is actually a better setup. Have quality components installed, have it done right, and then ignore it for 20 years.

[Andy4639]

I asked the guy's at the shop that is redoing mine about a one peice. He said it wouldn't last. They really know there stuff at this shop it's all they do. He said it wouldn't be cost effective or worth all the other mods you have to do to run it.