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

VTKidder · 06-17-2003, 12:34 PM

Looking for a driveshaft from a '69 C-10 SWB that will mate the 3 on the column to the 12-bolt rear. The tranny end is a splined hole that slips on the splined end of the tranny, I don't know if you need the center carrier bearing on the crossmember or not for a SWB, but I need one that came from an original SWB 3-speed....u-joints need not be included. Just converting from 4 on the floor back to 3 on the column. I have all the linkage and everything else. Will need to be shipped to Vermont also. Thanks....

**CPNE** · 06-17-2003, 01:56 PM

VTKidder, you may not be aware of the following:

1. The 3 speed tranny makes a difference on length. The synchro'd 3 speed used 69-up with seven bolts on the shift fork cover is longer than the non synchro'd pre-69 tranny (4 bolt covers). If you have the synchro'd version, you can also use a driveshaft from a SWB TH350 truck as the overall length of the auto and 3 speed manuals are the same. I think the slip yolk is the same too.

2. it makes a difference its a small block or I6 (if small block is in forward "factory" position). The I6 uses a shorter driveshaft than it's v8 counterpart.

3. There is no carrier bearing on these, it is a one piece unlike the 4 speed version you already have.

VTKidder · 06-17-2003, 02:16 PM

Know what Jeff? You're really starting to

me off with this extreme knowledge!!!

I didn't know all of these details mattered...okay, what we have.

Factory 350 in it's standard spot, gotta be the synchro-d 3-speed that came in the truck in '69. The only real crappy pic I have of the tranny shows the cover being rectangular shaped job, with maybe one angled side on the lower front of the cover?? Is this right? I'd assume a 4 bolt cover would be square, or maybe a bit rectangular.

I have some literature here which says...

"The 3-speed fully synchronized transmssion is standard on all Series 10-20 Forward Control except with 307 or 350 engines and most Series 10-20 models. All forward speeds are synchronized for much better vehicle flexibility and convenience. The gearshift is located on the steering column. A special heavy duty transmission is included when either a 350 V8 or 396 V8 are ordered, and PE20 models with 307 or 350 V8 engines. This unit is also standard on all 4-wheel drive (KA 10-20 models) engine applications."

I've got to take a better look at the tranny I have, but at this point, complete confusion has set in. Thanks a lot Jeff...

**CPNE** · 06-17-2003, 02:22 PM

Looks like any 3 speed or th350 1/2 ton swb truck 69-72 would be a suitable donor. Best to measure overall length to be sure.:p

Longhorn Man · 06-17-2003, 05:43 PM

Would that be a short shaft TH350, or a long shaft Th350 there CPNE?
If it is a short shaft, then you'd need a 4 foot 10 inch long driveshaft, measured from center of U-joint hole, to center.

ratrod67 · 06-17-2003, 06:04 PM

I have a driveshaft from a 69 SWB with a 307 and 3 speed. The yoke is removed though.

VTKidder · 06-19-2003, 08:25 AM

Does the yoke unbolt from the end of the driveshaft, or is it welded on originally?

ratrod67 · 06-19-2003, 10:37 AM

The yoke was held on by 2 caps from the front u joint.

VTKidder · 06-19-2003, 10:50 AM

Alright...thoroughly confused at this point....

Are you talking about the front slip yoke?

ratrod67 · 06-19-2003, 11:02 AM

The yoke that slips into the transmission is held on by 2 of the front u joint caps. The driveshaft is 2 pieces. The 2 shafts are held together by a u joint. I placed an old yoke where the original one from my truck would have went. The carrier bearing is still attached but needs I would replace it.

ratrod67 · 06-19-2003, 11:03 AM

Sorry about the crappy pics. I need a good digital camera.

**CPNE** · 06-19-2003, 11:19 AM

Ok, now I'm confused. I've never seen or heard of a 115 inch wheel base truck that utilized a 2 piece driveshaft EXCEPT for factory 4 speeds. I've had 3 (a 67, 68, and 71) and all have used one-piece driveshafts. What is the overall lenght of that driveshaft (slip yolk u-joint to rear diff u-joint). Just curious.

ratrod67 · 06-19-2003, 11:25 AM

From front center to rear center u joint holes it's 4 ft. 11 inches.(59 inches) This truck was completely stock when I got it. It had stock hoses, belts and only 71,000 miles.

**CPNE** · 06-19-2003, 11:38 AM

Sounds about right. Learn sumthin new every day. Sorry to intrude on thread

ratrod67 · 06-19-2003, 11:43 AM

It's all about learning. I learn something new just about everytime I come to this site. I still have a LONG ways to go.

VTKidder · 06-19-2003, 12:56 PM

I'm going to have to take some measurements to be sure here. Appears that it would work either way. If I could get away without the center bearing and an extra u-joint in the picture, I'd be happy; less moving parts = less stuff to break. Thanks guys...

*racedvl* · 06-19-2003, 04:21 PM

This is why I always have mine built.

**PICKMUP** · 06-20-2003, 03:19 AM

I never know about GM...I have a 69 & 72 SWB 350/350...both came with the two piece and I have had a couple more. Never had one with a OEM one piece, but that is what I always put in them if I am building them from scratch. One of those driveshafts is still in the chassis and I would sell it for $75 with the yoke & center bearing.

I don't know if pic shows or not.

VTKidder · 06-20-2003, 07:06 AM

Let me to check the specs on exactly what I've got for a contraption here, and I'll get back to you. Thanks everyone.

06-17-2003, 12:34 PM	#1
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	SWB driveshaft Looking for a driveshaft from a '69 C-10 SWB that will mate the 3 on the column to the 12-bolt rear. The tranny end is a splined hole that slips on the splined end of the tranny, I don't know if you need the center carrier bearing on the crossmember or not for a SWB, but I need one that came from an original SWB 3-speed....u-joints need not be included. Just converting from 4 on the floor back to 3 on the column. I have all the linkage and everything else. Will need to be shipped to Vermont also. Thanks....

06-17-2003, 01:56 PM	#2
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,662	VTKidder, you may not be aware of the following: 1. The 3 speed tranny makes a difference on length. The synchro'd 3 speed used 69-up with seven bolts on the shift fork cover is longer than the non synchro'd pre-69 tranny (4 bolt covers). If you have the synchro'd version, you can also use a driveshaft from a SWB TH350 truck as the overall length of the auto and 3 speed manuals are the same. I think the slip yolk is the same too. 2. it makes a difference its a small block or I6 (if small block is in forward "factory" position). The I6 uses a shorter driveshaft than it's v8 counterpart. 3. There is no carrier bearing on these, it is a one piece unlike the 4 speed version you already have. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

06-17-2003, 02:22 PM	#4
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,662	Looks like any 3 speed or th350 1/2 ton swb truck 69-72 would be a suitable donor. Best to measure overall length to be sure.:p __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

06-19-2003, 10:50 AM	#9
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	??? Alright...thoroughly confused at this point.... Are you talking about the front slip yoke? Attached Images

06-19-2003, 11:19 AM	#12
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,662	Ok, now I'm confused. I've never seen or heard of a 115 inch wheel base truck that utilized a 2 piece driveshaft EXCEPT for factory 4 speeds. I've had 3 (a 67, 68, and 71) and all have used one-piece driveshafts. What is the overall lenght of that driveshaft (slip yolk u-joint to rear diff u-joint). Just curious. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

06-17-2003, 02:16 PM	#3
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	Know what Jeff? You're really starting to me off with this extreme knowledge!!! I didn't know all of these details mattered...okay, what we have. Factory 350 in it's standard spot, gotta be the synchro-d 3-speed that came in the truck in '69. The only real crappy pic I have of the tranny shows the cover being rectangular shaped job, with maybe one angled side on the lower front of the cover?? Is this right? I'd assume a 4 bolt cover would be square, or maybe a bit rectangular. I have some literature here which says... "The 3-speed fully synchronized transmssion is standard on all Series 10-20 Forward Control except with 307 or 350 engines and most Series 10-20 models. All forward speeds are synchronized for much better vehicle flexibility and convenience. The gearshift is located on the steering column. A special heavy duty transmission is included when either a 350 V8 or 396 V8 are ordered, and PE20 models with 307 or 350 V8 engines. This unit is also standard on all 4-wheel drive (KA 10-20 models) engine applications." I've got to take a better look at the tranny I have, but at this point, complete confusion has set in. Thanks a lot Jeff...

06-17-2003, 05:43 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Would that be a short shaft TH350, or a long shaft Th350 there CPNE? If it is a short shaft, then you'd need a 4 foot 10 inch long driveshaft, measured from center of U-joint hole, to center.

06-17-2003, 06:04 PM	#6
ratrod67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 2,269	I have a driveshaft from a 69 SWB with a 307 and 3 speed. The yoke is removed though.

06-19-2003, 08:25 AM	#7
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	Does the yoke unbolt from the end of the driveshaft, or is it welded on originally?

06-19-2003, 10:37 AM	#8
ratrod67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 2,269	The yoke was held on by 2 caps from the front u joint.

06-19-2003, 11:02 AM	#10
ratrod67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 2,269	The yoke that slips into the transmission is held on by 2 of the front u joint caps. The driveshaft is 2 pieces. The 2 shafts are held together by a u joint. I placed an old yoke where the original one from my truck would have went. The carrier bearing is still attached but needs I would replace it.

06-19-2003, 11:03 AM	#11
ratrod67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 2,269	Sorry about the crappy pics. I need a good digital camera.

06-19-2003, 11:25 AM	#13
ratrod67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 2,269	From front center to rear center u joint holes it's 4 ft. 11 inches.(59 inches) This truck was completely stock when I got it. It had stock hoses, belts and only 71,000 miles.

06-19-2003, 11:38 AM	#14
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,662	Sounds about right. Learn sumthin new every day. Sorry to intrude on thread __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

06-19-2003, 11:43 AM	#15
ratrod67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 2,269	It's all about learning. I learn something new just about everytime I come to this site. I still have a LONG ways to go.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

06-19-2003, 12:56 PM	#16
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	I'm going to have to take some measurements to be sure here. Appears that it would work either way. If I could get away without the center bearing and an extra u-joint in the picture, I'd be happy; less moving parts = less stuff to break. Thanks guys...

06-19-2003, 04:21 PM	#17
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	This is why I always have mine built.

06-20-2003, 03:19 AM	#18
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,158	Two piece also I never know about GM...I have a 69 & 72 SWB 350/350...both came with the two piece and I have had a couple more. Never had one with a OEM one piece, but that is what I always put in them if I am building them from scratch. One of those driveshafts is still in the chassis and I would sell it for $75 with the yoke & center bearing. I don't know if pic shows or not. Attached Images __________________ Email: frankeham@comcast.net Phone: 360-956-7170

06-20-2003, 07:06 AM	#19
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	Let me to check the specs on exactly what I've got for a contraption here, and I'll get back to you. Thanks everyone.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.