driveshaft ?

[incoma]

I've got a 2 piece swb driveshaft. Damn carrier keeps falling apart. I've got a 2.5/4 drop. Is the new angle of the driveshaft screwing up the carrier? Do I need to shim the rear axle?

Also, a local drive shaft outfit said that they can't make a 1 piece for my application as the length of the driveshaft requires a certain diameter tube. This tube won't fit through the crossmember. Is this true? Does anyone else have a 1 piece driveshaft in a SWB truck? I'd like to chuck my 2 piece. I think this is the 4rth or 5th carrier that's detonated on me over the years.

[RicksTrucks]

There are one-piece shafts. There is a good driveshaft place here in Tulsa. Want me to get their number for you?

[chevybill]

Based on what a powertrain shop told me for my lwb truck, you should not have any problem going to a one piece shaft if you want. They would have custom built a one piece for my lwb, but 3 inch diameter tubing was needed because of the length. I got lucky and was able to use my original shaft. Pm
Txfirefighter for advice about the shims. You might want to try a polyurethane carrier instead of an original type if you stay 2 piece.

[krue]

The swb trucks w/250/3 speed combos have a one piece driveshaft. It clears the xmember so I don't see the problem.

[incoma]

I wonder if you need a larger diameter driveshaft depending upon the torque rating of the engine? I've got another shop about 3 blocks up. I'm going to run by there later today to see what they can do for me. It sounds like a 1 pc is possible for my application.

Rickstrucks - Thanks for the offer. I've got another local shop I'm going to try and work with. I'm just trying to get a feel for the validity of the other shops comments.

[1970 CST Short Wide]

I have a 1 piece in my SWB with a 454. We have a drive line shop here in town that’s 2nd to none. I had to remove the carrier holder so the larger diameter shaft would clear. Also my truck in lowered 4 & 6 so I did shim the rear for correct pinion angle. These guys have the shims in a few different degrees. http://www.classicperform.com/6092chevtrk.htm I went with a 4 degree on my truck and it works Perfect. On a side note, we also have a 1 piece in my sons 71 LWB – No Problems

[incoma]

Great. Sounds like there's no doubt the first shop I talked to either didn't understand what I was asking, or was going to "overkill" the application. I'll stop by the other shop today and see what it would cost to get one built. In the meantime I'm going to get my carrier housing re-welded today so I can get this beast back on the road.

[sleepyboy]

I had a one peice done for mine (STEP) in San Antonio, Texas. Dude told me unless it is a long bed, 1 peice is fine..$300 seems to ring a bell on price but did eliminate a wobble I had.

[nxtruck]

Originally Posted by 1970 CST Short Wide

I have a 1 piece in my SWB with a 454. We have a drive line shop here in town that’s 2nd to none. I had to remove the carrier holder so the larger diameter shaft would clear. Also my truck in lowered 4 & 6 so I did shim the rear for correct pinion angle. These guys have the shims in a few different degrees. http://www.classicperform.com/6092chevtrk.htm I went with a 4 degree on my truck and it works Perfect. On a side note, we also have a 1 piece in my sons 71 LWB – No Problems

I have a question for you on your truck. You say that you used a 4* shim to correct your pinion angle. What is your pinion angle set at right now? The reason I ask is because I have lowered my '66 lwb and the pinion angle on it is right at 3* down. I had assumed that my angle would be screwed up because of the drop and because of going to a 1-piece shaft. I don't know what the angle is from the factory, as I didn't check it before I dropped it. Thanks...

[1970 CST Short Wide]

Read this http://www.2quicknovas.com/happypinions.html It worked for me.
I had a slight vibration after I lowered it and put the 1 piece in. I thought it was the shaft and went back to the drive line shop and they checked the balance and it was good. They asked if I checked my pinion angle and turned me on to this site. All is good now.

[incoma]

I just got back from the driveshaft shop. $175 for a new shaft with a 3 1/2" diameter, reusing my yoke. They didn't sell shims though. I thought that was odd, how else do you correct the angle? Perhaps washers? I'll reinstall my driveshaft tonight and check the angle. I think I have a cheapo gauge somewhere.

[1970 CST Short Wide]

Look above - I posted where you can buy shims. washers would work but these shims are a bit more precise. I got them fairly fast and not bad on $$ http://www.classicperform.com/6092ch...d%20Components
Part # 6072RPS4 1960-72 Truck Rear Pinion Angle Shims, 4°, pair Photo/Info $19.00

[incoma]

I saw you had posted them above. I was just looking for a local source so I could get some immediate satisfaction!! I agree that shims will be the way to go. I'll be calling them next after I get the measurements.

I've read the article a few times and am not quite sure how the driveshaft angle is measured. I guess I need to read it again. For some reason I'm just dense today. Maybe I shouldn't work on the truck today!