Bracket Racing a Longbed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Guardrail · 10-13-2005, 12:04 PM

Well, I've been working on my new 71' Cheyenne LWB a little bit. Window regulators, steering wheel swap, minor tune up, lube, and safety check. The past two wednesday nights I've been bracket racing it at Sacramento Raceway. This truck is great for bracket racing because it always does the same thing run after run, but this whole two piece driveshaft thing is freakin' me out. I'm afraid to load the engine against the brakes when staging and it's causing my reaction times to suffer. The center support was replaced just before I got the truck but I don't like it. Not only do these driveshafts look wimpy to me, but the center support isn't even bolted on. It's got a hose clamp holdin' the thing up there. I'll say it again--I DON"T LIKE IT!! I really don't want to leave this thing laying on the staring line. Can anyone out there share some of their experience with these? Is anyone else out there drag racing a longbed? Everything else about this old truck is STOUT. Maybe I'm just being paranoid.............

70c10 · 10-13-2005, 12:10 PM

Hopefully bigjimz111 will see this and chime in. He's in CA also and has a fast longbed that he races alot.

Jim_PA · 10-13-2005, 12:17 PM

What's done to it, and what's it run?

Guardrail · 10-13-2005, 12:29 PM

Nothin, it's stock. 350/th350, 12 bolt 3.07. It runs 16.80's @ 80 mph time after time. Am I being a wimp?

jsbgump · 10-13-2005, 01:23 PM

All you have to do is remove the carrier bearing bracket from the frame and install a one piece drive shaft. You can either get one made or find one the correct length at a wrecking yard. I used to race on a 1/8 mile trck on run what you brung nights and never actually broke my carrier. I went to a one piece so to feel better about running it. best time 9.6 flat can't remeber the speed #.

bigjimzlll · 10-13-2005, 01:54 PM

Hi,
I changed to a one piece shaft for the same reasons your talking about. It took a lot of doing though. I had a th400 with a long tail shaft built fot it then I moved the engine back 4". You wont fing a shop to build one thats over 6 foot long and if you did I would'nt trust it. At the speeds your running I would'nt be to worried about the 2 piece though...I never broke mine even going low 13's high 12's. Since Im in the 10's now I thought it was a good idea to swap to a one piece.

Guardrail · 10-13-2005, 01:55 PM

Years ago I used to deal closely with a driveline shop that built custom driveshafts. The owner of that shop always warned me about ordering driveshafts that were longer than 60 inches long. According to him there was too much potential for vibration. That's why I kinda ruled out a one piece shaft.....

Jim_PA · 10-13-2005, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guardrail

Nothin, it's stock. 350/th350, 12 bolt 3.07. It runs 16.80's @ 80 mph time after time. Am I being a wimp?

I don't know, I was just curious as to what it ran

Z28Owner · 10-13-2005, 02:57 PM

whats your 1/8 mile time if you dont mind me asking, just seeing where I might be at if we had a 1/4 track close by thanks.

muddpile · 10-13-2005, 04:30 PM

My truck was converted to a one piece before I bought it. It was actually one of the reasons I decided to purchase it, as I've always been kind of scared of the two piece.

ac102nv · 10-13-2005, 04:57 PM

I have no scientific info to add, but I run a lwb with a mild built 454 and have had no issues yet with a 2 piece DS. It's not a daily driver so most of the 15k miles on the shaft are "hard" miles. Now what I would do before you drive the truck again is, bolt the carrier bearing on. Hose clamps belong on hoses, not driveshafts!

djracer · 10-13-2005, 08:34 PM

I raced my 71 and ran 13.50 with a two piece never had a problem!

My dragtruck on the other hand I hope will run in the 8's with the NOS it has a one piece!

71Dragtruck · 10-13-2005, 08:49 PM

I had a custom 2 piece made, 3" chrome moly tubing, it has a splined back piece and a heavy duty carrier with a real bearing in it. Ran 12's on motor, will be running 11's next year, no problem so far.

junkyardjohn · 10-13-2005, 09:01 PM

AS LONG AS THE CARRIER BEARING IS BOLTED PROPERLY TO THE CROSSMEMBER, I WOULDN'T WORRY AT ALL. I HAD A 71 SHORT FLEET WITH A 468 & AROUND 500 RWHP. I HAD A LINE LOCK & SOME 14" WIDE 31" TALL STICKY BFGS & FLOGGED IT UNMERCIFULLY FOR 3 YEARS. IF MINE WAS GOING TO BREAK... I'D HAVE BROKE IT.
AS A SIDE NOTE... I HAVE A PAIR OF 10" WIDE 31" TALL SLICKS MOUNTED ON 5 LUG RALLYS, WITH QUITE A FEW RUNS LEFT IN THEM. THEYRE FREE FOR THE TAKING & HAVE TO BE PICKED UP IN CARSON CITY NV.

JOHN AT FK9U812@AOL.COM

Guardrail · 10-13-2005, 09:36 PM

So how do I go about bolting this thing on. The carrier is made of aluminum and I see no bolt holes in it. Does anyone make an iron one? I suppose I could drill this one, but it looks wimpy. Did I mention I DON"T LIKE IT?

junkyardjohn · 10-13-2005, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guardrail

So how do I go about bolting this thing on. The carrier is made of aluminum and I see no bolt holes in it. Does anyone make an iron one? I suppose I could drill this one, but it looks wimpy. Did I mention I DON"T LIKE IT?

THAT SURE DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A STOCK OEM CARRIER BEARING TO ME. YOU CAN PICK ONE UP AT NAPA OR ANY OTHER GOOD AUTO-PARTS STORE & HAVE IT PRESSED ON YOUR FRONT HALF OF YOUR 2 PIECE D/S ASSY. JOHN

stllookn · 10-13-2005, 10:24 PM

<<AS A SIDE NOTE... I HAVE A PAIR OF 10" WIDE 31" TALL SLICKS MOUNTED ON 5 LUG RALLYS, WITH QUITE A FEW RUNS LEFT IN THEM. THEYRE FREE FOR THE TAKING & HAVE TO BE PICKED UP IN CARSON CITY NV. JOHN AT FK9U812@AOL.COM>>

JYJ...I'm on my way...LOL! I will call from my cell phone when I hit the border!

kelsfine69 · 10-13-2005, 10:42 PM

If its aluminum , it might be a poly support brg, and they a very good. Check it out before you replace it. They bolt from the top down, 2 bolts, washers, and then lock washers. I would use grade 8 bolts and washers.

tommy graham · 10-14-2005, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z28Owner

whats your 1/8 mile time if you dont mind me asking, just seeing where I might be at if we had a 1/4 track close by thanks.

You can take 1/8th mile ET x 1.56 and get very close to 1/4 mile ET.
tg

Rooster's 67 · 10-14-2005, 05:04 AM

a good two piece shaft is just as good(/solid) as a one piece shaft. pull the shaft and have one made the same lengths, with a good carrier bearing, oversize u-joints and have it balenced to 5000-6000 RPM. you should not have a problem then.

Guardrail · 10-14-2005, 12:23 PM

Hey Z28Owner, sorry almost missed your question. My 1/8 mile times are right around 10.80 @ 65mph. This board is great and I really apreciate the help you've all given. This truck will be a winner if I can just get my starting line procedure down.

10-13-2005, 12:04 PM	#1
Guardrail And Don't Call Me Shirley Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cameron Park, CA Posts: 115	Bracket Racing a Longbed Well, I've been working on my new 71' Cheyenne LWB a little bit. Window regulators, steering wheel swap, minor tune up, lube, and safety check. The past two wednesday nights I've been bracket racing it at Sacramento Raceway. This truck is great for bracket racing because it always does the same thing run after run, but this whole two piece driveshaft thing is freakin' me out. I'm afraid to load the engine against the brakes when staging and it's causing my reaction times to suffer. The center support was replaced just before I got the truck but I don't like it. Not only do these driveshafts look wimpy to me, but the center support isn't even bolted on. It's got a hose clamp holdin' the thing up there. I'll say it again--I DON"T LIKE IT!! I really don't want to leave this thing laying on the staring line. Can anyone out there share some of their experience with these? Is anyone else out there drag racing a longbed? Everything else about this old truck is STOUT. Maybe I'm just being paranoid.............

10-13-2005, 12:10 PM	#2
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Hopefully bigjimz111 will see this and chime in. He's in CA also and has a fast longbed that he races alot. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

10-13-2005, 01:23 PM	#5
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	All you have to do is remove the carrier bearing bracket from the frame and install a one piece drive shaft. You can either get one made or find one the correct length at a wrecking yard. I used to race on a 1/8 mile trck on run what you brung nights and never actually broke my carrier. I went to a one piece so to feel better about running it. best time 9.6 flat can't remeber the speed #. __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

10-13-2005, 01:54 PM	#6
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	Hi, I changed to a one piece shaft for the same reasons your talking about. It took a lot of doing though. I had a th400 with a long tail shaft built fot it then I moved the engine back 4". You wont fing a shop to build one thats over 6 foot long and if you did I would'nt trust it. At the speeds your running I would'nt be to worried about the 2 piece though...I never broke mine even going low 13's high 12's. Since Im in the 10's now I thought it was a good idea to swap to a one piece. __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

10-13-2005, 02:57 PM	#9
Z28Owner ......................... Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: benton, ky Posts: 288	whats your 1/8 mile time if you dont mind me asking, just seeing where I might be at if we had a 1/4 track close by thanks. __________________ 1971 LWB Chevy C-10 350/350 3:42 eaton

10-13-2005, 12:17 PM	#3
Jim_PA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: PA Posts: 2,696	What's done to it, and what's it run?

10-13-2005, 12:29 PM	#4
Guardrail And Don't Call Me Shirley Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cameron Park, CA Posts: 115	Nothin, it's stock. 350/th350, 12 bolt 3.07. It runs 16.80's @ 80 mph time after time. Am I being a wimp?

10-13-2005, 01:55 PM	#7
Guardrail And Don't Call Me Shirley Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cameron Park, CA Posts: 115	Years ago I used to deal closely with a driveline shop that built custom driveshafts. The owner of that shop always warned me about ordering driveshafts that were longer than 60 inches long. According to him there was too much potential for vibration. That's why I kinda ruled out a one piece shaft.....

10-13-2005, 04:30 PM	#10
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	My truck was converted to a one piece before I bought it. It was actually one of the reasons I decided to purchase it, as I've always been kind of scared of the two piece. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

10-13-2005, 04:57 PM	#11
ac102nv Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 156	I have no scientific info to add, but I run a lwb with a mild built 454 and have had no issues yet with a 2 piece DS. It's not a daily driver so most of the 15k miles on the shaft are "hard" miles. Now what I would do before you drive the truck again is, bolt the carrier bearing on. Hose clamps belong on hoses, not driveshafts! __________________ '72 C10 lwb 454/TH400 Last edited by ac102nv; 10-13-2005 at 05:03 PM.

10-13-2005, 08:34 PM	#12
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,891	I raced my 71 and ran 13.50 with a two piece never had a problem! My dragtruck on the other hand I hope will run in the 8's with the NOS it has a one piece! __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole!

10-13-2005, 08:49 PM	#13
71Dragtruck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,368	I had a custom 2 piece made, 3" chrome moly tubing, it has a splined back piece and a heavy duty carrier with a real bearing in it. Ran 12's on motor, will be running 11's next year, no problem so far. __________________ Speed is just a matter of money, question is how fast can you afford to go? 8.95@148.97mph all motor haven't tried bottle yet Sponsored by: Getz Oilfield Consulting Hard Candy Customs

10-13-2005, 09:01 PM	#14
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	AS LONG AS THE CARRIER BEARING IS BOLTED PROPERLY TO THE CROSSMEMBER, I WOULDN'T WORRY AT ALL. I HAD A 71 SHORT FLEET WITH A 468 & AROUND 500 RWHP. I HAD A LINE LOCK & SOME 14" WIDE 31" TALL STICKY BFGS & FLOGGED IT UNMERCIFULLY FOR 3 YEARS. IF MINE WAS GOING TO BREAK... I'D HAVE BROKE IT. AS A SIDE NOTE... I HAVE A PAIR OF 10" WIDE 31" TALL SLICKS MOUNTED ON 5 LUG RALLYS, WITH QUITE A FEW RUNS LEFT IN THEM. THEYRE FREE FOR THE TAKING & HAVE TO BE PICKED UP IN CARSON CITY NV. JOHN AT FK9U812@AOL.COM __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

10-13-2005, 09:36 PM	#15
Guardrail And Don't Call Me Shirley Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cameron Park, CA Posts: 115	So how do I go about bolting this thing on. The carrier is made of aluminum and I see no bolt holes in it. Does anyone make an iron one? I suppose I could drill this one, but it looks wimpy. Did I mention I DON"T LIKE IT?

10-13-2005, 10:24 PM	#17
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	<<AS A SIDE NOTE... I HAVE A PAIR OF 10" WIDE 31" TALL SLICKS MOUNTED ON 5 LUG RALLYS, WITH QUITE A FEW RUNS LEFT IN THEM. THEYRE FREE FOR THE TAKING & HAVE TO BE PICKED UP IN CARSON CITY NV. JOHN AT FK9U812@AOL.COM>> JYJ...I'm on my way...LOL! I will call from my cell phone when I hit the border! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary) Last edited by stllookn; 10-13-2005 at 10:25 PM.



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10-13-2005, 10:42 PM	#18
kelsfine69 18 Till I Die Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,522	If its aluminum , it might be a poly support brg, and they a very good. Check it out before you replace it. They bolt from the top down, 2 bolts, washers, and then lock washers. I would use grade 8 bolts and washers. __________________ 2011 GMC Acadia 1969 GMC BBC LS7 2007 GMC Crew Duramax 1987 Camaro Iroc 350 Tuned Port Injection 42000Km 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI(yes 2) Take me drunk, I'm too home...

10-14-2005, 05:04 AM	#20
Rooster's 67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: DFW Posts: 765	a good two piece shaft is just as good(/solid) as a one piece shaft. pull the shaft and have one made the same lengths, with a good carrier bearing, oversize u-joints and have it balenced to 5000-6000 RPM. you should not have a problem then. __________________ The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be a capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

10-14-2005, 12:23 PM	#21
Guardrail And Don't Call Me Shirley Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cameron Park, CA Posts: 115	Hey Z28Owner, sorry almost missed your question. My 1/8 mile times are right around 10.80 @ 65mph. This board is great and I really apreciate the help you've all given. This truck will be a winner if I can just get my starting line procedure down.

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