Front drive shaft I.D.

[Critter]

My K5 didn't have a front drive shaft when I purchased it. The PO said that this drive shaft went with the truck, but after I looked under and saw the yoke, I new better. Of course I took it with me anyway. Here's my question. What application is this shaft for. Compressed like it is in the picture it is about 33 inches long, and the u-joints seem to be the same as the ones on the back shaft. Could I take the flange off and use the CV with my yoke?

[Blazer1970]

That is a later model shaft that uses the Saginaw double cardan instead of the Spicer that was used in the earlier trucks. There is a flange available for the front output of your 205 that would allow you to use that shaft. You can find the flange on mid/late '70s trucks with a 205 (mostly manuals). The Saginaw and Spicer parts will not mix and match. The front axle joint is a Spicer 1310 on all GM solid front axles.

Also, the length of the shaft may or may not be correct depending on original application.

[Critter]

So this shaft is off of a later model, say a 73 to 80? Which is stronger? Should I get a driveshaft to match my yoke on the NP205, or should I get a flange so I can use this shaft?

[Blazer1970]

I don't think there is any appreciable strength difference. If the u-joints and slip joint in that shaft are in good condition, you could probably find a yoke for the t-case pretty easily. Look closely at the slip joint as they tend to wear fast on front shafts and that one does not look even close to new. A driveshaft shop could swap out the CV on that shaft to a Spicer also. It all depends on what is good on that shaft and what the cost of the repairs/parts will be as to what is cheapest to do.