71 Chevy - Driveshaft - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kd71chevy · 11-13-2005, 11:01 PM

I have a 71 Chevy LWB we are wanting to replace the 3spd with a 700r4 and I'm wondering if anyone out there has found a driveshaft that works with this without modification, or if I'm just better off having my current shaft shortened.

If I have to shorten it, does anyone know by how much?

Longhorn Man · 11-13-2005, 11:18 PM

Welcome to the board
I can't answer your Q...but I'm willing to bet some one can.
Is this a small block truck? Is it mounted in the correct V-8 position with the V-8 towers?

kd71chevy · 11-14-2005, 12:57 PM

The truck is an original sb v-8 with a 3spd column shift transmission and a 2pc driveshaft.

I am wanting to go back with the 350 sbc in the original location, with a 700r4 transmission.

My key question is if there is a ready fit driveshaft off of some other vehicle that I can use, or do I have to get my shaft cut.

If I have to get it cut, does anyone know how much?

71 gmc sled · 11-15-2005, 10:56 AM

that's a good question. I have the same truck n am looking 4 the same answer n i have a th 350 trans w/ a 350.

Longhorn Man · 11-15-2005, 04:29 PM

If not mistaken, your 3 speed is the same length and takes the same yoke as a TH350.
Still not able to answer your Q.. but TH350 to 700R4 has been done a billion times on here, and THAT could be answered.

red71cheyenne · 11-15-2005, 04:46 PM

When I get home I'll measure my driveshaft. I'm pretty sure its a 57". Don't know what its off of, one of my buddies gave it to me when I did the swap. It is the same spline as a TH350, though, so thats easy. More tonight. Jeff.

red71cheyenne · 11-15-2005, 06:48 PM

Ok, I was a little off. Mine is 68" from center of U-joint to U-joint. Like I said, I don't know what it came off of, but its a good fit. Only issue I have, is when I hit a big bump, the shaft rubs the cross member it runs through on the frame. That might just be a 30 year old shock thing though. Jeff.

11-13-2005, 11:01 PM	#1
kd71chevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: S. Illinois Posts: 2	71 Chevy - Driveshaft I have a 71 Chevy LWB we are wanting to replace the 3spd with a 700r4 and I'm wondering if anyone out there has found a driveshaft that works with this without modification, or if I'm just better off having my current shaft shortened. If I have to shorten it, does anyone know by how much?

11-13-2005, 11:18 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: 71 Chevy - Driveshaft Welcome to the board I can't answer your Q...but I'm willing to bet some one can. Is this a small block truck? Is it mounted in the correct V-8 position with the V-8 towers?

11-14-2005, 12:57 PM	#3
kd71chevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: S. Illinois Posts: 2	Re: 71 Chevy - Driveshaft The truck is an original sb v-8 with a 3spd column shift transmission and a 2pc driveshaft. I am wanting to go back with the 350 sbc in the original location, with a 700r4 transmission. My key question is if there is a ready fit driveshaft off of some other vehicle that I can use, or do I have to get my shaft cut. If I have to get it cut, does anyone know how much?

11-15-2005, 10:56 AM	#4
71 gmc sled Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: new jersey Posts: 14	Re: 71 Chevy - Driveshaft that's a good question. I have the same truck n am looking 4 the same answer n i have a th 350 trans w/ a 350.

11-15-2005, 04:29 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: 71 Chevy - Driveshaft If not mistaken, your 3 speed is the same length and takes the same yoke as a TH350. Still not able to answer your Q.. but TH350 to 700R4 has been done a billion times on here, and THAT could be answered.

11-15-2005, 04:46 PM	#6
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: 71 Chevy - Driveshaft When I get home I'll measure my driveshaft. I'm pretty sure its a 57". Don't know what its off of, one of my buddies gave it to me when I did the swap. It is the same spline as a TH350, though, so thats easy. More tonight. Jeff. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

11-15-2005, 06:48 PM	#7
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: 71 Chevy - Driveshaft Ok, I was a little off. Mine is 68" from center of U-joint to U-joint. Like I said, I don't know what it came off of, but its a good fit. Only issue I have, is when I hit a big bump, the shaft rubs the cross member it runs through on the frame. That might just be a 30 year old shock thing though. Jeff. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty



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