"If you build it right it does not need balancing" - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chevybill · 05-22-2006, 06:13 PM

I called a machine shop today about a driveshaft for my c-10. I am using a vortec 350 along with a late model 5 speed. His quote"if you build it right it does not need balancing" his only condition was for street use not on the dragstrip. This is a shop specializing in driveshafts, he told me they have built all types for all types of applications. This shop is in Tupelo about an hour drive from my home. My only other choices is Memphis or Jackson which is 2.5 hours from both.

Lets hear from the board members.
Thank you for your input.

jhow66 · 05-22-2006, 06:16 PM

He is the man you want. They balance them when they build them.

Fred T · 05-22-2006, 06:37 PM

If you do everything right when you build a driveshaft, it will not need balanced. Production built shafts need balanced because of the accumulation of tolerances, and balancing being cheaper than tightening the tolerances.

zeeklu · 05-22-2006, 07:12 PM

The machine that balances drive shafts is very expensive. The reason they tell you they don't need balancing is because they can't.If you are spending good money on a drive shaft why not get it balanced? The drive shaft turns pretty fast and it doesn't take much to make a vibration. Even if you can't feel it, it's still there causing damage. Chris

Longhorn Man · 05-22-2006, 07:27 PM

and in an overdrive aplication, the ballance is even more important since it spins faster than the crank. While there is some truth to what he says, I say don't risk it.

Joe67 · 05-22-2006, 07:54 PM

I believe more in 'Do it right the first time'

JAKES 68GMC · 05-22-2006, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe67

I believe more in 'Do it right the first time'

Get the shaft balanced.

**special-K** · 05-22-2006, 08:32 PM

I had a driveshaft built and it vibrated all to h e double hockey pucks.I asked if they balanced it.They said,"no,we aligned it."Well anyone that can do as balanced weld on a driveshaft should be a god!I went out and bought a new driveshaft.

chevybill · 05-22-2006, 09:44 PM

So that is 2 for no need to balance and 5 for balancing.

Any of you south MS guys know of a shop in Jackson or Meridian that balances and builds driveshafts.

Fred T · 05-22-2006, 09:52 PM

My statement was assuming he used a balance machine to check his work. I'll still say a well-built shaft won't need balancing, but it does have to be checked.

phlegm · 05-22-2006, 09:57 PM

I know nothing about this subject, but that give me an advantage;-)

If you build it right it does not need balancing, but how do they know they built it right. If he has a balancing machine on site and will check it after complete go for it, and he is your man. If he does not have a machine then he cant claim to have done it right... truth is he wont know.

**Daubs** · 05-22-2006, 11:33 PM

He sounds more like a salesman than a machine shop guy. I'd opt for balancing. You want it right, not cheap...and have to do it over again. Sometimes you get what you pay for...

Case in point: when my 350 cracked block, my engine builder recommended that I just get a GM crate instead of bringing engine to him for sleve and rebuild. Took money out of his own pocket because it was the right thing to do.

BowTieMan · 05-23-2006, 12:22 AM

I worked at a drive shaft shop. I would be interested to see a "well built" shaft that doesn't need any balancing.

Blue85 · 05-23-2006, 02:26 AM

Me and my buddy extended his driveshaft in his 84 mud truck after lifting it, just strapped it to a chunk of angle iron ,welded another chunk of smaller shaft into it and i swear on my life the shaft did not vibrate at all.

**Ron 586** · 05-23-2006, 09:09 AM

This is a little out of the way for you but they have the parts and equipment to build drive shafts for anything from a go cart to a earth mover. The name is Wiles Welding in Paris Tn. 38242 The phone number is 731 642 2777. They build drive shafts for late modal dirt track cars and drag cars also. If you gotta have it they can make it happen.

Putter · 05-23-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevybill

So that is 2 for no need to balance and 5 for balancing.

Any of you south MS guys know of a shop in Jackson or Meridian that balances and builds driveshafts.

Check your other thread. I typed the name, address, phone number, etc... in there.
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=200271

ERIC

**raggedjim** · 05-23-2006, 12:23 PM

I can second Ron on Wiles in Tennessee, they do great work...

Rg

chevybill · 05-23-2006, 09:26 PM

Putter you have a pm, reply if you have a chance.

05-22-2006, 06:13 PM	#1
chevybill Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: calhoun city ms Posts: 940	"If you build it right it does not need balancing" I called a machine shop today about a driveshaft for my c-10. I am using a vortec 350 along with a late model 5 speed. His quote"if you build it right it does not need balancing" his only condition was for street use not on the dragstrip. This is a shop specializing in driveshafts, he told me they have built all types for all types of applications. This shop is in Tupelo about an hour drive from my home. My only other choices is Memphis or Jackson which is 2.5 hours from both. Lets hear from the board members. Thank you for your input. __________________ ongoing 1970 c 10 lwb 1994 z-28 few mods.-owned since new 1978 vette silver/grey 25th anniv. paint

05-22-2006, 06:16 PM	#2
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" He is the man you want. They balance them when they build them. __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer Last edited by jhow66; 05-22-2006 at 06:17 PM.

05-22-2006, 06:37 PM	#3
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" If you do everything right when you build a driveshaft, it will not need balanced. Production built shafts need balanced because of the accumulation of tolerances, and balancing being cheaper than tightening the tolerances. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

05-22-2006, 07:12 PM	#4
zeeklu Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Northwest NJ Posts: 746	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" The machine that balances drive shafts is very expensive. The reason they tell you they don't need balancing is because they can't.If you are spending good money on a drive shaft why not get it balanced? The drive shaft turns pretty fast and it doesn't take much to make a vibration. Even if you can't feel it, it's still there causing damage. Chris

05-22-2006, 07:27 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" and in an overdrive aplication, the ballance is even more important since it spins faster than the crank. While there is some truth to what he says, I say don't risk it.

05-22-2006, 07:54 PM	#6
Joe67 67 is sold Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 6,738	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" I believe more in 'Do it right the first time' __________________ Joe - Formerly 67c10step ------------------------------- 1967 Chevy Stepside - ECE 4/6, fuelcell, 5lug - SOLD gr8lakes - My ebay auctions Click here to order forum apparel :: Click here to become a subscribing member

05-22-2006, 08:32 PM	#8
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" I had a driveshaft built and it vibrated all to h e double hockey pucks.I asked if they balanced it.They said,"no,we aligned it."Well anyone that can do as balanced weld on a driveshaft should be a god!I went out and bought a new driveshaft. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

05-22-2006, 09:44 PM	#9
chevybill Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: calhoun city ms Posts: 940	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" So that is 2 for no need to balance and 5 for balancing. Any of you south MS guys know of a shop in Jackson or Meridian that balances and builds driveshafts. __________________ ongoing 1970 c 10 lwb 1994 z-28 few mods.-owned since new 1978 vette silver/grey 25th anniv. paint

05-22-2006, 09:52 PM	#10
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" My statement was assuming he used a balance machine to check his work. I'll still say a well-built shaft won't need balancing, but it does have to be checked. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

05-22-2006, 09:57 PM	#11
phlegm Still Green but learning Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central NC Posts: 1,895	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" I know nothing about this subject, but that give me an advantage;-) If you build it right it does not need balancing, but how do they know they built it right. If he has a balancing machine on site and will check it after complete go for it, and he is your man. If he does not have a machine then he cant claim to have done it right... truth is he wont know. __________________ -- Cory 71 Cheyenne 10 - SWB, 350, "3 on the tree" AC cab 07 Suburban LTZ 4x4 2010 Acura TL 98 Mastercraft "FrankenStar" 225 27253 UPS/USPS IIOY....nope never was

05-22-2006, 11:33 PM	#12
Daubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Nebraska Posts: 611	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" He sounds more like a salesman than a machine shop guy. I'd opt for balancing. You want it right, not cheap...and have to do it over again. Sometimes you get what you pay for... Case in point: when my 350 cracked block, my engine builder recommended that I just get a GM crate instead of bringing engine to him for sleve and rebuild. Took money out of his own pocket because it was the right thing to do. __________________ '72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's

05-23-2006, 12:22 AM	#13
BowTieMan Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Glendale Arizona Posts: 747	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" I worked at a drive shaft shop. I would be interested to see a "well built" shaft that doesn't need any balancing. __________________ "A true hotrodder wouldn't be content untill he had created a car so violent, so hairy, so totally sick that the very act of dropping the hammer would result in instant death. Anything less results in the need to go faster." - Tony DeFeo

05-23-2006, 02:26 AM	#14
Blue85 Oilfield Trash Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Raymore, Sk, Canada, Earth Posts: 3,171	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" Me and my buddy extended his driveshaft in his 84 mud truck after lifting it, just strapped it to a chunk of angle iron ,welded another chunk of smaller shaft into it and i swear on my life the shaft did not vibrate at all. __________________ 14 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 08 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 87 Chev 3+3 4x4 80 GMC K10 High Sierra bone stock 70 Chevelle 350SS long term project 68 GMC 3ton Grain Truck/Garbage wagon 50 Pontiac 2 Door Coupe Project "I've got a shotgun rifle and a 4 wheel drive and a country boy can survive" Hank Jr.

05-23-2006, 09:09 AM	#15
Ron 586 RIP Mr Ron Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sandy, Tn. 38221 Posts: 8,166	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" This is a little out of the way for you but they have the parts and equipment to build drive shafts for anything from a go cart to a earth mover. The name is Wiles Welding in Paris Tn. 38242 The phone number is 731 642 2777. They build drive shafts for late modal dirt track cars and drag cars also. If you gotta have it they can make it happen. __________________ Ron (Mr Round Tuit) Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle TN Message Forum TN Facebook Group SETN Truck Show My Photobucket

05-23-2006, 12:23 PM	#17
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,453	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" I can second Ron on Wiles in Tennessee, they do great work... Rg __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203



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05-23-2006, 09:26 PM	#18
chevybill Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: calhoun city ms Posts: 940	Re: "If you build it right it does not need balancing" Putter you have a pm, reply if you have a chance. __________________ ongoing 1970 c 10 lwb 1994 z-28 few mods.-owned since new 1978 vette silver/grey 25th anniv. paint

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