Front drive shaft I.D. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Critter · 12-18-2006, 01:21 AM

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 · 12-18-2006, 07:55 AM

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 · 12-19-2006, 06:19 PM

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 · 12-20-2006, 07:43 AM

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.

12-18-2006, 01:21 AM	#1
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Front drive shaft I.D. 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? Attached Images __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com

12-18-2006, 07:55 AM	#2
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	Re: Front drive shaft I.D. 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. __________________ Tim Last edited by Blazer1970; 12-18-2006 at 07:59 AM.

12-19-2006, 06:19 PM	#3
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Front drive shaft I.D. 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? __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com Last edited by Critter; 12-19-2006 at 06:20 PM.

12-20-2006, 07:43 AM	#4
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	Re: Front drive shaft I.D. 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. __________________ Tim



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