Drive shaft ?'s

[sameyrasmea72]

I am very close to having my “ rolling chassis “ complete, about all I need is the drive shaft. My truck is a 72 SWB BB/400 and the drive shaft I plan on using is a two piece out of a 72 LWB, BB truck. My questions are:

1. Did all these trucks in 72 have a 2-piece drive shaft?
2. I assume from what I can tell, that a big block has a thicker Drive shaft and a different carrier bearing / bracket than a SB. The bracket and bearing that I have is off a big block but the bracket when put up to the cross member on the frame lines up with two different sets of pre-drilled holes. Does anybody know which set of holes to bolt the bracket up to, and might the difference be between a SWB and a LWB to get a better angle?
3. I need to shorten at least one of the shafts. This is probably a stupid question but it looks like the rear shaft can be left at the original length even though it was from a LWB ? What is the best way to measure the length of the front shaft in order to get it to the correct length.? Or better yet does anybody have the correct measurement? It looks like it is going to be a relatively short shaft, but I guess that is normal for a SWB.

Thanks in advance……….Jason

[drman929]

If I were at that stage again, I would have a one piece drive shaft made up. I didn't and regret it. Too many U joints, carrier bearings, and slip yokes for me to deal with. Two u joints are plenty of fun for me, but throw in a pressed on carrier bearing, a very stiff slip yoke, and an extra u joint and I start saying choice words.

[Longhorn Man]

for a SWB there is no reason to have a 2 piece IMO, unless you have bags or something anyways.
If you decide to go this route, call your local drive shaft shop, and ask them how they want you to measure for the correct length. There is a somewhat of a standard on measuring, but if you are dealing with inbred hicks, you may as well give them the numbers they want so they'll get it right.

[clemson71guy]

mine had a 2 piece driveshaft
but i had one made and its way bulker than the other one

[BP68]

I used a 72 longbed one piece shaft, and had it shorted to fit my short bed frame and 700R4. I haven't driven it yet, but happy with the fit and look, plus no extra u joints or carrier bearing.

[my70chevyc10]

I just installed my 2pce drive shaft back into my swb and have had no problems with it at all. The guy who rebuilt my driveshaft said he wouldnt recamend a one piece do to that it would hit on the center crossmember and if it ever became unbalenced that the center would wip around and brake the thing in half. The shop that did mine put all new ujoints 2 yokes a slip joint and sandblasted it and painted it all for $175.

[RICKSRAT]

I have a 1 piece 3 1/2" driveshaft the correct length with a Dennys T400 1330 new yoke and Ujoints complete. I put a new 1350 Dennys nitrous ready in my '72 a few months back.



*edited.... no parts for sale posts in this part of the board*