71 LWB Replacement Drive Shaft? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

maddog1331 · 03-16-2009, 02:45 PM

Hi all, I recently put in U-joints in my 71 LWB. It has a 2 piece drive shaft, with a hanger bearing. Mostly this went fine, though I could not replace the hanger bearing, and two of the C-clips refuse to go in, not enough clearance (yes, I have checked for loose bearings and such).

I am trying to figure out what to do about this. In the meantime, I may try to put a different one in. Do any of you know what all years this type of drive shaft should excahnge with? I am considering buying another if I can find one cheaply.

If it helps, the bolts on the hanger bearing are in line with the drive shaft itself, one right behind the other.

Any ideas?

Longhorn Man · 03-16-2009, 03:56 PM

I always recomend taking a drive shaft to a driveshaft shop. They have the press and all the correct tools, and they will ballance the assembly too.
I'm the cheapest SOB you'll ever meet, but both of my trucks have 2 piece drivesafts that were done right, and I won't have to worry about for another 20 years.

maddog1331 · 03-16-2009, 04:55 PM

Thanks Longhorn, I appreciate it. I just now took it to the mechanic I use around here to have him check it out to be on the safe side and have him replace the hanger bearing, and check my shoddy work

I don't know if there are any driveshaft shops around here, if I can find one I'll take mine to it if it isn't completely fixed up by my mechanic....he is pretty good, and honest to boot (which is a rarity here in Somerset Kentucky).

Andy4639 · 03-16-2009, 06:53 PM

I doped mine off last week to have everything done to it. They were cutting 3" out of it and new center bearing and u joints. I pick it up Wenesday. The speed balance it and make sure everything is correct the last one they did was back in 89 and it's in the truck now.

chevelle · 03-16-2009, 07:33 PM

Has anyone put a one piece shaft in a long bed?

Longhorn Man · 03-16-2009, 10:58 PM

it's not a good idea. Some shops can make one properly, but many will only try to do it right, and there's planty that won't even consider it.
Once your driveshaft is over 6 feet long it starts to 'whip' unless you have a large diameter pipe used, but then you have to mod your cross member and everything... in all reality, there's no real reason to do it, a 2 piece is actually a better setup. Have quality components installed, have it done right, and then ignore it for 20 years.

Andy4639 · 03-16-2009, 11:11 PM

I asked the guy's at the shop that is redoing mine about a one peice. He said it wouldn't last. They really know there stuff at this shop it's all they do. He said it wouldn't be cost effective or worth all the other mods you have to do to run it.

03-16-2009, 02:45 PM	#1
maddog1331 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Somerset, KY Posts: 398	71 LWB Replacement Drive Shaft? Hi all, I recently put in U-joints in my 71 LWB. It has a 2 piece drive shaft, with a hanger bearing. Mostly this went fine, though I could not replace the hanger bearing, and two of the C-clips refuse to go in, not enough clearance (yes, I have checked for loose bearings and such). I am trying to figure out what to do about this. In the meantime, I may try to put a different one in. Do any of you know what all years this type of drive shaft should excahnge with? I am considering buying another if I can find one cheaply. If it helps, the bolts on the hanger bearing are in line with the drive shaft itself, one right behind the other. Any ideas?

03-16-2009, 03:56 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: 71 LWB Replacement Drive Shaft? I always recomend taking a drive shaft to a driveshaft shop. They have the press and all the correct tools, and they will ballance the assembly too. I'm the cheapest SOB you'll ever meet, but both of my trucks have 2 piece drivesafts that were done right, and I won't have to worry about for another 20 years.

03-16-2009, 04:55 PM	#3
maddog1331 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Somerset, KY Posts: 398	Re: 71 LWB Replacement Drive Shaft? Thanks Longhorn, I appreciate it. I just now took it to the mechanic I use around here to have him check it out to be on the safe side and have him replace the hanger bearing, and check my shoddy work I don't know if there are any driveshaft shops around here, if I can find one I'll take mine to it if it isn't completely fixed up by my mechanic....he is pretty good, and honest to boot (which is a rarity here in Somerset Kentucky).

03-16-2009, 06:53 PM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: 71 LWB Replacement Drive Shaft? I doped mine off last week to have everything done to it. They were cutting 3" out of it and new center bearing and u joints. I pick it up Wenesday. The speed balance it and make sure everything is correct the last one they did was back in 89 and it's in the truck now. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-16-2009, 07:33 PM	#5
chevelle instagram "footbraker67" Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Mustang,Oklahoma Posts: 204	Re: 71 LWB Replacement Drive Shaft? Has anyone put a one piece shaft in a long bed? __________________ 1967 lwb, bigwindow, factory air (converted to Vintage Air), custom option,4.5- 6 drop, TBI injected 355, 700r4, 5 lug, daily driver. 1967 Chevelle Malibu Drag car, 355, brodix heads and intake, powerglide, 10.82 @ 123 mph 1966 chevelle malibu, Street/strip, 355, spare parts from my other chevelle, 12.82 @104 mph 1968 lwb parts truck

03-16-2009, 10:58 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: 71 LWB Replacement Drive Shaft? it's not a good idea. Some shops can make one properly, but many will only try to do it right, and there's planty that won't even consider it. Once your driveshaft is over 6 feet long it starts to 'whip' unless you have a large diameter pipe used, but then you have to mod your cross member and everything... in all reality, there's no real reason to do it, a 2 piece is actually a better setup. Have quality components installed, have it done right, and then ignore it for 20 years.

03-16-2009, 11:11 PM	#7
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: 71 LWB Replacement Drive Shaft? I asked the guy's at the shop that is redoing mine about a one peice. He said it wouldn't last. They really know there stuff at this shop it's all they do. He said it wouldn't be cost effective or worth all the other mods you have to do to run it. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.



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