sm465/np205 front driveshaft

[jonessmc87]

Ok so i have a 89 v3500 with the th400/np205 combo. Bottom line is the trans is tired and runs hotter than hell even with two external coolers in combo with the radiator cooler.

I managed to pick up 2 complete setups sm465/np205 combos for 350$. I'm planning on doing the swap next weekend on my break from school. Question is, i know i need to change driveshaft lengths, not a big deal, but i already have a 4 inch lift in the truck and i had to make a 1.5in front driveshaft spacer for the lift.



My concern lies in the overall length of the sm465/np205 setup. The front driveshaft cv joint is already borderline for my comfort when it comes to binding up when the truck flexes.

My th400np205 combo appears to be 42 inches from bellhousing flange to center of output yoke. Another member measure his sm465/np205 setup to be 38 inches; which means a 4 inch difference. This 4 inches minus my 1 inch drivehsaft spacer would put my front CV joint flange 3 inches further than where it is now, making it, in my opinion, impossible to achieve the angle i need for the 4 inch lift and some flexing. This seems like im missing something because 4 inches isnt much and the sm465/205 combo isnt rare. I guess i'm gonna have to look into different front u joints. Has anybody heard of this problem with only a 4 inch lift? i've seen plenty of threads where 6 or 8 inch lifts get sketchy, but this is why i chose the four because it was gonna be simple and i would never have any driveline problems..........

current setup

[rollinhard]

I run a 465/205 with a 4 inch lift and never messed with my front drive shaft (stock). I offroaded my truck all the time and had no issues with u joint bind running a 396 bb and 35x14.5x16.5 tsl thornbirds
just my 2 cents

[iroc12valve]

a buddy of mine has an 87 k30 400/205 when he put on an 8" lift he bought the front shaft from my 465/205 because it was the neccesary length. you can also just measure how long of a shaft you need and go to a junkyard because the front driveshafts are the same ends whether its a 203/5/8/41 with a 350/400/700r4/465 just different lengths

[monza1979]

where did you find the front shaft spacer? how long is your front shaft? i installed a 4 inch on my 78 swb sm465-205 combo and it is to short aswell. inch and a half spacer would remedy a lot of my issues!

[jonessmc87]

Originally Posted by monza1979

where did you find the front shaft spacer? how long is your front shaft? i installed a 4 inch on my 78 swb sm465-205 combo and it is to short aswell. inch and a half spacer would remedy a lot of my issues!

superlift sells one, but i think its like 60 or 70 bucks. I have access to a machine shop so i just turned one real quick out of 7075 aluminum and made sure it had the nice concentric rings on it for the t case output and driveshaft flange. Then popped 4 holes in it. 2 hours of work and 3$ in hardware is a lot better than spending 70 bucks lol

Since you have a 4 inch lift and the sm465/205 i have to ask for a picture of your front CV joint at the transfer case, because i am driving myself crazy trying to find pictures because im almost positive i wont be able to get enough angle out of this stock joint. i'd really appreciate it.

i can send you a pdf of the print i made for myself when i was machining mine if you want to make one or have someone make it for you

[monza1979]

yea, no problem, i will take a picture as soon as i can. work grave so it my be tomorrow afternoon before i can get it up.