Drive Shaft differences?

[70cst10_05]

Hey guys, i'm needing to know if there are any differences in the drive shafts(rear) from 67-72 and 73-87. I know i'm needing one about 60inches long, I just didn't know if there were any differences.

Thanks guys.

Kevin

[john]

probably a difference somewhere, as the 73-87 wheelbase is longer.

[odog]

I recently used the rear drive line from a 73 longbed. I took the rearend out of the truck and put it undr my 69. My truck is running the sm420/221 and the rear from the 73 was a 14bff. The drive line worked perfectly, it is a hair long, but it doesnt bind with a full load so I think I am ok. The drive line is a one piece shaft and I had a 2 piece before, but with the 14bff, it was about 1.5 inches too long.

[SunSoaked]

Originally Posted by odog

I recently used the rear drive line from a 73 longbed. I took the rearend out of the truck and put it undr my 69. My truck is running the sm420/221 and the rear from the 73 was a 14bff. The drive line worked perfectly, it is a hair long, but it doesnt bind with a full load so I think I am ok. The drive line is a one piece shaft and I had a 2 piece before, but with the 14bff, it was about 1.5 inches too long.

Odog- So what is your opinion in going with the 1-peice shaft over the 2 piece? I'm contemplating this change myself just for simplicity and asthetics.

Mike

[odog]

Honestly, the only difference I see is the deletion of the carrier bearing and a u joint. The two piece I had was plenty stout, but it was too long for this setup. I like the idea of having two less parts that can break, ( carrier bearing and a ujoint.) But there really isnt a difference in ride quality or anything, just simplicity I guess. I did notice that on the 2 piece, the splined shaft is bigger on the slip yolk, and on the one piece, the splined shaft is a smaller diameter. I dont think this is too major, but it is different.

[special-K]

The difference in wheelbase on '73-newer trucks is all in the front. But,there are different shafts. I believe all the transfer case sits in the same place whether it's a 4spd or TH350 in these trucks,so the driveshafts are the same. But,I have a driveshaft here,a fat tube one that is a couple inches bigger than what's in my '72 K2500 GMC w/350/TH350 & Dana 60. Maybe the difference is in the rear? Are HO52s shorter front to back than Dana 60s? I'm going to lift the GMC 6". I did this on a '72 K/20and the rear shaft had to be made 2" longer. I should be able to make the K2500's driveshaft 2" longer ahead of time,but common sense still tells me I better wait for the actual measurement. Meanwhile I have this other shaft laying around and I measured it because a friend was looking for one x amount of inches long. That's when I discovered it was exactly 2" longer than what's in the truck now. I have believed all along that this shaft is out of a 67-72. Anyway,better measure to be sure.
I never had a 4wd with 2pc shaft before and didn't even realize some came that way. Not sure why they would. I thought it was just a 2wd thing. It makes no sense,but who knows? I know I prefer a 1pc.