one piece or two piece driveshaft - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

onetoncrewcab · 07-15-2003, 07:02 AM

OK. I know this has been hashed on the board a few times, but I can't remember what the advice has been regarding going with a one piece or two piece driveshaft. And with seach down....well here is the question again.

I'm putting a 700R4 trans in the 70 Chev pickup. It has a two piece driveshaft now. Should I have that one modified or switch it over to a one piece?

I have the driveshaft out of the 85 Sub that I used for a engine/trans donor. Is this driveshaft going to be long enough to use for a start? I'm guessing it is going to be too short.

Thanks for the advice so far on this project!
Mike

lukecp · 07-15-2003, 08:25 AM

A one piece will prevent carrier bearing failiure, since you won't have a carrier bearing, lol. And, next time you replace U-joints, you will only have 2 instead of 3, which will save alot of hassle.

It will cost more to have a 1 piece made than shortening the 2 piece. If you don't want to spend the extra money, get your current shaft shortned, install good-quality U-joints and a carrier bearing, and it should last quite a while before needing attention again.

Wreck · 07-15-2003, 01:28 PM

or these...

http://www.iedls.com/bearings.html

http://www.iedls.com/twopiece.html

SuperCheyenne72 · 07-15-2003, 02:02 PM

I apologize also if this has been covered before, but since we're on the subject...

Does anyone know if there is any power gain or performance difference between the 1 pc. and 2 pc. drive shafts? I always assumed the single shaft was stronger since it didn't have to go through a carrier bearing, But that the 2 pc. was more economical since it spins on a less stressful axis. In other words, the 1 pc shafts are more likely to develop vibration and balance problems.

Am I on to something in this line of thinking, or is it all just a myth?

Longhorn Man · 07-15-2003, 04:09 PM

The main problem with a one piece shaft is they length. Most places will refuse to make a shaft over 6 foot long, and some of the shops who do it...shouldn't
Basicly, the shaft gets too long to support its own weight, and it starts to 'whip' as it spins.

onetoncrewcab · 07-15-2003, 06:38 PM

Longhornmail,
Any idea how long the drive shaft would be with the 700R4 installed? It is going to be a couple of weeks before I have the engine and trans installed, but would like to try to reach a decision before then. Right now, I'm leaning to keeping the two piece. Looks like it could be less hassle.

Any idea if the Sub driveshaft would be long enough for a start point on a one piece?
Thanks
Mike

neonlarry · 07-15-2003, 07:25 PM

Probably the best place to start would be to measure the length of your current trans and your new 700R4. That will give you a fair idea how much shorter your drive shafts will have to be. As for using the burb shaft I don't know the length but unless its over 4" in dia. I wouldn't consider using it for the reasons Andy stated.

*67Fleetsidedream* · 07-15-2003, 07:32 PM

I have 2 piece and have never had a problem. Stay with the 2 piece.

bigjimzlll · 07-15-2003, 07:46 PM

i have a 2 piece on my low 12 second truck

Blue68 · 07-15-2003, 07:54 PM

This may only hold so much water, but I figure if the technology is still good enough for the newest trucks on the market, it is okay for my 34 yr old truck.

Longhorn Man · 07-15-2003, 11:07 PM

I am unable to tell you...I haven't seen my tranny coparison sheet in ages.
Sorry.

07-15-2003, 07:02 AM	#1
onetoncrewcab One of my kids. Cute eh? Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Mitchell, SD Posts: 1,286	one piece or two piece driveshaft OK. I know this has been hashed on the board a few times, but I can't remember what the advice has been regarding going with a one piece or two piece driveshaft. And with seach down....well here is the question again. I'm putting a 700R4 trans in the 70 Chev pickup. It has a two piece driveshaft now. Should I have that one modified or switch it over to a one piece? I have the driveshaft out of the 85 Sub that I used for a engine/trans donor. Is this driveshaft going to be long enough to use for a start? I'm guessing it is going to be too short. Thanks for the advice so far on this project! Mike __________________ If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is “God is crying.” And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is “Probably because of something you did. John 3:16 2006 Chevy HHR 2000 Dodge Durango 1985 Jeep CJ-7 1970 Chevy Pickup

07-15-2003, 08:25 AM	#2
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	A one piece will prevent carrier bearing failiure, since you won't have a carrier bearing, lol. And, next time you replace U-joints, you will only have 2 instead of 3, which will save alot of hassle. It will cost more to have a 1 piece made than shortening the 2 piece. If you don't want to spend the extra money, get your current shaft shortned, install good-quality U-joints and a carrier bearing, and it should last quite a while before needing attention again. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

07-15-2003, 02:02 PM	#4
SuperCheyenne72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Dallas, TX USA Posts: 80	I have a question too... I apologize also if this has been covered before, but since we're on the subject... Does anyone know if there is any power gain or performance difference between the 1 pc. and 2 pc. drive shafts? I always assumed the single shaft was stronger since it didn't have to go through a carrier bearing, But that the 2 pc. was more economical since it spins on a less stressful axis. In other words, the 1 pc shafts are more likely to develop vibration and balance problems. Am I on to something in this line of thinking, or is it all just a myth? __________________ '72 Super Cheyenne LWB 350 V8 w/ TH400 MSD Pro Billet HEI Dist. w/ Splitfire plugs Edelbrock Performer Intake Manifold and dual exhuast glasspaks Edelbrock Performer 750 cfm

07-15-2003, 06:38 PM	#6
onetoncrewcab One of my kids. Cute eh? Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Mitchell, SD Posts: 1,286	Longhornmail, Any idea how long the drive shaft would be with the 700R4 installed? It is going to be a couple of weeks before I have the engine and trans installed, but would like to try to reach a decision before then. Right now, I'm leaning to keeping the two piece. Looks like it could be less hassle. Any idea if the Sub driveshaft would be long enough for a start point on a one piece? Thanks Mike __________________ If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is “God is crying.” And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is “Probably because of something you did. John 3:16 2006 Chevy HHR 2000 Dodge Durango 1985 Jeep CJ-7 1970 Chevy Pickup

07-15-2003, 07:25 PM	#7
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	Probably the best place to start would be to measure the length of your current trans and your new 700R4. That will give you a fair idea how much shorter your drive shafts will have to be. As for using the burb shaft I don't know the length but unless its over 4" in dia. I wouldn't consider using it for the reasons Andy stated. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

07-15-2003, 01:28 PM	#3
Wreck Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Paris, TX Posts: 60	or these... http://www.iedls.com/bearings.html http://www.iedls.com/twopiece.html

07-15-2003, 04:09 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	The main problem with a one piece shaft is they length. Most places will refuse to make a shaft over 6 foot long, and some of the shops who do it...shouldn't Basicly, the shaft gets too long to support its own weight, and it starts to 'whip' as it spins.

07-15-2003, 07:32 PM	#8
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	I have 2 piece and have never had a problem. Stay with the 2 piece.

07-15-2003, 07:46 PM	#9
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	i have a 2 piece on my low 12 second truck __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

07-15-2003, 07:54 PM	#10
Blue68 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Frisco, Tx, USA Posts: 606	This may only hold so much water, but I figure if the technology is still good enough for the newest trucks on the market, it is okay for my 34 yr old truck. __________________ http://home.comcast.net/~r.landrum/w...tos.html-.html '68 C-10 LWB, '98 Z-71 350 w/accessories (Serpentine), Edelbrock Performer, Edelbrock 1405 (600cfm) carb, GM HEI, CompCam Extreme 4x4 roller cam, Thorley Headers, Carter Electric Fuel Pump, Vintage Air, 700r4, 3.73, disc brakes and power steering upgrades.

07-15-2003, 11:07 PM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I am unable to tell you...I haven't seen my tranny coparison sheet in ages. Sorry.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.