58 rear end swap (changing pinion yoke options)

[58SkuzBukit]

I've got a 58 SWB step side that I'm currently working the rearend from what I believe to be from a 73 TA to fit in place.

The original U-joint is slightly smaller in both bearing diameter and tip-to-tip length than that of the receiving rearend yoke.

What are my options to get by driveshaft to properly mate to the rearend?

[OrrieG]

Any good driveline shop will be able to make up a driveline. Even if you had a stock one that fit there are universal joints with different yoke configurations just for this application. The driveline shop will tell you how to measure for length. Keep in mind that the final stance and weight of the truck should be taken into account since as the frames compresses the springs the length will shorten.

[58SkuzBukit]

I found Denny's driveshaft out of NY that I think I'll use once I get around to building an engine/trans combo that will live in the truck for a while, but I'm currently fishing for a yoke that O can place in the rearend that will allow me to use the stock driveshaft. I'll be cruising the stock in-line/trans combo for a bit, just want to get her rollin.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

You don't have to change yokes or driveshaft if you get the conversion U-joint like Orrie says. A "good" parts guy can look it up for you. If you need to change the length a drive shaft shop can do it. I have a chart that shows the u-joint part # according to demensions. I will be at the shop next week & can look it up for you.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret

You don't have to change yokes or driveshaft if you get the conversion

You have to be old to know that

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

You have to be old to know that

I am.

[OrrieG]

Us old farts grew up in a time where every neighborhood had a neighborhood auto garage, corner grocery, small drug store, etc. In my neighborhood we also had a parts jobber and machine shop. When I would get stumped or start making solutions to complicated my Grandfather Orrie would send me down to talk to one of the counter guys, who would pull out the magic books that showed easy solutions like u joints with two sizes or self tapping oversize oil drain plugs. Once I figured out I was not the first person to have the problem to solve, and got to be friends with the parts jobber life got a lot simpler.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by 58SkuzBukit

but I'm currently fishing for a yoke that O can place in the rearend that will allow me to use the stock driveshaft.

probably not going to happen unless the measurement from center of the axle to the center of the u-joint is the same
truk has a 86 trans am rearend, i had to trim 3'' off the drive shaft but most of that was probably the 700r4

i found a drive shaft place that shortened my stock drive shaft and sold me the conversion u-joint

[Coupeguy2001]

I walked into a jeep specialty shop with my new yoke and the old u joint. Parts man looked at it and handed me one that had two sizes of bearing caps, fit perfectly. Little expensive, but still in the truck.