Driveshaft length...not happy

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swing69

fightin' socialism
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So as we build this car, I get the driveshaft shortened for the build. The car was apart, so I scoured threads here for a C to C number!

65 Barracuds with 904 and 8.75. I had it made 49 1/2 C to C. We installed the drivetrain, then onto the driveshaft. Nope....its doesn't fit. WTF. Looks to me like 48.25 C to C would be correct. at 49 1/2, I could get it in...but would have to force it in. Car is on the lift, with max. rear drop now. NOT a good idea.

Lesson learned? don't go by numbers....measure it yourself.
 
Yeah always on custom length driveshafts, wait until everything is in place where it is supposed to be then do your own actual measurements.....
 
swing69 said:
So as we build this car, I get the driveshaft shortened for the build. The car was apart, so I scoured threads here for a C to C number!

65 Barracuds with 904 and 8.75. I had it made 49 1/2 C to C. We installed the drivetrain, then onto the driveshaft. Nope....its doesn't fit. WTF. Looks to me like 48.25 C to C would be correct. at 49 1/2, I could get it in...but would have to force it in. Car is on the lift, with max. rear drop now. NOT a good idea.

Lesson learned? don't go by numbers....measure it yourself.
Click to expand...
That is why I always reply with the BBD.com tech page when people ask what backspacing they should order on their wheels or what width rear axle they should order to fit the wheels they already have.

I've found throughout my life that the easiest lessons learned are the ones that hit my wallet the hardest. Hopefully it wasn't too expensive of a lesson for you.
 
On stuff like that, I don't look up squat on the internet. It's too easy for retread to do it stupid and post bad info.

ANY drive shaft shop (or wheel shop, axle shop etc) should be able to tell you how to measure EXACTLY what you need, and if not, that's usually the sign to find a different shop.
 
swing69 said:
Lesson learned? don't go by numbers....measure it yourself.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, we all learn lessons that way. I'm 66 and I'm still learning things the hard way. But like previously mentioned, it's easier to cut a bit than add a bit.
 
swing69 said:
So as we build this car, I get the driveshaft shortened for the build. The car was apart, so I scoured threads here for a C to C number!

65 Barracuds with 904 and 8.75. I had it made 49 1/2 C to C. We installed the drivetrain, then onto the driveshaft. Nope....its doesn't fit. WTF. Looks to me like 48.25 C to C would be correct. at 49 1/2, I could get it in...but would have to force it in. Car is on the lift, with max. rear drop now. NOT a good idea.

Lesson learned? don't go by numbers....measure it yourself.
Click to expand...
I took my Valiant on the car trailer to the shop and let them measure it.....
 
IF........... You have an 65 factory Chrysler Parts Book,or have access to one, you can look up the length of the prop shaft according to your equiptment. It will probably be listed only as a Valiant tho, as Barracudas were not mentioned till 68 or so, in the books.
If the wheel base is the same as a 67 then the fac Parts book calls for a 49.58 in c to c shaft, with a 273, 904, and an 8 3/4. That info is on pg 16-1 of the 67 Parts manual. I don't have a 65 parts book.
Double check your equipment.
EDIT... You don't have the ball and trunion drive shaft do you, as most 65, and older do. If it is, and you are useing it I have no idea what it should be.
Hope that helps.
barracudadave67
 
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I'm using a 68 318 and. 82(?) lockup 904 to a 8.75. 3.91 gear (too much....I prefer 3.55) but hey... Lock up and those gears send a mixed signal for sure.

Yes, small cut easy fix. I was just trying to get as much as I could done up front. Lesson learned.
 
I have done the driveshaft shuffle three times after changing out three different rear ends and the driveshaft shop asks me every time did you measure it.
 
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