using a one piece driveshaft in a swb question

[1972BackInBlackC10]

Anyone here using a one piece driveshaft in a shortbox? what did you use? im looking for one I wont have to get cut down/

my set up is a 454 with a th400 (don't have the trans yet) lowered 4inch in the front and 5 in the back and I also have a CPP trailing arm crossmember installed with the larger driveshaft loop.

I have a one piece driveshaft I took out of a 69 swb that had a manual 3 speed on the column but not sure if it would be long enough, any help would be appreciated

[chev-obsession]

My ‘65 swb had a 6 cylinder with 3 speed and a 1 piece drive shaft. When I put in the 327 and 700R4 I had to have the drive shaft shortened (327 mounted in the rear engine mount holes in the frame) also I’m lowered 2.5 front and 5 rear and stock crossmembers.

[Jrainman]

There are to many things to consider just to give you a number , You really have to have engine and trans in place and truck must sit on all 4 wheels on the ground to get the proper number , and then who ever you are dealing with must understand how you got your number ,not everyone measures from the same points . I have to ask , but why are you not in the market for a new driveshaft , you spent a lot of time and money to get to this point ,so why use a 40 to 50 year old driveshaft, new built are not alot of money

[Andy4639]

I just did this on the 68 long bed conversion to a short bed. I bought a short bed frame so I wanted a 1 piece cut down. Late model drive shaft. New U-joint cut to my measurement and it was $100.00. With the truck sitting how you will drive it. Wheels on the ground and suspension at the riding settings, take the drive shaft and push it all the way into the transmission then pull it out 1".
Measure from center of front U-joint to rear u-joint and this is how long you want the shaft. This is per the drive shaft company I used. Carolina drive shafts. Disregaurd the picture that it's not setting straight. I had to move the cross member it wasn't straight. It's straight now.

http://www.carolinadriveline.com/PDF/measurement2.pdf

[1972BackInBlackC10]

I was hoping id be able to do this without taking it to a shop because the nearest place is 3 hours away and im also hearing impaired so making calls is very difficult for me

[KQQL IT]

Get your measurements and do it online?

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by 1972BackInBlackC10

I was hoping id be able to do this without taking it to a shop because the nearest place is 3 hours away and im also hearing impaired so making calls is very difficult for me

I understand I'm hearing impaired also. Mine was a 1 hr each way.

[kaycee]

You need to put eng and trans in and take the measurement, I was able to use my original 3 on the tree 6 cyl. driveshaft when I converted to 327/ 4L60 combo.You have an option to move motor forword or rearword using motor mount holes on frame.

[70STOVEBOLT]

I used the original driveshaft out of my ‘70 that originally had a 250/3OTT and had it shortened and balanced with new u-joints and a new weld yoke. My 402 is in the front 2 holes. IIRC the measurement was 54.5 center to center from front to rear joint with driveshaft extended 1” from the rear of the TH400 trans. My truck is stock height with 15” wheels. As stated make sure truck is on the ground at normal ride height when you take your measurement. I have had the truck up to 100 (speedo buried) with no vibration.