One-piece driveshaft in a long-bed? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Shaky · 03-13-2010, 02:42 PM

My '66 long bed came from the factory with a 327 and TH400 (which were long gone by the time I got the truck).

I installed a Richmond 5-speed, which is somewhat longer. I had the forward drive shaft shortened, but i sometimes wonder if it would have been better to make-up a one-piece shaft.

Is this doable??

*LILRED66* · 03-13-2010, 10:07 PM

Yes. I recently did a 3-speed Turbo HydraMatic conversion from a granny 4-speed. It had a two piece with a carrier bearing and I converted it to a single-piece and eliminated the carrier bearing. Due to the extra length, going from a two-piece to a 1-piece driveshaft, the diameter was larger on the new single-piece shaft. Out the door, it was $160.00, including tax, built, balanced, painted and new "U" joints. In my opinion, well worth the investment and improvement.

GMCMG · 03-14-2010, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LILRED66

Yes...Out the door, it was $160.00, including tax, built, balanced, painted and new "U" joints...

Where did you get that done? I am putting a NV3500 or 4500 (if I can find one cheap enough) in my truck, and had planned on frankenmodding a two-piece driveshaft to work, but for that kind of money I could definitely afford to do it right!

**Captainfab** · 03-14-2010, 01:44 AM

I'm just not understanding everyone wanting to go to a one piece drive shaft on a long bed. Is it because you guys have the light duty driveshafts. IMO the heavier two piece driveshafts that I am used to seeing are much stronger than a one piece driveshaft that long.

Shaky · 03-14-2010, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I'm just not understanding everyone wanting to go to a one piece drive shaft on a long bed. Is it because you guys have the light duty driveshafts. IMO the heavier two piece driveshafts that I am used to seeing are much stronger than a one piece driveshaft that long.

I'm getting worried about the length of the short shaft (u-joint angle) and any natural frequency changes. What's your experience been?

**Captainfab** · 03-15-2010, 12:25 AM

I've not had any problems in the past with a shorter forward driveshaft. But like I said, 90% of my experience has been with the heavier drive shafts (about 3" OD) with the bigger carrier bearing, not the puny driveshafts (about 2" OD) that had the carrier bearing hanging from the top

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaky

I'm getting worried about the length of the short shaft (u-joint angle) and any natural frequency changes. What's your experience been?

Shaky · 03-15-2010, 06:14 AM

Thanks. Yes, I have the light duty version. If I locate a heavy-duty one, it should bolt-in (except for the shortening) right?

jason65 · 03-15-2010, 08:04 AM

When I put the 700R4 in the driveshaft place said my front shaft was getting to short. I had it shortend going from the 4speed to the th350. They said it would cause vibrations if I shortend it any more. So, 700 with a one peice drive shaft. Still got my original driveshafts just in case.

Shaky · 03-15-2010, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jason65

When I put the 700R4 in the driveshaft place said my front shaft was getting to short. I had it shortend going from the 4speed to the th350. They said it would cause vibrations if I shortend it any more. So, 700 with a one peice drive shaft. Still got my original driveshafts just in case.

Longbed?

jchav62 · 03-15-2010, 04:37 PM

Yeah, Jason's is a longbed. I worked on a '63 longbed years back. The carrier bearing went bad. I chose to have a one piece made. Back then it was about $100 bucks. Worked out great. It was a th350, long tail shaft, I believe.

**Corts60** · 03-15-2010, 09:34 PM

My '60 longbed has a one piece drive shaft from the fatory. Did they start putting in two-pieces when they changed frames in '63?

justcuz · 03-23-2010, 11:51 PM

I don't remember. You have rear leaf springs in yours Cort?

Nevermind, I just saw the trailer hitch picture and noticed the rear coils.

03-13-2010, 02:42 PM	#1
Shaky Six in a row makes it go... Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vacationland: Maine Posts: 1,346	One-piece driveshaft in a long-bed? My '66 long bed came from the factory with a 327 and TH400 (which were long gone by the time I got the truck). I installed a Richmond 5-speed, which is somewhat longer. I had the forward drive shaft shortened, but i sometimes wonder if it would have been better to make-up a one-piece shaft. Is this doable?? __________________ 67 C20 long step resto: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342086 66 C10 long step build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3814790 CT to Alaska in a 67 C10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399224 “The height of sophistication is simplicity." - Clare Boothe Luce

03-13-2010, 10:07 PM	#2
LILRED66 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 3,906	Re: One-piece driveshaft in a long-bed? Yes. I recently did a 3-speed Turbo HydraMatic conversion from a granny 4-speed. It had a two piece with a carrier bearing and I converted it to a single-piece and eliminated the carrier bearing. Due to the extra length, going from a two-piece to a 1-piece driveshaft, the diameter was larger on the new single-piece shaft. Out the door, it was $160.00, including tax, built, balanced, painted and new "U" joints. In my opinion, well worth the investment and improvement.

03-14-2010, 01:44 AM	#4
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: One-piece driveshaft in a long-bed? I'm just not understanding everyone wanting to go to a one piece drive shaft on a long bed. Is it because you guys have the light duty driveshafts. IMO the heavier two piece driveshafts that I am used to seeing are much stronger than a one piece driveshaft that long. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

03-15-2010, 06:14 AM	#7
Shaky Six in a row makes it go... Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vacationland: Maine Posts: 1,346	Re: One-piece driveshaft in a long-bed? Thanks. Yes, I have the light duty version. If I locate a heavy-duty one, it should bolt-in (except for the shortening) right? __________________ 67 C20 long step resto: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342086 66 C10 long step build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3814790 CT to Alaska in a 67 C10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399224 “The height of sophistication is simplicity." - Clare Boothe Luce

03-15-2010, 08:04 AM	#8
jason65 Registerd User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,118	Re: One-piece driveshaft in a long-bed? When I put the 700R4 in the driveshaft place said my front shaft was getting to short. I had it shortend going from the 4speed to the th350. They said it would cause vibrations if I shortend it any more. So, 700 with a one peice drive shaft. Still got my original driveshafts just in case.

03-15-2010, 04:37 PM	#10
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: One-piece driveshaft in a long-bed? Yeah, Jason's is a longbed. I worked on a '63 longbed years back. The carrier bearing went bad. I chose to have a one piece made. Back then it was about $100 bucks. Worked out great. It was a th350, long tail shaft, I believe. __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

03-15-2010, 09:34 PM	#11
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: One-piece driveshaft in a long-bed? My '60 longbed has a one piece drive shaft from the fatory. Did they start putting in two-pieces when they changed frames in '63? __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

03-23-2010, 11:51 PM	#12
justcuz Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Alta Loma, Ca. Posts: 930	Re: One-piece driveshaft in a long-bed? I don't remember. You have rear leaf springs in yours Cort? Nevermind, I just saw the trailer hitch picture and noticed the rear coils. Last edited by justcuz; 03-24-2010 at 05:16 PM.

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