stupid two piece drive shaft!!!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

iluvmy72 · 08-10-2003, 12:47 AM

I want to talk with the guy at GM that decited this for the Long beds!!

BamaGN · 08-10-2003, 01:44 AM

Me too. I used to have a long bed GMC with a 402 BB and a 400 trans. Twice when I let it shift out of first to second by itself, it broke the driveshaft. Two tow bills

krue · 08-10-2003, 03:14 AM

HE!! I have a two piece on a short bed!

ChevLoRay · 08-10-2003, 10:35 AM

Both of the '69's I've had, both SWB, had/have 2-pc drive shafts. I rebuilt my son's, when the center carrier bearing broke loose from the rubber mount in the support. I also had to replace the center support on my '65 LWB.

I don't think you can get a one-piece shaft for the LWB, but money will get you one for the SWB. When they get too long, you have to be careful of "whip", or the flexing of the longer shaft. Shorter shafts don't have that problem. How long can a drive shaft be, and not have the "whip" problem? I don't know. Anyone know?

Just be happy that you don't have to pay for a new drive shaft on a C-5 'Vette. Ask anyone who has, and you'll be happy with your problem.

Longhorn Man · 08-10-2003, 10:54 AM

6 foot is the rule of thumb on drive shafts. That is one reason the engine sits so far back in the 73 - 87, and also why they get longh shaft trannys.
You can get shafts over 6 foot long, but it does cost you a pretty penny.
If you were to replace everthing on your driveshaft...all new U-joints and C-bearing, and get the best stuff you can find, it will hold up to almost anything you can feed it. I personally knew a guy who was running high 12's in a 67 lwb and never had a problem. This was also his only vehicle, so it was the daily driver too.
It can be done...I just wish I woulda asked about teh brands he used before I left Tx.

Andy4639 · 08-10-2003, 11:15 AM

I had mine built about 150,000 miles ago with greasable fittings. New center bearing and I had it balanced, and never had anymore trouble with it.
I will also say it isn't a torque monster either, just a 305 HO TPI out of a 86 camero. It too is my everyday driver between SC., and NC. . I have the 700R-4 in it and it normal running speed is around 65-75 mph.

cdowns · 08-10-2003, 11:57 AM

i guess mines pretty smart cause it's gone over 100K miles since i've had it balanced and u-joints and carrier bearing put on. i think in a case of you get out of it what you put into it

69GMC396 · 08-10-2003, 01:38 PM

I have a 69 GMC with a 396 and a 400 tranny. I've never had any problem with the drive line except the carrier bearing housing brackets that connect to the frame broke off. Welded them back together and haven't had a problem. I drive my truck hard. Lots of burnoffs and hard shifts.

Longhorn Man · 08-10-2003, 01:51 PM

One other thing, the U-joints that are sealed for life are a little stronger than the ones with zerk fittings.
Some seem afraid of them not lasting as long, but I had 2 of them on my wife's '92 S-10 Blazer, they were stock and after 140,000 miles, they were still in perfect shape.
They went to the junk yard along with the rest of the POS.
Oh, lack of fittings means we can be lazy.

Truckhead · 08-10-2003, 07:32 PM

I just bought a 70' shortbed 2wd and can i just get an onepiece driveshaft made?
If i do, it will be an aluminum shaft.

Steven Sellers · 08-10-2003, 07:40 PM

WHEW you scared me there I thought I had a short bed with one of those ultra rare option 2 piece drive shafts LOL.
I cant answer your question but i am following to since Im not sure I want to keep the original

jhow66 · 08-10-2003, 10:20 PM

Got a 71 SB with 2 piece behind a 502 with no problems. (yet)

Denny · 08-10-2003, 10:32 PM

I have never had problems with the 2 piece shafts but have had problems with center carrier bearings. I went to drive shafts unlimited in Arnold, Mo and they said for a one piece shaft the bottom of the crossmember where the carrier bearing is would have to be cut off. the trailing arms are attached to it also so there would be a strength issue most likely.

Ackattack · 08-10-2003, 10:42 PM

I looked into getting a 1 piece driveshaft when I dropped a driveshaft cause the U-joint broke.

The guy at the driveshaft place said it could be done, but I'd run into problems with "whip" over 90 mph and that was with a 4 or 4 1/2" diameter driveshaft (require modification to that crossmember. I just had them build me a new DS

Longhorn Man · 08-10-2003, 10:47 PM

As for the short bed question, my 69 GMC SWB has a single shaft, with a short shaft TH350 bolted to a small block and with a coil rear suspention...it somes in at exactly 4 foot 10 inches.

**BIG ORANGE** · 08-10-2003, 10:53 PM

That 72 swb truck that I'm work with had a 6cyl with a 3 speed and I one piece drive shaft and when I put the BB and 400 turbo in the correct postion I had to change the drive shaft out because the other one was a little short,anyway I went down to the Truck Shack and looked through my drive shafts and noticed one that was alittle longer then the other 1 piece drive shafts well anyway I brought it home and sized it up with the big 400 yoke and it fit perfect! If anyone needs a 2 piece drive shaft for a BB truck I got one minus the 400 yoke!

bad 71 chevy · 08-11-2003, 12:22 AM

i have a 1 pice drive shaft on a 71 3 on the tree lwb it was a bout 400$ but i could not kept a 2 pice it would break off every time i put a new one in so i found a guy in Az that built one and it was worth the money i have had no probs since i got it

iluvmy72 · 08-11-2003, 01:25 AM

If you've had problems with the center carrier bearing, then you have had trouble with the drive shaft.......it's the whole design that makes it bad.

08-10-2003, 12:47 AM	#1
iluvmy72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Springville, UT, USA Posts: 1,010	stupid two piece drive shaft!!!! I want to talk with the guy at GM that decited this for the Long beds!!

08-10-2003, 01:44 AM	#2
BamaGN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 19	Me too. I used to have a long bed GMC with a 402 BB and a 400 trans. Twice when I let it shift out of first to second by itself, it broke the driveshaft. Two tow bills __________________ 1972 Chevy Truck Short Bed 402 BB 1987 Buick Grand National, not stock 1969 Camaro SS 454, definitely not stock, Fogger 1982 S-10 truck 350 1970 GMC Truck Long Bed 402 BB 1997 Camaro Z28 M6

08-10-2003, 03:14 AM	#3
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	HE!! I have a two piece on a short bed! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

08-10-2003, 10:35 AM	#4
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Me Too!!! Both of the '69's I've had, both SWB, had/have 2-pc drive shafts. I rebuilt my son's, when the center carrier bearing broke loose from the rubber mount in the support. I also had to replace the center support on my '65 LWB. I don't think you can get a one-piece shaft for the LWB, but money will get you one for the SWB. When they get too long, you have to be careful of "whip", or the flexing of the longer shaft. Shorter shafts don't have that problem. How long can a drive shaft be, and not have the "whip" problem? I don't know. Anyone know? Just be happy that you don't have to pay for a new drive shaft on a C-5 'Vette. Ask anyone who has, and you'll be happy with your problem. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-10-2003, 11:15 AM	#6
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	2 peice drive shafts I had mine built about 150,000 miles ago with greasable fittings. New center bearing and I had it balanced, and never had anymore trouble with it. I will also say it isn't a torque monster either, just a 305 HO TPI out of a 86 camero. It too is my everyday driver between SC., and NC. . I have the 700R-4 in it and it normal running speed is around 65-75 mph. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-10-2003, 10:54 AM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	6 foot is the rule of thumb on drive shafts. That is one reason the engine sits so far back in the 73 - 87, and also why they get longh shaft trannys. You can get shafts over 6 foot long, but it does cost you a pretty penny. If you were to replace everthing on your driveshaft...all new U-joints and C-bearing, and get the best stuff you can find, it will hold up to almost anything you can feed it. I personally knew a guy who was running high 12's in a 67 lwb and never had a problem. This was also his only vehicle, so it was the daily driver too. It can be done...I just wish I woulda asked about teh brands he used before I left Tx.

08-10-2003, 11:57 AM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	i guess mines pretty smart cause it's gone over 100K miles since i've had it balanced and u-joints and carrier bearing put on. i think in a case of you get out of it what you put into it __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-10-2003, 01:38 PM	#8
69GMC396 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Goldendale, WA Posts: 54	I have a 69 GMC with a 396 and a 400 tranny. I've never had any problem with the drive line except the carrier bearing housing brackets that connect to the frame broke off. Welded them back together and haven't had a problem. I drive my truck hard. Lots of burnoffs and hard shifts.

08-10-2003, 01:51 PM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	One other thing, the U-joints that are sealed for life are a little stronger than the ones with zerk fittings. Some seem afraid of them not lasting as long, but I had 2 of them on my wife's '92 S-10 Blazer, they were stock and after 140,000 miles, they were still in perfect shape. They went to the junk yard along with the rest of the POS. Oh, lack of fittings means we can be lazy.

08-10-2003, 07:32 PM	#10
Truckhead 18436572 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Waynesboro, Va. Posts: 488	I just bought a 70' shortbed 2wd and can i just get an onepiece driveshaft made? If i do, it will be an aluminum shaft.

08-10-2003, 07:40 PM	#11
Steven Sellers Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 692	WHEW you scared me there I thought I had a short bed with one of those ultra rare option 2 piece drive shafts LOL. I cant answer your question but i am following to since Im not sure I want to keep the original __________________ 2008 Buick Enclave(wifes new non wrecked) 1996 Jeep Cherokee 2002 2500HD 6.0L (traded) 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee(wifes/wrecked) 1977 DJ5 postal jeep(mmm lots of fun) 1988 Toyota 2wd p/u(DD, blewup 199,000) 1991 Toyota 2ed p/u (sry just cant break these things) 1997 XR70 Honda 1991 Z50(FOR SALE) 1972 Z50 Honda 1970 SWB 350/knucklebuster "The adventure begins and I am confident that there will be no end".

08-10-2003, 10:20 PM	#12
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Got a 71 SB with 2 piece behind a 502 with no problems. (yet) __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

08-10-2003, 10:32 PM	#13
Denny Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cedar Hill, MO Posts: 426	I have never had problems with the 2 piece shafts but have had problems with center carrier bearings. I went to drive shafts unlimited in Arnold, Mo and they said for a one piece shaft the bottom of the crossmember where the carrier bearing is would have to be cut off. the trailing arms are attached to it also so there would be a strength issue most likely. __________________ 1969 Chevy C10. Dakota Digital Gauges, 383 Votex Engine, MSD 8361 Distributor, MSD 6A Unit, Demon Carb, Phoenix Transmission 4L80E trans, 3:73 Posi Rear End Early Classics 6 Lug Disc Brakes and Spindles All Stainless Lines

08-10-2003, 10:42 PM	#14
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	I looked into getting a 1 piece driveshaft when I dropped a driveshaft cause the U-joint broke. The guy at the driveshaft place said it could be done, but I'd run into problems with "whip" over 90 mph and that was with a 4 or 4 1/2" diameter driveshaft (require modification to that crossmember. I just had them build me a new DS __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

08-10-2003, 10:47 PM	#15
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	As for the short bed question, my 69 GMC SWB has a single shaft, with a short shaft TH350 bolted to a small block and with a coil rear suspention...it somes in at exactly 4 foot 10 inches. Attached Images



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08-10-2003, 10:53 PM	#16
BIG ORANGE Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lancaster S.C. Posts: 4,767	That 72 swb truck that I'm work with had a 6cyl with a 3 speed and I one piece drive shaft and when I put the BB and 400 turbo in the correct postion I had to change the drive shaft out because the other one was a little short,anyway I went down to the Truck Shack and looked through my drive shafts and noticed one that was alittle longer then the other 1 piece drive shafts well anyway I brought it home and sized it up with the big 400 yoke and it fit perfect! If anyone needs a 2 piece drive shaft for a BB truck I got one minus the 400 yoke! __________________ Things happen for a reason!

08-11-2003, 12:22 AM	#17
bad 71 chevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Omaha NE 68122 Posts: 637	i have a 1 pice drive shaft on a 71 3 on the tree lwb it was a bout 400$ but i could not kept a 2 pice it would break off every time i put a new one in so i found a guy in Az that built one and it was worth the money i have had no probs since i got it __________________ 71 Chevy C/10 lwb 350 5 speed nv3500 3.73 rear end 2.5" Front Drop and 4" in the back Edelbrock perfomer rpm manifold Edelbrock 600 cfm carb Headmen headers

08-11-2003, 01:25 AM	#18
iluvmy72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Springville, UT, USA Posts: 1,010	Denny If you've had problems with the center carrier bearing, then you have had trouble with the drive shaft.......it's the whole design that makes it bad.

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