Drive Shaft about an inch short
 

I’m curious what options I have. I recently replaced a 71’ shot 2 piece drive shaft with a one piece from my 68. After shortening the frame. While I initially thought they were perfectly 12” apart it appears it’s about 1” shorter than necessary. Do I HAVE to have it retubed or could I add a double cardan joint to the rear? Has anyone come across this before?

Thanks

Re: Drive Shaft about an inch short
 

I am not sure what you mean by 1" too short. There is more than 1" of travel at the transmission slip yoke. Is it long enough that you can drive the truck and you are concerned about it falling out as the suspension travels?

In any event, you cannot put a double cardan joint on it.

Retubing is not that expensive.
the yokes and joints are what makes a driveshaft expensive. I had one retubed locally for <$50.

Re: Drive Shaft about an inch short
 

Sorry about that, the yoke slips in but about 1.75” is exposed causing a small fluid leak that was not an issue before. There is noticeably about an inch of “polished” yoke that was previously sleeved. I used the same yoke from the other drive shaft. I was quoted $200-$250 to retube.

Re: Drive Shaft about an inch short
 

There are longer yokes available, check around and see what you can find. Easier and cheaper than re-tubing.

Re: Drive Shaft about an inch short
 

Replace the yoke and rear seal and you should be good to go.

Re: Drive Shaft about an inch short
 

Here is more information on what your contemplating.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809359

Re: Drive Shaft about an inch short
 

I have that condition, the seal wears out quicker.

Re: Drive Shaft about an inch short
 

You really need to put the correct length tube/shaft in.

I'm not sure why one would assume and cut rather than measure first but so be it.

A longer yoke might help but the yoke sticking out that far will beat the bushing out along with knocking seals out and eating up the yoke.

I've got the correct tools to change bushings in Turbo 350 or 400 in the truck if you need help with it. It's about a five minute job if you have the drive shaft out and a new bushing ready to go.

Re: Drive Shaft about an inch short
 

I'm having mine rebuilt, though it's a two piece SWB shaft. I wonder why a 68 had a one-piece when other years didn't? For what it's worth, I wanted a one-piece and was advised by two of two shops to stick with the two-piece.

Re: Drive Shaft about an inch short
 

Yeah I totally agree I am a measure twice cut once person by nature myself. I can only assume it was the two-piece original drive shaft as opposed to the one piece I replaced it with that threw me off. Also I didn’t have the new driveshaft fabricated I used one from my original short 68 that I LS swapped and no longer need. I have to have a new one built for the 4l60e.

Re: Drive Shaft about an inch short
 

I would assume at some point before me in its 52 years of life someone just swapped for it. I’ve only had it since 2003.