WTB: 48” driveshaft for 77 T/A
 

Curious what the going rate for a 48” driveshaft for my 77 T/A is and if anyone has one for sale.

I recently paid $100 used on the facebook market.

Thanks that helps. I was surprised at the cost to shorten and balance the one I have

Yeah, that's the reason I shorten my own driveshafts.

There was a welding instructor at the Vo Tech I attended back in 1971 that showed me the do it yourself method for shortening driveshafts when we converted a 65 Lemans from an automatic to a stick. After watching him do it in less than half an hour I have never paid someone to shorten one for me since.

I've done dozens of them in the last 50 years, never a hiccup on any of them. Use common sense, and make sure the phasing is correct, make sure you tack it up on at least 3 positions, then run a good bead on the ends. An angle grinder, and a welder are all the tools you need.

Many You tube videos on DIY driveshaft shortening, some are better than others:

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ten+driveshaft

As much as I try to do all I can myself, I’ve only been dabbling in some flux core welding recently and just don’t have the confidence in my ability yet to try something like that.

Mig or stick, is what I've done used for my driveshaft welds, flux core has so much spatter, unless your running thick wire, at 300 amps on 1/2 inch plate. Flux core has it's place, but welding thin steel at low amps isn't it's forte.

The first driveshaft I shortened when I was 16 YO , I oxy acetylene welded it, which is very similar to Tig welding, only it's done with a flame, as opposed to a arc, for the heat source. It held up in a 63 Tempest that I converted to a conventional driveline.

If you're not sure of your welding skills, you might be further ahead to shop for the right shaft, or farm the work out. I of course have no idea of what skills you have, but thought I'd make the suggestion, if you wanted to DIY.

I’ll have to just keep an eye out for one or pony up to have it done. I THINK I’m ok as-is but would make me feel better to have the right length.

When I recently reinstalled my transmission, I instaled a new slip yoke on the DS to replace one that had some nicks that kept wiping out seals. I did bottom out the yoke while installing the DS but after the shaft was installed I could see 1/4 - 3/8” that the yoke had pulled back out. I supported the rear of the car and allowed the rear axle to hang at its lowest point (which I believe should cause the driveshaft to extend furthest into the trans) and the movement was minimal. Maybe 1/16”. I set up a camera and recorded the movement to be sure. So I think I’m ok but again, would rather have the proper length just for some insurance.

Not sure if you are still seeking this drive shaft, but here in Nevada I have a 48" shaft removed from a 1973 Trans Am. It has a t-400 yoke on it.

I have a couple of unused driveshafts. One is out of a '78 T/A with T-10 and Ford 9" rear. The other is out of a '75 with T-350 and Ford 9". I'll go measure them this afternoon. If either one will work for you, you could just come down here and pick them up for free.

Eric

Thanks guys. Eric, what’s “down here”? Are you close to Toledo?

SE Dayton area. ~3 hours from Toledo.
I still owe you some dimensions.

Eric

Pics attached.

The bottom driveshaft is about 48.5" long c/c, 2.75" tube dia, 1.51" OD slip yoke (Turbo 350?), rear u-joint is 1.140" dia caps by about 3-5/8" across. (note: I haven't figured out what u-joints these are. They don't match dimensions in the Strange catalog).

The top driveshaft is about 48" long c/c, 2.75" tube dia, 1.89" OD slip yoke (ST-10), same rear u-joint as the other one.

The top driveshaft came off a car that I bought and it idled successfully from the garage to my trailer.
The bottom driveshaft came off a donor car that never ran.
So, no guarantees about their condition other than generally looking useable.

Eric

Thanks man. The 48” one would probably be the ticket but I won’t have any time in the near future to compare against mine let alone make the drive most likely. My just had out first born about 3 weeks earlier than expected so my time has been a bit….restricted lol.

OK, let me know if things open up in the future. I don't have them advertised so they'll probably still be laying there a year from now.

Eric

i have a couple from 77-81 t/a's with th350 trans if still looking. sent PM

Thanks man will do.


78w72, thanks, responded