62 Drive Shaft Yoke Installation

[Richard E.]

[Mike M.]

Re: 62 Drive Shaft Yoke Installation

if the tailshaft is twisted 3 1/4 " from its end, then the yolk may seize at that point. If the yolk internals are bottoming out on the tailshaft at that point, then it'll not go any further in the tranny tailstock . simply measure the length the yolk is splined-- insert a tape measure in the yolk till it bottoms out. if that # is 3 1/4 you're home free. Don't recall if yolks are capable of inserting the full length of the machined surface(for seal) but i'd also check distance between yolk and pinion yolk/flange then compare with length of driveshaft. Ought to have an inch or 2 of free travel once driveshaft installed. if no freeplay, first time you wrap up the rear axle, you may well damage the tranny.good luck, mike

[Gary Bishop]

Re: 62 Tailshaft?

Mike. Is it possible to have the tailshaft straightened if it it is twisted?

[William C.]

Re: 62 Tailshaft?

A: the yoke should close fully into the case, very close to running into the seal.

B: I don't know of anyone who has actually reversed the twist in a mailshaft, but I have seen the problem "overcome" by re-machining of the shaft in the area foreword of the twist to eliminate the bind. The splines in that area will be narrowed after this procedure, but it is not of major concern unless subjected to severe duty.

[John H.]

Re: 62 Tailshaft?

I went through this when I restored my '57 six years ago. When I tore it down, discovered that some previous owner had replaced the yoke with the shorter one from a passenger car, and the new correct 4-3/4" yoke I bought wouldn't slide in far enough; sure enough, turned out to be twisted splines from "enthusiastic" use with a too-short yoke. Had to install a new mainshaft.