1963 drive shaft lenght

[Rainer S.]

I have reassembled my drive shaft, hooked up to rear axle and transmission. The splined shaft, which goes into the transmission, is exposed 1 1/2" from end of trans to universal casting. When looking at pictures of other cars of same vintage, I see approx 1/2" exposed. The Trans and Axle are mounted in the correct place in relationship to the frame. Is my drive shaft too short ? The drive shaft measures 30.50 overall, 29.25 centerline to centerline of universals, which are welded on the drive shaft.

[Tom D.]

Re: 1963 drive shaft lenght

Mine looks to be the same length. My yoke is showing about 1 inch of "seal surface" area. (My 63 has a 66 Muncie, but I'm sure there's no length diff. there).

Tom D.

[David D.]

Re: 1963 drive shaft lenght

Rainer, From your measurements, it is 68-70 with Turbohydramatic or 1971-1979 (exc 78-79 SHP) driveshaft, the actual length is listed as 30 7/8" O.L. and 29.5" c-c. As far as I know, the 1963-1970 manual trans driveshaft is 31 25/32" O.L. and 29.75" c-c, GM #3963852. Hope this helps. Dave

[Rainer S.]

Re: 1963 drive shaft lenght

Thanks, Tom and Dave. I guess, my drive shaft is 1/2" shorter than it should be.If I decide to, who is the best source to retube my drive shaft ?

Rainer

[David D.]

Re: 1963 drive shaft lenght

Rainer,

From your profile, I see you are in the Farmington Hills, MI area. Joint Clutch & Gear in Warren, and Auto Truck Eguipment in Roseville, are 2 that I know of in my area. Auto Truck Equipment may also have a Pontiac, MI location. Just about any heavy truck or construction equipment repair shop should be able to refer you to a good local shop that they use for driveshaft re-tubing and balancing.

If you are not in a hurry, a good used driveshaft can be found fairly easily and for a very reasonable price at some of the larger swap meets, as long as you know the correct length. I picked up very good one (no dents, good yokes, not heavily rusted), at Corvettes at Carlisle for $15 a couple years ago. After I bought it, I found that most used parts vendors had them, but just did not bother bring any, as they did not consider them a high demand item.

I would think there would also be a few available from vendors at Bloomington Gold later this month. May also want to check the Driveline ads. Hope this helps. Dave

[Rainer S.]

Re: 1963 drive shaft lenght

Thanks Dave. I am not in a hurry, still have a long way to go on my body. Will check your leads out....

Rainer