Driveshaft length and angle q's.

[GsxrMike]

I did a search but couldn't find what I was looking for. I am swaping out the axles (14BFF-D44), and TH400/NP208 out of a truck I bought into my K5. I haven't got the axles in yet but I have a 14BFF/D44 now (swapping for locker and gears) but the rear drive shaft is too long and the front is too short. I called a driveshaft shop today and they told me they could fix 'em up. I'm not sure how to measure the length I need. Also when I get them back I am going to need to set my angles. Why are the angles important? Is it for strength or to eliminate vibrations or both or something else. If I missed a thread in my search (i'm sorry) please point me in the right direction. As always THANKS A MILLION!!!

 

[obijuan]

you need to measure for the rear shaft yoke to yoke at the center of each ujoint then the front its probably from the flange to the center of the yoke. the front driveshaft from donor truck might fit.

 

[GsxrMike]

Front drive shaft was to short by about 3 inches. Plus I'm move the axle forward 1.5" when I get my zero rates. Do you know if drive line vibrations cause damage to u joints etc. If not I may just run 2" 1/4 wall square tubing. It won't see the road very often. If it does it will be about 5-25 miles at 55 mph.

 

[bp71k5]

Yes, driveshaft vibrations at freeway speed can cause the joints to fail and the shaft to fly around at 1000 (or whatever) RPM until it breaks off and flys through the floor. It's cheap to have the shaft shortened.