Stock rear driveshaft Diameter

[jeff in co]

I'm ordering up my Tom Woods rear CV driveshaft and am wondering what the factory, stock rear driveshaft diameter is? Any need to increase or just stick with stock diameter?

I have 1350 flange at T-case and 1350 U-joint on rear 14SF axle.

Going to get 1350 CV driveshaft.

Thanks!

 

[Zeus33rd]

Stay with a stock diameter and wall thickness tubing if you don't bash it on rocks or have a bazillion HP. I worked for High Angled Driveline for a couple years..when the tubing deviated from stock, there was more machining to adapt yokes and CV's etc to the tube. That will make your shaft easier and faster to build and ship. Most places build new shafts out of DOM, stock GM shafts are HREW. A stock ID/OD shaft, made out of DOM would be a decent upgrade in strength. I think stock wall thickness is .095. .120 wall would be a good upgrade, for some peace of mind, with minimal extra machine work. Anything more is mostly pointless.

Best thing is to call Tom Woods and ask them all these questions.

 

[jeff in co]

Thanks Zeus for the info. I did call Tom Woods yesterday and he gave me a choice of 2-3/4" (stock size) or 3" diameter. I asked for his recommendation and he suggested the 3". Said it was a little stronger than the other option. So, I got it all ordered.

Due to weekend, I will get the driveshaft on Monday! That was far quicker than I expected. All 1350 joints for $439 shipped. Denny was advertising 3 week delivery, to boot so that was an easy choice.

 

[Jester1]

Wow that seems like a good deal and good service. I know woods is quality stuff but post pics and overall impression when you get it.

 

[rjfguitar]

I had a 4" rear shaft made for my k5 years ago. Why such big tubing? Because it looks cool.

 

[K30Blazer]

That is a good deal. 1350 CV and how much slip? I am close to pulling the trigger and most likely going with HAD. Is the Tom woods neapco or spicer?

 

[Zeus33rd]

That is a good deal. 1350 CV and how much slip? I am close to pulling the trigger and most likely going with HAD. Is the Tom woods neapco or spicer?

I don't know how tom woods works, but high angle drive line stocks both brands of joint. Or atleast he did when I worked there. I'd imagine TW does the same.

 

[jeff in co]

I believe they are Spicer joints that I will be receiving. I don't know how much slip I'll get but it does look like you can get longer if needed. I believe I will get either 3" or 4" of slip.

 

[jeff in co]

Already got a UPS tracking number last night. Dang they are fast!

 

[tRustyK5]

Stock wall thickness is .083". I had a local shop lengthen mine and up the wall thickness to .095" DOM in the stock 2.75" diameter. It's not a massive upgrade, but the shaft is noticeably heavier and should survive a little more abuse. I wanted .120", but they came up with a half dozen reasons not to...mostly came down to machining they didn't want to do.

 

[jeff in co]

Well, got it all installed last night. I saw Neapco on one of the components so it looks like that's what I got. U-joints have yellow caps which reminds me of Autozone type joints...but don't know. Hopefully they are decent ones.

I was able to finally get my t-case back up to stock position and that part is great! However, I did feel a little vibration on my test drive this morning.

When I measured the differential, I had about 12 degrees on the yoke and driveline was about 15 degrees. I'm going to change out the shim to add a few more degrees (from 2.5 to 4). Hopefully that will be enough to take care of it.

Overall though, it certainly looks nice!

Slip was noted as 3" on the invoice...

 

[K30Blazer]

Vibration is not a good thing.

 

[jeff in co]

Well, added 2 more degrees and all is good! Yoke at 14 to 14.5 degrees and driveshaft at 15 degrees. Took it up to 65 so far and feels way better!

Feeling better after all that money....whew!