What is the best way to fix a DS that is...

[CUCV2]

Too short?

Here's the skinny. I am lifting an 86 shortbox chevy with a shackle flip and installing some 64" springs. I got it all together including a 5 degree shim to correct the pinion angle and now my DS is too short. My Q is my subject title.

The options I am currently considering is:
1- A 5 degree angled zero rate from JKW Offroad
2- New CV DS from HAD (holy acronymn Batman)
3- Try and find a longer DS in a junkyard
4- Use a 1410 conversion ujoint and change the pinion yoke for a little extra length?

Not real sure about the validity of these ideas and would like some input from others. Thanks in advance.

 

[mechted]

how much are you short by? if we're talking 1 inch or so, the zero rate may work, but pretty much anything over that and you basically need to have your shaft lengthened.

Shouldnt be too expensive, $100 to $150.

Also, no one makes 1410 conversion ujoints, you would have to install a 1410 yoke on the DS and a 1410 yoke on the axle ($70 to 100 each, plus the joint)

 

[CUCV2]

how much are you short by? if we're talking 1 inch or so, the zero rate may work, but pretty much anything over that and you basically need to have your shaft lengthened.

Shouldnt be too expensive, $100 to $150.

Also, no one makes 1410 conversion ujoints, you would have to install a 1410 yoke on the DS and a 1410 yoke on the axle ($70 to 100 each, plus the joint)

DS is short by about an inch. Are there any other options to consider?

 

[smalltowncowboy]

i had a new drive shaft made at a shop here in town. cost me 60 bucks with new u-joints

 

[mechted]

does that allow for correct extension/compression? IE: if you bolt it up, splines are barely showing, and shortening wheelbase 1" or 1.5" would get the driveshaft to correct lengh, still allowing roughly 1.5"-2" for compression (assuming a normal amount of flex)

If and only if you have this situation, a zero rate can fix it, otherwise, you need to have the shaft lengthened. Take a yoke to yoke measurement and take the shaft in to have it retubed. Based on a yoke to yoke measurement of the truck at normal ride hieght, the shop can figure out the correct length to make it for compression/entension

 

[CUCV2]

The DS is out of the TC 1" to 1.5" further than stock. The TC actually leaks fluid now so I would say it is out too far. I'm going to go to the local machine shop on Monday to see what they would charge to retube it. I like the axle right where it is so a zero rate is not the first choice. The TC is going to get swapped out later for a SYE type setup and a CV DS but I'd like something to get me through the duration. Are the rear DSs any different in length between an automatic and a standard?

 

[CUCV2]

Fwiw

FWIW, a trip to the junkyard provided the solution. It turns out a DS out of a 93 Chevy shortbox is 1" longer than what was in my 86. The splines even match up. There were a few differences but it is a bolt in deal. The differences were that the diameter of the newer DS was smaller and the ujoints were both 1350s but of a different design. The 86 has the retaining clips on the outer ends of the joint, while the 93 had the retaining clips on the inner ends of the joint. I was pretty psyched to find it.

 

[randy88k5]

Good find