Technical 39 Ford drive shaft shorting - is this good?

So I shortened my drive shaft for my '28 build. Everything fits well, but I want a second set of eyes. According to Tardel, the driveshaft should be just a little shorter than the tube, about 1/16' I think. Mine is just a hair longer. And since I don't have the speedometer gear housing (yet) I can't check the gear positioning. Any insight? .

 

What was it before disassembly?

 

A full size 1939 drive shaft and torque tube. I forgot to measure the end at the time I didn't have the speedo gear.

 

Every rear end I've had have had the drive shaft extend beyond the bell by about 1/16 to 1/8". The splines will end up flush with the edge of the bell, and the tapered end sticks out a bit.

 

Make sure you put the snap ring on to hold the speedometer drive gear in place.

 

Sorry, I meant the length of shaft before disassembly.

 

The front of the driveshaft is fool-proof since it is all locked in place by the orientation and stack up of the bearing, thrust washer, speedo gear and the c-clip. Install all of that and it sets the front of the driveshaft where it needs to be.

The rear of the driveshaft I usually measure before I take it apart but you could measure the distance from the star mounting flange surface and the rear face of the driveshaft sleeve when mounted with no torque tube by placing the rivet/pin back in.

It looks to me from the photos you don’t currently have the C-clip installed at the front of the speedo gear.

 

Helpful, thanks! Yes, I still need to install the clip, this is just a test fit. Any tips for removing the bearing and seal for replacement? ...although it doesn't look worn.

 

here is one way to remove race.
removing-the-race.pdf
Also there is a simple tool made From a piece of pipe
. Here it is

John

 

Very helpful, thank you!

 

I used a long piece of pipe and a hammer to drive the seal and bearing out. It came out very easy.