At some point in my 59's history, someone cut down a longer driveshaft to use and cut it too short causing it not to have enough length to more fully fit into and grab the transmission. Using "just the tip" causes too much vibration. So, I'm trying to find a stock drive shaft rather than having a new one built. What is the length of a stock 57-60 drive shaft (2wd shortbed)? Or what other years/models will also fit? Here's a photo (not mine, but illustrates same idea). http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o722/txonmymind/IMAG0284_zps2fmqj0z0.jpg Thanks. .
OK, measurement on the main shaft cylinder is 61.5" (before u-joints) which I think is about 1.5" too short. I had it looked at and it was definitely cut down from a longer one. Anyone have a measurement on theirs?
Instead of guessing that someone else's driveshaft is the correct lenght, how about measuring what you need? Disconnect the rear of the driveshaft, push the front yoke in all the way, and pull it out 3/4 to 1 inch. Then measure the distance from the front U joint, to the rear end yoke (center to center distance between the U joint cups). Get a new driveshaft made to this length.
After witnessing the ills of 'home made', home-shortened, and any and all mistakes customers make before coming to me and saying, "Fix it"...I testify that Squirrel is dead on.