When measuring the drive shaft, how much of the yoke on the transmission should be exposed? "play" the car is on two jack stands that are placed under the axle. what is the correct way to measure?
I generally bottom the yoke into the trans, and then back it out 1". Then measure from there. It really isn't a case of how much is exposed, as whther it is properly seated in the trans. Too deep and it binds, too shallow and it will break or drop out.
with the car on jack stands on the axle housing, i have 1 1/2 inches of yoke coming out of the transmission....
The guys I use for driveshafts dont want it measured with the yolk in. They want from the end of the tailshaft to the center of the u joint. This way they get it right every time. It should be on stands to simulate sitting on the suspension. I usually get 2 measurements- 1 suspension loaded and one not. check with who your using though, cause they're all different.
As was said in #2, you slide the yoke in untill it bottoms out, then slide it back out 1", is typical. That's top advice there! My guy wants the distance from the center of the joint in the yoke to the flat on the U joint mount, it varies
I just got mine built. The guy said bottom the yoke out and pull back 3/4 of an inch then measure from center to center of the universals. 48 Poncho
That's top advice there! My guy wants the distance from the center of the joint in the yoke to the flat on the U joint mount, it varies[/QUOTE] X2, It's all about who you take it to. I gave my C/L deminsions to a shop, they didn't want that and would not do it without there set way of measureing.
One local shop wanted it measured without the yoke, from end of tail shaft. Another wanted it measured with the yoke seated then pulled out one inch. Both wanted the car sitting on the ground normally loaded, I.e. at normal ride height. Check with your builder and do it his way. That makes him more responsible for the final result.
That is probably too much sticking out. Most sources say between 3/4 and 1 inch and you want the vehicle to sit as it would going down the road. Having the car supported with stands under the rear axle when you measure is good though as the weight is still on the axle.
I took pics of mine with the tape measure from the tail shaft to the diff. Going in each direction, printed out the pics and took them in. Made things real easy. Of course mine has a hard mounted jag so I did not have to worry about suspension travel.
The Jalopy Journal
