Hi guys, I have an old fabricated quick change that I wanted to use on my roadster project. Was thinking of using a coupler and yoke, machining the yoke out and welding coupler in as done on banjo open drive set ups. My question is is the shaft I have to long to do this, will I need to shorten it before putting on the coupler and yoke. Will put pictures up so that you can see what I'm talking about.
I really don't think you could use that shaft without shortening it a lot then re-splining it (expensive in my neck of the woods). Could you not just buy a lower shaft for an open drive quickchange from Hot Rod Works? Actually you could just get the entire open driveline conversion that comes with the yoke and flange/seal then call it done.
Yes, you will need to shorten your input shaft - whether going to open drive or torque tube. One thing you should really checkout before you get too deep into it is whether or not "standard" off the shelf QC gears will fit what you have? One would hope so - but you better check before you invest a lot of money into it. If you're going to open-drive, then this conversion will probably be easier - as you can get an open-drive u-joint yoke, seal plate, etc - and most likely weld the yoke onto your shaft. A better option might be to just buy a new lower main shaft - with whatever front seal, coupler, yoke, etc. your rear setup requires. This is probably what I'd do. You'll need a new ring and pinion for sure and hopefully you or somebody you know is experienced in setting up banjo rears with quick-change centers. It is not super hard to do, but you need the right tools and the clearances, contacts patterns, etc - need to be correct.
Thanks, great advice as usual. Figured that it would need to be shortened. Yes it does take Winters gears so that part should be okay. I did talk to Dave Graham quite a while ago and yes he is probably the guy to set it up, thanks Greg.