Actually, there were three different lengths used on MGBs. Those roadsters
fitted with "banjo" rear axles (all1963 & 64, some 1965 -67) used a 30"
driveshaft with standard gearbox, 31-1/8" with overdrive (the D-type
overdrive). With a Salisbury rear axle (the one which has a removable rear
plate), the standard gearbox used a 31-1/8" driveshaft while the overdrive
(again, the D-type) used a 32" driveshaft. This was because the length of
the D-type o/d unit was different from the standard tailhousing.
1968 saw the introduction 4-synchro-gearboxes which used the LH overdrive
unit. These were the same length in standard or overdrive form, so the
driveshaft length (31-1/8") was the same regardless of which transmission
was used.
Lawrie
British Sportscar Center
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