You need to measure it with the springs unloaded for maximum length (jack it
up by the frame and leave the wheels on it and maximum loaded (on the bump
stops and add a 1/2 inch to both directions to allow for frame twist, spring
wrap, and easy U-joint removal. If you don't make it extend enough then it
will part when you fly over a bump and if you don't make it collapse enough
then you will bend and break something. You can't just guess, you need to
measure. You can avoid having to compress the springs by taking the axle
u-bolts off and placing the axle where it would be when it is compressed.
-Josiah
-----Original Message-----
From: rkinas [mailto:rkinas@ctinet.net]
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2002 7:43 AM
To: 'Old Trucks List'
Subject: [oletrucks] Drive Shaft
To all,
How much room for movement should you allow for when measuring the
required length for your drive shaft? The truck is currently on jack
stands, supported under the front and rear axle. Only frame, engine,
transmission are currently providing compression on springs. Body is not
on the chassis. I would assume that if I hit a hard bump with the bed
really loaded and cause the rear axel to bump up against the rubber
travel stops, that the drive shaft would be its shortest, (i.e it needs
not to bind and push the transmission forward.) The question is how much
different in length is this than when the drive shaft is measured in the
current jack stand supported position?
Thanks,
Rich Kinas
59 Fleetside
Orlando, FL
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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