Drive shafts (1 Viewer)

[lc69hunter]

If I convert from a 3 spd to a 4 spd transmission, and shorten and lengthen the rear and front driveshafts, respectively, and then go from a 2F to a 350, will I have to modify the driveshafts again?

Or should I just do both conversions at the same time?

And, I do NOT want an automatic transmission.

 

[Living in the Past]

Depends on the location transfer. Four speed moves it back while generally V8 conversion move forward. Marks out of Australia makes or made a adapter that would keep the transmission and transfer case in the same location. So many options it's really a question with one answer.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

You almost always have to adjust driveshaft lengths. In every case, that is the LEAST difficult part of the conversion. Not something I would worry about at all. Let your driveshaft shop worry about that. Here in Norcal it's about $125 per shaft. So likely the least expensive part of your project.

 

[bikersmurf]

As other have said... yes, mods to driveshafts twice. Or do them at the same time and save $250-500.

Are you sure you want to go 350? If so, to do it over, I'd use a NV4500, a Nonstock transfer, and a centered rear diff.

Or a diesel and go a whole different direction

 

[bikersmurf]

You almost always have to adjust driveshaft lengths. In every case, that is the LEAST difficult part of the conversion. Not something I would worry about at all. Let your driveshaft shop worry about that. Here in Norcal it's about $125 per shaft. So likely the least expensive part of your project.

I agree that driveshafts should be the least of your concerns... a large number of conversions are butchered because someone doesn't want to have a shaft modified.

FYI, it's much easier (thus cheaper) to shorten a driveshaft than lengthen one. I had two front shafts for about $40/each.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Yep, like everyone else said, drive shaft cost is the least of your worries. Just don't try to save a few bucks later by letting drive shaft lengths dictate engine placement if you put an SBC in later.

 

[David70FJ40]

Although the driveshafts will be the least expensive part of the conversion, take care not to go cheap, the driveshafts are to important!

 

[lc69hunter]

As other have said... yes, mods to driveshafts twice. Or do them at the same time and save $250-500.

Are you sure you want to go 350? If so, to do it over, I'd use a NV4500, a Nonstock transfer, and a centered rear diff.

Or a diesel and go a whole different direction

I agree that the driveshafts are the least of my worries. Just didn't want to have to do them twice. However, as to the 350, I don't really care what engine it is, I just need pulling power. I am tired of having to drop down to 2nd gear will pulling my camper over some of the steep passes. My 2F is a beast and I love it. But it is not designed for that.

 

[lc69hunter]

Ran into a guy the other day who has a 283 in his 70 cruiser. I've even thought about the 4.7 out of a Tundra. It's just that there is a lot of stuff out there pre-fabbed for the 350.