Drive shaft recommendations

Author Topic: Drive shaft recommendations  (Read 1401 times)

Offline 70chall440

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Drive shaft recommendations
« on: July 03, 2018 - 01:23:32 AM »
As the title suggests, I am looking for some input about aftermarket driveshafts. I have looked at Dennys which seems to have a good following but they are 4+ weeks out plus a week of shipping. I looked at American Power Train but they don't list pricing or delivery. I also found the Driveshaft Specialist in TX; they seem quick and are very competitively priced.

The application is a 73 Cuda with a 416 stroker which should produce about 500 HP at the crank and a A833 4 speed. I am running 3.55's with 315's on the rear.

Anyone have any recommendations or advice on who to stay away from?
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)




Offline 7Dcuda

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #1 on: July 03, 2018 - 07:49:30 AM »
I still have that brand new Strange Engineering driveshaft I'm looking to sell.   

Its their 3" Chrome Moly driveshaft with spicer weld ends and the big 1350 series Spicer U-Joints.  Also has a Strange Engineering heavy duty MOPAR 30 spline transmission yoke.  Its rated for up to 800 HP.

Length is 44 3/8" center to center of U Joints.

I paid $250 for the driveshaft and $80 for the yoke for a total of $330.  I'd sell it for $150 plus shipping. That's a good deal for a Strange driveshaft with those features, less than half price.......I'd just like to get it out of my way.     
« Last Edit: July 03, 2018 - 08:01:39 AM by 7Dcuda »

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #2 on: July 03, 2018 - 11:43:58 AM »
As I recall this shaft was too short for your car correct? I am not sure if 44 3/8 is correct or not to be honest. I dont have a slip yoke so I cannot measure from cap to cap and I dont know what the allowance is for the yoke going back of the trans to the pinion yoke flats (where the drive shaft guys want you to measure from.

I agree its a deal, figure out shipping to 98597 while I try and see if that length will work. Again I agree its a deal but if it isnt going to be correct I would be throwing the money away.

Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline 7Dcuda

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #3 on: July 03, 2018 - 12:41:23 PM »
Actually it was a little long, per se. Not that it didn't fit/couldn't be installed, but just after installed and with car on ground and the suspension loaded I just wasn't comfortable with the amount of room for yoke movement along the transmission output shaft to allow for suspension movement. I actually installed it and test drove it with no problems, just was uncomfortable with what I mention.  My car is lowered in front and rear so that may be a factor as is a lot if things...pinion angle etc.

I think what caused the problem, to be honest, is I also installed a Strange yoke on my 8 3/4 center section so I could use their (Strange) beefed up u-joint caps.  Comparing it to the stock yoke it was a little longer so I think that was what caused the problem as I measured exactly how the Strange website order form for ordering drive shafts said to....but did the measuring with the stock center section yoke installed cuz at the time I hadn't bought their new yoke and driveshaft yet obviously.   

As FYI, my car is a 70 Cuda with a 440 and A833 also.  If your car is at a point to where you could check it immediately, and if you're interested, Id be glad to let you try it and if it doesn't work for you....send it back and Ill give you your money back (as long as it isn't damaged) I'd just like to get it out of my way and give someone on the site a good deal.       
« Last Edit: July 03, 2018 - 12:43:30 PM by 7Dcuda »

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #4 on: July 03, 2018 - 01:08:10 PM »
Its definitely a deal. I am running a 4 link rear so I do have some "wiggle" room. That said, I just want to have a better feeling of the length I need and since I dont have a 30 spline slip yoke currently I am having difficulty getting a good mental grasp on where I need to be. I am trying to figure out how to get a measurement without a yoke. I know the driveshaft guys know how far the yoke goes in and thus can determine the length of the shaft, I just know how they are doing it or cannot find a way to do it myself.

So what length did you end up using?

Where are you located (state wise)?
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline 7Dcuda

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #5 on: July 03, 2018 - 03:05:24 PM »
I ended up going with one an inch shorter @ 43 3/8"
I'm in GA...zip code 31088.

And as FYI, what the people at Strange told me with respect to proper length...end result should be this:.
With the trans yoke on the driveshaft, slide it on to the back of the the trans. and push it in till it bottoms out...then pull it back one inch....at that point the rear u-joint should be in the rear yoke.
« Last Edit: July 03, 2018 - 03:12:19 PM by 7Dcuda »

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #6 on: July 03, 2018 - 03:48:18 PM »
Therein lies my problem, I don’t have a yoke so I can’t measure. I am trying to find a yoke
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline 7Dcuda

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #7 on: July 03, 2018 - 04:06:02 PM »
Therein lies my problem, I don’t have a yoke so I can’t measure. I am trying to find a yoke

I know.....was just letting you know what Strange says is the end result of a proper length drive shaft.

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #8 on: July 04, 2018 - 12:54:58 AM »
I was able to borrow a slip yoke today for a short period, I didnt load the suspension but due to the 4 link and coil overs there isnt a lot of movement there, anyway I measured for the drive shaft and arrived at 43 3/8. That is with the slip yoke all the way in and back out 1" as recommended but all of the drive shaft sites I have been on.

That said, before I actually buy a shaft I need to give my rear suspension some love and set it up a little better. I can probably move it back 1" if I need to but my wheel/tires are pretty centered in the wheel wells so I am not too interested in moving them back.

I have a local drive line shop up the road, the problem is that the guy who owns it is a total dick. Its like you have to beg him to buy something from him. I'd rather order something online before give this guy a dime.  :swear:

After borrowing the yoke, I compared it to one I have and I believe mine is correct, just so full of crap it wouldn't fit. After this holiday I will set up my rear suspension and then try and measure again. If you shaft will work I will be in contact.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline 7Dcuda

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #9 on: July 04, 2018 - 09:20:27 AM »
Sounds good.  I'd recommend doing the final measurements with weight on the wheels even tho you say there's not much movement.... and with pinion angle set.

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #10 on: July 04, 2018 - 10:16:14 AM »
Yeah thats the plan.  :bigsmile:
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline mrob

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #11 on: July 05, 2018 - 01:07:17 PM »
I've had good luck with a company called Shaftmasters in Michigan for both my Coronet and Cuda. They do mail order driveshafts and have an online form that you can use to measure for the correct length. The pricing also seemed pretty reasonable compared to other companies that I researched. Here's a link:

http://shaftmasters.com/

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Drive shaft recommendations
« Reply #12 on: July 05, 2018 - 01:50:39 PM »
Thanks.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)