drive shaft help please

[burrpenick]

Finally installing the powertrain in my 72 Cuda 360/727. I discovered that my drive shaft is 1.5" too long, its 47.25'' and It looks to be about 1" too long, but I also would need about .5" play, so I was thinking 45.75'' length. Does that sound right for a s/b 727?

Thanks!
 

[70challengerrt]

I slide the tranny yoke in the the tranny and then slide it back out about a 3/4". then measure from center to center of the u-joints.

[tactransman]

I tried sending you an e-mail response but it was returned.
Here was the e-mail:

"George,45.75 inches sounds right,but what I would do is with the cars suspension loaded with the weight of the car, put the yoke in the tranny by itself where it needs to be running for clearance etc. and then measure from the center of the u-joint hole in the yoke to the center of the u-joint in the rear end yoke (where the u-joint would be sitting)

With the kick down,you know it is adjusted close to perfect if the tranny kicks down on it's own from 3rd to 2nd when you floor it at about 50/55 MPH.

Slap stick linkage:You can make the rod with a little ingenuity. You are gonna want an adjustment feature on it some where. A lot of the older cars and trucks had rods on them with a little piece on them for an adjustment."

[Katfish]

Seems right for a Challenger?

http://books.google.com/books?id=-Nq_KTNYEEEC&pg=PA93&lpg=PA93&dq=challenger+driveshaft+length&source=web&ots=HfSHfWTIWt&sig=gRcj_5p56Lurw4gyJgCCSyj0_l0#PPA93,M1

[burrpenick]

Thanks from the many folks who answered. I will insert the yoke, pull it out .75 then meaure from center to center on the ujoint circles. I have the front end up on ramps....so the weight it on the wheels. Is it OK to leave it like that while I measure?

[Chryco Psycho]

I assume the rear wheels are on the ground ?
as long as the jack stands are either under the diff or the wheels are on something so the leaf springs are loaded you will be fine

[burrpenick]

Perfect! Shaft is in......just about .75" play, so I am very happy.

Now I need help on running the shorter trans fluid cooling line. I have to fab a new one for that side. IDEAS?

[Chryco Psycho]

I have a double flare tube kit so I just make them from raw pipe , but you could buy a preflared line & bend it to fit , you will need 5 ' or so

[tactransman]

You can make the rod with a little ingenuity. You are gonna want an adjustment feature on it some where. A lot of the older cars and trucks had rods on them with a little piece on them for an adjustment."

George, this is the end that you want to incorporate into your home made shifter rod so you can have an adjustment.

[burrpenick]

Great pic! I have never seen the rod installed. I do have the block on the down shaft so it s/b a simple bolt on. I found a used one in Alabama that will be here in 2 days. Decided I didnt need the hassle of fabing one. I do plan to make one trans cooling line though........

[tactransman]

George,here is a pic of the linkage in case you need one.