drive shaft extending

[TwoToneX]

My basic question is how do I figure out how much I need to extend it. I don't really want to just take a guess and I was just gonna take it off and take it in there instead of driving my truck. Any ideas on how to figure out exactly how much I need to extend it? Thanks..

 

[RockRanger]

You could take and jack the rear up off teh frame and see how far it drops then load the rear down till it is on the bumpstops and measure those 2 differences. might be easier if you take all the leaves off and just leave the main leaf though. That is a PIA though. also could try jacking up one wheel to side flex it and see what that measures. I doubt there will be much chane when flexed with one tire up and one down cause the pumpkin is pretty well centered. when I was with tdavis and he seperated his shaft it was cause the whole axle dropped to far but sided to side was fine.

Matt

 

[Sandy]

Call the shop going to do the work and ask them what measurements they need and the best way to measure.

I agree w/RockRanger about the method but loading the suspension till it hits the bumps stops can be a problem. Of course if there were no springs it might help.

Good Luck,

 

[Campo]

The way My grandfather would do it on his sprint cars(not trucks) was to measure the distance between the flange on the tail shaft to the end of the shine of the yolk, (that would be where it rested in a stock config) I've used that method many time's on car's(not trucks), but don't know if it would be different for 4x4 because of all the flexing..

Hope this helps

 

[mrboyle]

Go to this link: http://www.dicksdriveshaft.com/measurediagnostic.htm
You will need to use the measurements shown in figure 4. Take the measurements with the vehicle sitting flat on a level surface. This will give you the measurements needed to qrder the proper length drive shaft. If you have any more questions call Dick's Driveshaft at 1-800-875-0877.