robertsonsgarage Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 A question for all you sbc 700r4 z guys. What driveshaft do you start with? I have a shortened z shaft that someone said was for a sb ford and tranny, but I don't know for sure. The rear universal on that shaft looks very small. Should I buy a used gm shaft and buy a rear adapter from JTR? What have you guys done? What should I expect to pay for the driveshaft work? thanks, Tom (I did a driveshaft search and read much info, but nothing exactly for my question) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnjdragracing Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 We have always used a GM drive shaft, like one for a camero, need to have the correct front yoke for your tranny, then measure from the end of the transmission shaft to the center of the rear end u-joint flange. Tell the machinist how you measured. My brother Jerry uses a rear adpater that accepts the larger u-joints and fits the 4 hole flange of the rear end. Hopefully he will see this post and chime in with the part number. I think we pay around $55.00 to have one cut and balanced if we supply the parts. My brother Jerry gets a lot of favors done with machinist because he is a rep for a automobile parts supplier. John A question for all you sbc 700r4 z guys. What driveshaft do you start with? I have a shortened z shaft that someone said was for a sb ford and tranny, but I don't know for sure. The rear universal on that shaft looks very small. Should I buy a used gm shaft and buy a rear adapter from JTR? What have you guys done? What should I expect to pay for the driveshaft work?thanks, Tom (I did a driveshaft search and read much info, but nothing exactly for my question) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 most driveshaft shops would rather build you a heavy duty drive shaft to exactly match the application than rebuild and modify old parts of unknown origin,strength and condition, yeah it will easily cost more but you usually get a much better & STRONGER final product keep in mind that outside dia. wall thickness and the material used have a huge effect on the shock and torque loads the driveshaft can handle, and stock driveshafts were never meant to handle the torque, rpms and shock loads racing puts them thru Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertsonsgarage Posted February 20, 2007 Author Share Posted February 20, 2007 I'm only building a street machine. I'll get on it once in awhile, but no road or drag racing. I have the back half of a z drive shaft and the universal joint looks awful small compared to a GM. I just looked at the JTR website and they have an adapter that works for my 76 260z. Does this adapter fit right into a camaro drive shaft? I'm just trying to get all my stuff in one sock for a driveshaft rebuild. I really don't want a high dollar racing driveshaft for a street runner. What have you guys done is what I'm interested in hearing. thanks again, Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
280Zone Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 I just switched from an 700R4 to a turbo 350 so I had to have a new shaft made. I went with all new pieces and spent $350. I'd be happy to sell my removed driveshaft for the 700R4 is you are interested. It is custom built and balanced with greaseable u-joints. If you send me you diff to trans seal measurement I can veify fitment. Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
280zwitha383 Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 I had a completely new driveshaft made with u-joints and it set me back $150 I think. I was happy because I had figured about $350. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
that240guy Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 I paid $100 for mine, but it took me about an hour to get past the language barrier with the guy. NO HABLA ESPANOL! Anyway, I was kinda scared to run the 100 dollar driveshaft, but the car has gone 160 mph on it and I have about 1,000 miles on it now and no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest buckles260z Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 What about the driveshaft they have on zcarparts, it has already been measured and cut for a 700r4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pop N Wood Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 What about the driveshaft they have on zcarparts, it has already been measured and cut for a 700r4. That only works with the MSA mounting kit. You can mail order a brand new steel one custom made at this shop for under $200 http://www.pstds.com/custom_driveshafts.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Go for a Chevy driveshaft and use an adapter for the diff (JTR). Just wisdom alone makes one think of using the V8 driveshaft! Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheelman Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 I had a custom one made using the rear adapter from JTR and a Spicer Yoke on the front. Total cost was about $250.00 but I know it's brand new, balanced correctly and stronger than a stock one that has been cut a re-welded. Peace of mind is worth the price. Wheelman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertsonsgarage Posted February 21, 2007 Author Share Posted February 21, 2007 thanks guys, I'll buy a camaro driveshaft for my tranny and buy the JTR end to have attached. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillZ260 Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Just buy the JTR and a GM Yolk off Ebay or the driveshaft shop. Then make sure you aske them how to take measurments, i think some guy's work with slightly different tecniques. Should cost you about 150 all total. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patzky1 Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Used the caprice drive shaft from the donor car and it cost $50 to have it shortened, run true,and balanced. Seems very tough and it's STEEL. Not really sure how strong composite or aluminum ones are, but I've had no problems, especially with my currently wimpy motor. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 tuff z Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 i brought the steel camaro ds and old stock z ds to the local shop [fleetpride], they cut the camaro trans end and z diff end then welded both to a new steel tube, balanced, painted and handed it back in exchange for $100. 3000+ miles, just over 160mph blast last summer and doing fine. will do the same again once i have the q45 diff installed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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