hogie Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 I am getting closer to finishing up my car and I tried to put in the drive shaft tonight. Long story short is the drive shaft appears to be way too long. I have about 25.5 inches between the flange at the axle and the seal at the back of the transmission. However, the drive shaft I have is 29.5 inches long altogether and about 27 1/4 inches to the collar at the front. Also the splines don't seem like they want to engage all the way (though the flanged ends match perfect). How long should the drive shaft be for a 72 240 with a 4 spd? I have found a bunch of threads, but none with a proper length. That or they were for v8 swaps....yes I know this is hybridz Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianz Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 I believe earlier Z's require a shorter driveshaft due to the forward placement of the differential, however I cant remember whether thats just for the 71's or what. Either way, I have a spare driveshaft from a 71 with the 4 speed, so I can measure that later if you like. Cheers, Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogie Posted June 4, 2009 Author Share Posted June 4, 2009 If you could measure that it would be great. On a side note I checked to see if the mustache bar was flipped, but it appears to be going the right direction. Everything on the axle is bolted tight, and the motor appears to be in the proper place. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianz Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 I took some quick measurements and tip to tail the driveshaft is 28.5" and roughly just over 25" from the tail to the start of the collar where the rear of the transmission seals onto it. Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogie Posted June 5, 2009 Author Share Posted June 5, 2009 I was able to call MSA earlier today and their driveshaft is right at 30 inches. I guess that solves one thing, my shaft isnt too long (by much)! However, now I just need to find out why the splines wont engage fully and what I need to do to get it into the space required. It could be that my engine tranny is too far back or I guess the diff could be too far forward somehow. THanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogie Posted June 6, 2009 Author Share Posted June 6, 2009 Please let me know if anything looks out of place in these pics. The splines on the shaft look like they are in good shape, but don't fully engage. Even after a good greasing. I am quite sure the diff is mounted properly as well as the engine. The fan is darn near touching the radiator so there is no way for it to move any further forward. I thought I read that there was supposed to be a tiny F on the diff mount, but I dont see that either. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogie Posted June 6, 2009 Author Share Posted June 6, 2009 Arne (from ClassicZcars) figured out the problem. Whoever painted/powdercoated the shaft put it on extremely heavy and that wouldn't let the shaft go much past the seal. After about 4 soakings in paint remover the driveshaft slides right in. It looks like the collar on the shaft slides into the collar at the end of the transmission. Is it possible to put the drive shaft in too far? I know on my old hardbody that could cause problems. THanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianz Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 Good to hear it was simple! And no, you really don't have to worry about it going in too far, It either fits or it doesnt, and any kind of movement along the driveline is pretty insubstantial. Cheers Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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