Driveshaft questions

[jj's68]

I have a 68 longbed with a 450hp 460. Do I need to install the split driveshaft for the hp, or can I keep the one piece shaft? I'm getting different answers... thanks for any help.

[fordman]

what do you have now or what did you have before?

[FORDification]

Your LWB truck would have gotten the 2-piece driveshaft from the factory...and it's what you should have now. It'll more than handle the horsepower. The problem with one-piece driveshafts in a LWB truck is that they're so long that they're hard to balance and to keep it there. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it's just harder....and more expensive, especially considering that it would have to be custom-made.

[jj's68]

The truck had a one piece driveshaft when i got it, but I have been told that I need the two piece to handle the hp. Thanks for the info... I actually have a two piece shaft also, but I dont have a carrier bracket. The previous owner cut the carrier bracket off the frame and installed the one piece shaft. Any idea where I might a bracket? Not much luck with salvage yards around here.

[FORDification]

I'm getting ready to junk out a frame, I believe the bracket is still there. I'll take a look while I'm at the shop on Sunday.

[flyboy2610]

Hey, Keith
If you're going to junk a frame, could I get the brackets that hold the top of the coil spring against the top coil spring bracket/ shock mount? The ones that have a bolt on each side? One of mine got bent up, and the other one has a broken bolt seized into it.
Thanks!

[rjewkes]

does that frame still have the E brake cables that go to the rear drums? is it LWB? Will the ones from the 77 Supercab LWB I just junked but kep all removeable parts work?

[FORDification]

Sorry guys....when I say junk a frame, I meant the frame only. Everything has already been stripped from it...it's just the bare frame, except for the things which are riveted to it (like the carrier bearing bracket). Anything that can be unbolted is already gone. In fact, flyboy already got the riveted-on front cab mount brackets.

[flyboy2610]

I thought you had gottten rid of that frame a long time ago!

[FORDification]

Nah, still sitting out back behind the shop. Getting ready to do some major spring cleanup though, and it's going to be hauled away, along with the scrap iron pile out back, which includes my old sandblasted cab, plus the '67 CS hood. Don't suppose you need a hood, do you, John? Free if you come get it.

[fordman]

how is the hood? and i have a question about single shaft driveshaft length. with a slip yoke . what should the length be. measured where to where.

[wt4speed#2]

Hey keith how bad is the cab I'm thinking about replacing just the left rear corner up thur the lower corner of the window (skin only)this is wrong thread sorry

Tony B

[FORDification]

I PM'ed both of you with answers to your questions, since this thread is getting pretty far off topic.

However....to answer your question, Fordman: You measure a driveshaft by going from the center of the front U-joint cap to the center of the rear U-joint cap. The length would vary, depending on what engine/transmission/rearend combo you had installed. I don't have any info about what the various factory lengths would have been, though.

[flyboy2610]

Nope, don't need a hood. Mine's good.
If Fordman wants it he can have it.

[xxxtina63]

When I went to replace my driveshaft this is what they told me: The longer the driveshaft the harder it is to balance. Also, when a driveshaft is long, like on the 67-72, as the RPM's increase the shaft will become "heavy" in the middle. Thus you could end up with a very expensive pretzel. Go with the 2 piece. It should be able to handle anything you throw at it within reason.