Ball & Trunion Driveshaft Conversion

[MCODECUDA]

I have a 1964 Belvedere big block 4-speed car with the ball & trunion output shaft and I want to swap in a 68 transmission with the slide in yoke. What driveshaft do I need to look for?

 

[64SF]

Just did this...had a one made. Cost was right at 275.00 with a new 23 spline yoke, rear yoke, new joints and balanced.

 

[mmissile]

Have one built. These guys do great work, and are more than competitively priced. They do all my custom work.

https://www.ccidriveline.com/

 

[MCODECUDA]

Just did this...had a one made. Cost was right at 275.00 with a new 23 spline yoke, rear yoke, new joints and balanced.

If it is not too much of a bother what is the length from center to center of the u-joints. Nice looking car by the way.

 

[64SF]

If it is not too much of a bother what is the length from center to center of the u-joints. Nice looking car by the way.

Will get it tomorrow.
Yours as well!

 

[MCODECUDA]

Will get it tomorrow.
Yours as well!

Thanks

 

[triggerfish]

I have a 1964 Belvedere big block 4-speed car with the ball & trunion output shaft and I want to swap in a 68 transmission with the slide in yoke. What driveshaft do I need to look for?

Congrats on your new awesome Belvedere! Great color combo & street wedge 4 spd. I was watching that one for a long time & hoping my 64 Belvedere & 68 D100 would sell so I could get it, but didn't get them finished yet. Anyway, I'd call Brewer's about your driveline needs for they have what you need.
Brewer's Performance

10510 State Route 571
Laura, OH 45337

PH: (937) 947-4416 or (937) 698-4259

 

[MCODECUDA]

Congrats on your new awesome Belvedere! Great color combo & street wedge 4 spd. I was watching that one for a long time & hoping my 64 Belvedere & 68 D100 would sell so I could get it, but didn't get them finished yet. Anyway, I'd call Brewer's about your driveline needs for they have what you need.
Brewer's Performance

10510 State Route 571
Laura, OH 45337

PH: (937) 947-4416 or (937) 698-4259

Thanks

 

[64SF]

If it is not too much of a bother what is the length from center to center of the u-joints. Nice looking car by the way.

Approximately 52 1/2. As an FYI....I installed a 65 rear axel assembly to eliminate the splined drums and a 31 spline imput yoke and a joint that is different than the 60 or 90 Chrysler joint. If you do the conversation I’m sure the driveshaft builder will want you to measure the distance in his particular way.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Bought a custom length driveshaft doing a c to c measurement on u-joints. The 1350 yoke was thicker forward of the u-joint so the fit was tighter than I'd like. Maybe measuring from center of rear yoke to face of output shaft. Then allow for fore and aft movement.

 

[MCODECUDA]

Approximately 52 1/2. As an FYI....I installed a 65 rear axel assembly to eliminate the splined drums and a 31 spline imput yoke and a joint that is different than the 60 or 90 Chrysler joint. If you do the conversation I’m sure the driveshaft builder will want you to measure the distance in his particular way.

Thanks, I’ll just use it as a reference.

 

[Detroit Iron]

That's a great upgrade. I have a '67 727 and had Denny's custom build me a shaft. You can get steel or aluminum. https://www.dennysdriveshaft.com/

 

[Dipstick]

You might be surprised to find that the driveshaft length with the '68 slip yoke transmission is the same as the original '64. Problem is, it's hard to measure the B&T shaft with the front housing installed but, with it removed, the trunnion pin is in the same position as a u-joint would be.

 

[Detroit Iron]

When I ordered my drive shaft, Denny's asked what the measurement was between the flat surface of the rear-end yoke (where the u-joint straps attach) to the end of the transmission splines. They know how much space to allow for slip.

 

[Fran Blacker]

When I ordered my drive shaft, Denny's asked what the measurement was between the flat surface of the rear-end yoke (where the u-joint straps attach) to the end of the transmission splines. They know how much space to allow for slip.

Did they want the measurement with the car weight on rear axle?

 

[miller]

Did they want the measurement with the car weight on rear axle?

Yep.

 

[funnykarman]

Ok , the best way to do it . Set your car up on blocks and have its weight on the suspension . This will give you room to get under the car and get a good measurement . Push your front trans yoke all the way in and then pull it out appx. 1 inch , then measure from the center of your rear end bearing cap to the center of the front yoke this will give you the correct length for your shaft . You may need help doing this , the reason for pulling out the front yoke is allowing the yoke to move in and out of the trans.. plus will allow you to be able to install and remove the drive shaft . Hope this helps John

 

[Fran Blacker]

Ok , the best way to do it . Set your car up on blocks and have its weight on the suspension . This will give you room to get under the car and get a good measurement . Push your front trans yoke all the way in and then pull it out appx. 1 inch , then measure from the center of your rear end bearing cap to the center of the front yoke this will give you the correct length for your shaft . You may need help doing this , the reason for pulling out the front yoke is allowing the yoke to move in and out of the trans.. plus will allow you to be able to install and remove the drive shaft . Hope this helps John

Agree with what you wrote if you use the yoke you measure with. I measured just like you described. I didn't use the yoke on the driveshaft (a 66 with a 1330 u-joint) the yoke supplied was beefier and had 1350 u-joint, ok'd by me. The shaft was longer by 1/2" to 5/8" than I expected it still had enough room to slip but wasn't happy with my mistake.

 

[funnykarman]

Agree with what you wrote if you use the yoke you measure with. I measured just like you described. I didn't use the yoke on the driveshaft (a 66 with a 1330 u-joint) the yoke supplied was beefier and had 1350 u-joint, ok'd by me. The shaft was longer by 1/2" to 5/8" than I expected it still had enough room to slip but wasn't happy with my mistake.

It's best that you use the yoke that you intend to use , like you found out it will make a difference in the outcome .

 

[David Buettner]

I have a 1964 Belvedere big block 4-speed car with the ball & trunion output shaft and I want to swap in a 68 transmission with the slide in yoke. What driveshaft do I need to look for?

Still have your original 4speed driveshaft? If so, maybe you can help me. I have a 63 2 door 330 which had a torqueflight when I got it and now I am installing a four speed. The driveshaft seems to be a bit too short. Could you measure yours for my benefit? If you want to sell it, I might be a buyer.
Thanks
Dave