Following Inland Empire Driveline's...
Following Inland Empire Driveline's instruction booklet, I measured from the end of the output 'shaft to the flat surface on the pinion yoke where the U-bolts pass through. This measured 57 5/16 inches. I also measured how far (5/8 inch) the output 'shaft extended from the end of the casing.
I went to Inland Empire Driveline for my driveshaft, having been impressed with its easy-to-understand literature, and very concise form explaining how to measure for a driveshaft, which can be filled in and sent to the company, who in turn can fabricate a 'shaft to your precise dimensions. Inland Empire can supply 'shafts in steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber, as well as associated components such as yokes, U-joints, U-bolts, and center bearing supports for two-piece driveshafts. It seems at just over 57 inches my driveshaft is a little on the long side, but not so long that a two-piece 'shaft was advised. Also, thanks to my Classic Performance Products trailing arms, and their pivot points a long way from the rearend, the difference in length from the pinion to the trans tailshaft at the upper and lower limits of suspension travel differed by a mere 5/16 inch, though Inland Empire Driveline offers 'shafts with sliding joints, common among the lowrider fraternity with long travel hydraulic setups and short control arms. For more information on when a two-piece 'shaft is required, check out the tech section on our website (search for Two Piece Driveshaft Technology at www.rodandcustommagazine.com), but long spans, limited space (two-piece 'shafts are generally smaller diameter than one-piece), and smoother running all play their part.
Inland Empire's form is very...
Inland Empire's form is very thorough, and to ensure they supply exactly the right parts, the diameter of the U-joint cup is required (1 1/8 inches in my case) ...
While I opted for an aluminum...
While I opted for an aluminum driveshaft, the slip yoke, and 1310 series U-joints are steel, all made by Spicer. These U-joints are allegedly stronger than greasable U-joints and offer an ideal combination of reliability and performance.
Rocky, of Inland Empire, began...
Rocky, of Inland Empire, began the fabrication process by pressing the U-joints and bearing cups into the 6061-T6 aluminum weld yokes ...
... as is the width of the...
... as is the width of the U-joint, which turned out to be 3 7/32 inches on my 8-inch axle yoke.
... before installing the...
... before installing the snap rings.
Rocky, of Inland Empire, began...
Rocky, of Inland Empire, began the fabrication process by pressing the U-joints and bearing cups into the 6061-T6 aluminum weld yokes before installing the snap rings.