Thread: Driveshaft length question

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Hi everyone,
I appreciate all of your help in advance. I have a 1953 Ford f100. Fairly wild custom and I am just finishing fitting the drivetrain in. I have a '70 cadillac 500 backed with a turbo 400 (please my fellow ford enthusiasts dont get hostile). My question lies in hooking that to the 9 inch rear. I need a 57 inch driveshaft. I realize I could get my current driveshaft shortened or even a custom aluminum for a few hundred dollars. But it sure would be cool just to get this truck to move by finding a stock 57 inch driveshaft. Is there a magic place that might list stock driveshaft lengths of different models produced over the years?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Everyone take care....53fordbubble

Finding a 57 inch driveshaft with the correct yoke on both ends will be like finding a 32 ford with chevy motor mounts that were factory installed by ford.... not saying that there is no chance but saying "little chance"

A new driveshaft, measured and built properly, is the best way to go and it isnt that expensive. Anything you find in a "previously owned recycle emporium" is going to be suspect anyway.

Agree with robot. Trying to find a piece that would work is an exercise in futility.
Congratulations on your swap. Love those big torque monster Cads.

This sums it up:

Originally Posted by 53fordbubble

Hi everyone,
I appreciate all of your help in advance. I have a 1953 Ford f100. Fairly wild custom and I am just finishing fitting the drivetrain in. I have a '70 cadillac 500 backed with a turbo 400 (please my fellow ford enthusiasts dont get hostile). My question lies in hooking that to the 9 inch rear. I need a 57 inch driveshaft. I realize I could get my current driveshaft shortened or even a custom aluminum for a few hundred dollars. But it sure would be cool just to get this truck to move by finding a stock 57 inch driveshaft. Is there a magic place that might list stock driveshaft lengths of different models produced over the years?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Everyone take care....53fordbubble

Talk to your local driveshaft shop about measuring fo the exact length,cheapest way is to get a RWD Cadillac driveshaft that had a turbo 400,go to pick-n-pull with a tape measure to find one the right length(longer is better) most drive line shops have listings for conversion U-joints after they shorten it and balance it.Just went down that road,u-joints cut & balance ran $150 used shaft was $40.Good Luck!

I've read in some car magazines that they went to the junkyard and happened to luck out finding the exact driveshaft they needed for some project, but it has never happened to me. I agree with the guys, have a local shop fab up one for you, the tab is usually less than $ 200.

Don

I found that the large truck shops can build driveshafts and do it quite reasonable. Had one done for the 23 T, I supplied the yokes and measurements, they did the rest. Phased the ends correctly, balanced and supplied the tube. $65.00 later, I was back in business. Also found that you can buy the shock absorber rubbers separate, two different hardness' one is soft, and the other are quite firm, make great engine mounts. They have a lot of cool trinkets that work ok for the rodders. Sniper