How to measure for a new d-shaft

[bentrocker]

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 5 spd, I has the slip yoke still. I would like to know what the proper way is to measure for a new rear drive shaft, so that I don't end up wrecking my t-case?
Thanx

[Pietro]

are you converting to a fixed ouput yoke on the tcase too?

to get the measurement, put the frame on jackstands or a lift to get the rear suspension to droop all the way. You need to find out from the d-shaft maker where they want the measurements from. It is usually from the output shaft end to the top of the input yoke on the rearend. Some do differ though. This measurement will be the shortest. Then put it on the groudn and take another measurement. This will be the longer one. As you compress your suspension, your driveshaft will lengthen (not true for all suspensions, depends on your shackle arrangement or link setup)

If you have a very soft suspension, it would be a good idea to put a ton of weight in the bed to compress the rear all the way. This will ensure that under full stuff, the driveshaft doesn't pull out.

If you are doing a SYE at the same time, some companies will tell you to take a specific measurement so they can make you a CV shaft while you are installing your kit that way there is no downtime

[bentrocker]

I am not doine the SYE yet, just need the shaft useable while I am working on other stuff.
The rear springs are 4" superlift with the factory shackle set up. no shackle flip
Thanx for the info.

[Pietro]

I don't know from experience as I have never lifted a dodge ram but most rigs can get away with a stock rear shaft on a 1/2 ton pickup or blazer type wheelbase. 4" is pushing it but I have seen a ton of rigs running the stock shaft. Maybe with a lowered tcase and tip the pinion up slightly to keep the vibes down. It should work.

[Robert97dodge]

With 4" of lift your rear DS will be fine. I was running 5.5" on mine and had no problem. I know a lot of other people have ran more than that. But if for some reason you need a new DS you just put the yoke in the T-case where you want. Then measure from the center of the u-joint at the T-case to the center of the u-joint at the rear axle.