I just replace my T-5 with a SM420 transmission. Now I need to lengthen my rear drive shaft. I would like to go to the junk yard and find a shaft that is equal to or longer than my stock drive shaft. The main thing is that the O.D. is equal to my Jeep and it is long enough. Has anyone ever done this swap? What vehicle can I go to and get a driveshaft from that is the same O.D? Is there a shaft I could get that will be a direct fit? I am replacing the stock rear shaft of a '83 CJ-7. The new shaft has to be 1 1/2" longer than the stock. (I measured from center to center, running length)

Why does the OD have to be the same? Is there a clearance issue? If not, bigger is better and stronger. I don't have a cj7, but I've been through a few junkyard drivelines. You will notice some real weenie drivelines on the old Jeep grand cherokees with 360 engines. It was a clearance thing.

When the offroad shop in Farmington N.M. replaced my driveline last year, they built is bigger for strength.

As far as direct fit, you'll just have to take a measuring tape and go for it. I use CV joint so I get them off the front ends of vehicles with full time xcase.

If you can find a good resonable shop, they can shorten it for 35-50 dollars.

I was thinking that if it was to long that I could find one longer and take off the splines from it and put my splines on it. But I would prefer to find one that is a direct fit. I am looking for one that will fit the yoke on my Dana 300 transfer case and my AMC 20 rear axle. But I need run with a running length of 25 1/4 inches. My stock '83 cj-7 shaft was 23 1/2.

quit being a fawkin cheap skate and pony up for a new driveline, or just have yours corrected to fit your new application.

quit being a fawkin cheap skate and pony up for a new driveline, or just have yours corrected to fit your new application.:laughing::laughing::laughing:

I'm retired and even I don't wanna take the time to crawl around a junkyard with my Stanley and take measurements on a bunch of crap that'll need new u-joints anyway. Not to mention gasoline at $2++ a gallon, spending (wasting) half a day, and still coming up empty handed.

Some people must live in the midst of several really good 'pick-n-pulls'.:flipoff2: Most of the yards in my area won't even let you out in them to 'wander' around.:flipoff: The few that do, either won't let you remove any parts, or the selection is pretty bare.:barf: Want something built in the 70's?...Good Luck:shaking: ...Those have been crushed, melted down, and are probably sitting two rows back as a 90's Pontiac.

Sorry for the rant...My one good yard closed about four years ago.:mad3: They had all the good stuff...All you needed was a twelve pack of Milwaukee's Best:beer: and you were golden.:grinpimp:

quit being a fawkin cheap skate and pony up for a new driveline, or just have yours corrected to fit your new application.

You guys feel the need to pay ungodly amounts for drivelines...I made 8 of my own for different projects and have had them all within 8 thousands or less. Why throw money at something that doesn't need it...

Anyway, you will just need to find a vehicle with the correct size u-joints and a shaft longer than need...from there, cut it down to length, get a V-block and a dial indicator and go to work. Even if you dont have the tools it will be cheaper buying them and doing it yourself than to have them made. Drivelines are not hard, the just require precision.

I just sent mine to Tom Woods, lengthened and balanced for $105 including shipping back. It's not worth spending time looking in my book.

Thanks for the input guys. Jopes you need to get a life, end of story. I found a local shop who will extend my old shaft for $100. AND will have it ready in 2 days. By the way I found out that due to the short wheel base of the jeep there is NOTHING in the junkyards even close.