Little info first. 1978 chevy/gmc, BBC 496, th400, 5.38 gears, detroits f/r, divorce 205, 8" suspension lift (leaf spring), 14t w/discs, 60f.


I have been surfing away on best driveshaft and pinion angles so I think that I have that all down. So I have drawn up a bunch of different scenarios(sp) on how to build my driveline on ACAD. My question is I have a divorce 205. and I don't know what the angle in correlation to horizontal where they are supposed to sit. Basically the vertical distance between the cl of the input shaft, and the cl of the front out put shaft. What is the stock configuration and what is the maximum that I can "clock" the transfer case. I originally guestimated the difference to be six inches, but I don't think that it is very accurate after seeing some pictures on here. I also currently have 1410 yokes on the pinions front and rear. I am trying to keep my angles as little as possible, and everything that I read on the net says to stay within 3 degrees which is not possible. So any suggestions on where you guys are running at? I have most around 10 degrees or less with two creeping around the 14 degree mark, and in between the trans and t case is around 5 and 5, and am still trying to lessen them a little, hence my question.
Thanks for any help
jenks

I would like to start a build thread, but don't know if I am worthy. LMK

the preferred operating range of 3* can be exceeded.

just dont hit the critical mass point of the driveline.

This is the point where the speed of the shaft induces self destruction.

There is a chart for this, but I dont have it... a driveline shop will.

Some will tell you that CV joints are a requirement. Some will tell you that you need offset u-joints.

I have run many different driveshaft combinations over the years, and i have found that as long as the shaft is in phase, and not binding, you will be able to run it, as long as it does not reach that "critical mass" speed. Dont run a dented or bent shaft, either....

but what do i know....

I agree with grumpy Ive run alot of different angles with my rigs.As long as you dont bind them and keep m greased they run ok.I run just enough drop on my axle pinions from straight with the shaft to keep the needle bearings spinning so they dont rest in the same place and cause a wear pattern in the joint.I also on my first big build ran a chevy with a 208 t-case and 14" of lift in the front.After trying to clearance the CV and with the pinion pivoted I was at a loss thought I would have to buy a 500 dollar shaft to run the front axle.Afriend of mine who built grive shafts told me to measure from the t-case yoke to the pionion yoke and bring him the stock shaft.I took him the shaft and he went to work took the CV off put a single joint on it in the place of the CV and lengthened the shaft out put a new single joint on the other end and said run it.I Never thought it would work and to this day the guy who has the truck now still has that shaft in the front and and has only replaced the top joint at the t-case once.The angle is crazy.Also I run 205 divorced units and clock were ever I need m I run m with the outputs straight up and down and the trans to t-case almost straight just enough drop to keep the needle bearings moving.Heck some guys completely turn those divorced units around or will hang m with the front output straight down from the input on tall trucks.