how much to shorten driveshaft?

draggindime072010 · 07-02-2009, 02:10 AM

i have a regular cab noma i am putting a 350 in it. im not sure as to what transmission i will be using either a turbo350 or 700r4 and the truck is bagged front and back with the sd bolt on 3 link. how much would i need to shorten my driveshaft? i will be draggin it too so it needs to be enough not to jam into the tranny when its that low. thanx for any help. i am putting this in the v8 section also

C-Bo · 07-02-2009, 02:25 AM

I've swapped V8s into a 91 blazer 4.3l and a 95 single cab 2.2l and never had to modify the drive shaft! Surely being bagged it still won't matter.. not 100% though!

draggindime072010 · 07-02-2009, 02:40 AM

every1 that i have talked to has said that i would need to im not sure tho i guess ill see tho mine is a 95 also

C-Bo · 07-02-2009, 02:49 AM

I used the advance adapters mounts p/n 713111, 2.8l pads and a th-350 in my 95

draggindime072010 · 07-02-2009, 02:53 AM

thats what i am going to use to i already have the 2.8 mounts on the frame now i am waiting on the conversion mounts to come in i have some pics of it in the same thread in the baggin it section if you would like to see it. i still have a ton of work to do. oh and did you have to cut anything on your firewall i am hoping the mounts will bring the motor away from it to where i dont have to

C-Bo · 07-02-2009, 11:15 AM

The only firewall issues i had was clearance of the passenger side collector (heddman shorties) and used a hole saw to cut the floor/firewall at the pinchweld so it is easier to get to the tranny bellhousing bolts. I didn't have to cut the holes.. it just made life easier!

draggindime072010 · 07-02-2009, 11:56 AM

ok thanx i wonder if i could just beat it in a lil or something

afraidof7 · 07-02-2009, 05:59 PM

I have a 94 extended cab TPI 350 with th350. Originally had a 2.2 5 speed and I had to extend the driveshaft.

draggindime072010 · 07-02-2009, 07:39 PM

i wonder if thats just cuz its extended cab? how much did they charge you?

david gmc · 07-02-2009, 07:48 PM

i had a 350 in mine and had to modify the shaft,,but it was taching out the ass at highway speed so i put the 700 back in,,i would run the 700

draggindime072010 · 07-02-2009, 07:54 PM

yea thats wat was making me consider it so it would be practicle for the highway im sure thats what ill end up with i want something good to race with to tho maybe ill have it built to where i know it will handle it

afraidof7 · 07-02-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by afraidof7

I have a 94 extended cab TPI 350 with th350. Originally had a 2.2 5 speed and I had to extend the driveshaft.

Places around here wanted around 250. One of my buddies does it so he helped me out

SilverWings · 07-03-2009, 06:47 PM

I had to shorten mine by 3/4in after I installed the engine almost up against the firewall.

llorracs93s10 · 07-04-2009, 04:35 PM

i had mine shortend 3/4inches and put new ujoints and all in for like 165 bux, and balanced.

curl1 · 07-04-2009, 04:38 PM

i paid $95 to have mine shorten and balanced.

88 s10 Blazer · 07-06-2009, 01:15 PM

Didnt have to shorten mine at all.

draggindime072010 · 07-07-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by 88 s10 Blazer

Didnt have to shorten mine at all.

what motor mounts are you using and what transmission

88 s10 Blazer · 07-07-2009, 07:01 PM

700r4 trans and these mounts: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/S10-V...%7C7 2%3A1171

draggindime072010 · 07-07-2009, 07:22 PM

sweet how do you have your motor sitting? is it as far forward as possible or what?

88 s10 Blazer · 07-07-2009, 09:41 PM

yeah its all the way forward and all the way up as possible.

draggindime072010 · 07-07-2009, 10:21 PM

ok thanx did you have to cut your firewall? well you gotta first gen its prolly different

88 s10 Blazer · 07-08-2009, 09:37 AM

Nope just had to beat it in for the headers and to get to the bell housing bolts easier.

draggindime072010 · 07-08-2009, 12:25 PM

ok thats what someone else toldme also for a 2nd gen. why couldnt you set the motor lower then it would prolly clear the firewall better? or would the oil pan not clear then?

V8Blaze · 07-10-2009, 12:04 AM

i didnt read all the post but here my info

Its not the motor mounts by themselves, its the position of the engine, and also if the trans is the same. Another thing people usually through into the mix when doing a project is lowering it at the same time. On an big static drop, and some air bag setups the arc of the suspension pulls the rear a little forward. This combined with a slighty rearward sitting v8 swap or a different trans, leads to almost everyone needing a different amount.

Personally my engine is as far back as the JTR mounts will allow. And i measured for my driveshaft after in installed the 4 inch rear drop. I ended up getting i think 1.25 or 1.5 cut off the shaft. Then when i lowered the rear to a 6 inch drop i installed some JTR setback plates b/c my drive shaft was a little to far into the trans then i liked. Its best to wait until the last thing to worry about the shaft length.

I only paid 80 bucks for the driveshaft shorted and new higher end u joints installed, but everywhere is different. Id just budget up to 200 dollars so you dont get any surprises with price or needs for the drive shaft to delay the project

draggindime072010 · 07-10-2009, 03:30 AM

good info blaze my truck is bagged all the way around so i guess ill just have to wait and see how it turns out thanks for the help

mrbigshot · 07-12-2009, 08:53 PM

with the th350 it depends on the length of the tailshaft, they came in 3 flavors. 6" or short shaft, 9" or longshaft, and 12" that came in some trucks. if its out of a fullsize car it will be a 9" shaft and you most likley wont have to shorten the shaft at all unless its needed for your drop. a longshaft th350 (9") is the same size as a 700r4 or nv3500 that comes in s-trucks. the motor usually doesnt get pushed back any more than the stock motor as the additional length goes forward.

draggindime072010 · 07-12-2009, 09:50 PM

ok thanx thats some more good info to know. im sure i will be getting a 700r4 but i am really just using what i can get either way now i know what i will need.

07-02-2009, 02:10 AM	#1
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	how much to shorten driveshaft? i have a regular cab noma i am putting a 350 in it. im not sure as to what transmission i will be using either a turbo350 or 700r4 and the truck is bagged front and back with the sd bolt on 3 link. how much would i need to shorten my driveshaft? i will be draggin it too so it needs to be enough not to jam into the tranny when its that low. thanx for any help. i am putting this in the v8 section also
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2009, 02:25 AM	#2
C-Bo RecklessPerformance Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 188 Location: The Fort, Ar User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? I've swapped V8s into a 91 blazer 4.3l and a 95 single cab 2.2l and never had to modify the drive shaft! Surely being bagged it still won't matter.. not 100% though!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2009, 02:40 AM	#3
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? every1 that i have talked to has said that i would need to im not sure tho i guess ill see tho mine is a 95 also
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2009, 02:49 AM	#4
C-Bo RecklessPerformance Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 188 Location: The Fort, Ar User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? I used the advance adapters mounts p/n 713111, 2.8l pads and a th-350 in my 95
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2009, 02:53 AM	#5
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? thats what i am going to use to i already have the 2.8 mounts on the frame now i am waiting on the conversion mounts to come in i have some pics of it in the same thread in the baggin it section if you would like to see it. i still have a ton of work to do. oh and did you have to cut anything on your firewall i am hoping the mounts will bring the motor away from it to where i dont have to Last edited by draggindime072010 : 07-02-2009 at 02:58 AM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2009, 11:15 AM	#6
C-Bo RecklessPerformance Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 188 Location: The Fort, Ar User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? The only firewall issues i had was clearance of the passenger side collector (heddman shorties) and used a hole saw to cut the floor/firewall at the pinchweld so it is easier to get to the tranny bellhousing bolts. I didn't have to cut the holes.. it just made life easier!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2009, 11:56 AM	#7
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? ok thanx i wonder if i could just beat it in a lil or something
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2009, 05:59 PM	#8
afraidof7 Registered User Age: 23 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 279 Location: Bloomington MN User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? I have a 94 extended cab TPI 350 with th350. Originally had a 2.2 5 speed and I had to extend the driveshaft.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2009, 07:39 PM	#9
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? i wonder if thats just cuz its extended cab? how much did they charge you?
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07-02-2009, 07:48 PM	#10
david gmc Registered User Age: 34 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 358 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? i had a 350 in mine and had to modify the shaft,,but it was taching out the ass at highway speed so i put the 700 back in,,i would run the 700
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2009, 07:54 PM	#11
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? yea thats wat was making me consider it so it would be practicle for the highway im sure thats what ill end up with i want something good to race with to tho maybe ill have it built to where i know it will handle it
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2009, 08:35 PM	#12
afraidof7 Registered User Age: 23 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 279 Location: Bloomington MN User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? Quote: Originally Posted by afraidof7 I have a 94 extended cab TPI 350 with th350. Originally had a 2.2 5 speed and I had to extend the driveshaft. Places around here wanted around 250. One of my buddies does it so he helped me out
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-03-2009, 06:47 PM	#13
SilverWings An ol Scott Age: 65 Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 496 Location: Greenville/Simpsonville SC User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? I had to shorten mine by 3/4in after I installed the engine almost up against the firewall.
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07-04-2009, 04:35 PM	#14
llorracs93s10 Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 4,571 Location: Middletown, DE User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? i had mine shortend 3/4inches and put new ujoints and all in for like 165 bux, and balanced.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-04-2009, 04:38 PM	#15
curl1 x RIDE N LOW x Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,050 Location: MARYLAND User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? i paid $95 to have mine shorten and balanced.
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07-06-2009, 01:15 PM	#16
88 s10 Blazer EAT ME Age: 19 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 506 Location: Gadsden, AL-Indianapolis, IN User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? Didnt have to shorten mine at all.
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07-07-2009, 01:14 PM	#17
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? Quote: Originally Posted by 88 s10 Blazer Didnt have to shorten mine at all. what motor mounts are you using and what transmission
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07-07-2009, 07:01 PM	#18
88 s10 Blazer EAT ME Age: 19 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 506 Location: Gadsden, AL-Indianapolis, IN User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? 700r4 trans and these mounts: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/S10-V...%7C7 2%3A1171
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-07-2009, 07:22 PM	#19
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? sweet how do you have your motor sitting? is it as far forward as possible or what?
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-07-2009, 09:41 PM	#20
88 s10 Blazer EAT ME Age: 19 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 506 Location: Gadsden, AL-Indianapolis, IN User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? yeah its all the way forward and all the way up as possible.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-07-2009, 10:21 PM	#21
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? ok thanx did you have to cut your firewall? well you gotta first gen its prolly different
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-08-2009, 09:37 AM	#22
88 s10 Blazer EAT ME Age: 19 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 506 Location: Gadsden, AL-Indianapolis, IN User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? Nope just had to beat it in for the headers and to get to the bell housing bolts easier.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-08-2009, 12:25 PM	#23
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? ok thats what someone else toldme also for a 2nd gen. why couldnt you set the motor lower then it would prolly clear the firewall better? or would the oil pan not clear then?
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-10-2009, 12:04 AM	#24
V8Blaze V8 with bags Age: 24 Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 4,171 Location: baton rouge, LA User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? i didnt read all the post but here my info Its not the motor mounts by themselves, its the position of the engine, and also if the trans is the same. Another thing people usually through into the mix when doing a project is lowering it at the same time. On an big static drop, and some air bag setups the arc of the suspension pulls the rear a little forward. This combined with a slighty rearward sitting v8 swap or a different trans, leads to almost everyone needing a different amount. Personally my engine is as far back as the JTR mounts will allow. And i measured for my driveshaft after in installed the 4 inch rear drop. I ended up getting i think 1.25 or 1.5 cut off the shaft. Then when i lowered the rear to a 6 inch drop i installed some JTR setback plates b/c my drive shaft was a little to far into the trans then i liked. Its best to wait until the last thing to worry about the shaft length. I only paid 80 bucks for the driveshaft shorted and new higher end u joints installed, but everywhere is different. Id just budget up to 200 dollars so you dont get any surprises with price or needs for the drive shaft to delay the project
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-10-2009, 03:30 AM	#25
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? good info blaze my truck is bagged all the way around so i guess ill just have to wait and see how it turns out thanks for the help
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-12-2009, 08:53 PM	#26
mrbigshot Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 67 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? with the th350 it depends on the length of the tailshaft, they came in 3 flavors. 6" or short shaft, 9" or longshaft, and 12" that came in some trucks. if its out of a fullsize car it will be a 9" shaft and you most likley wont have to shorten the shaft at all unless its needed for your drop. a longshaft th350 (9") is the same size as a 700r4 or nv3500 that comes in s-trucks. the motor usually doesnt get pushed back any more than the stock motor as the additional length goes forward.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-12-2009, 09:50 PM	#27
draggindime072010 ROLL TIDE!!!!!! Age: 17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 959 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: how much to shorten driveshaft? ok thanx thats some more good info to know. im sure i will be getting a 700r4 but i am really just using what i can get either way now i know what i will need.
	[Reply w/Quote]