Author Topic: Driveshaft alignment  (Read 2312 times)

Offline got2haul

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Driveshaft alignment
« on: July 03, 2008, 08:01:54 am »
Does anyone know if it makes any difference in the operation and smoothness of the driveshaft if the driveshaft support bearing is off center just enough to prevent the driveshaft from being in a true straight line from the transmission yoke to the differential yoke?  Mine looks like the center bearing isn't exactly centered and is causing the two-piece shaft to have a slight kink to the left at the support bearing where the front and rear sections connect.  Not much, but maybe 1/4" to 3/8" of an inch off.  I've devised a way to measure it, but haven't had time to construct the jig I'll need.  (The support bearing is mounted as far to the right as the original mounting bolt-holes will allow.)
1980 Custom Deluxe Stepside
        Stepside thread: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7505.0
1980 Silverado Short Bed Fleetside
1976 GMC Sierra Grande C15

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Driveshaft alignment
« Reply #1 on: July 03, 2008, 12:47:28 pm »
Tie a string from the center of two yokes like a chalk line. Then mark the center of the center support and the support bearing. then align your two witness marks.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline got2haul

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Re: Driveshaft alignment
« Reply #2 on: July 03, 2008, 01:26:22 pm »
Ok, I get it.  Doh!  Why didn't I think of that?  Remove the bolts from the support bearing so the string can pass over the bracket and I can mark its center in relation to the yokes' center.  Then measure and mark the center of the bearing and line the two up.  Thanks!

Good stuff, this forum!
« Last Edit: July 03, 2008, 01:28:11 pm by got2haul »
1980 Custom Deluxe Stepside
        Stepside thread: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7505.0
1980 Silverado Short Bed Fleetside
1976 GMC Sierra Grande C15