driveshaft movement with suspension?

[eric1h]

I'm working on my swap and i noticed that the driveshaft output shaft from the transmission fits just about all the way into the tranny, about an inch further than before.


does the driveshaft move in and out when the suspension travels up and down? I would assume no, but not sure if the tight tolerance wil be an issue, otherwise i may need to try and shift the engine forward another inch or so, but then I DEFINETLY need another oil pan!

Thoughts?

[boothkc]

Yes the drive shaft will travel in and out of the transmission with suspension travel. Should not be bottomed out and must not be too short or will sheer.

It is very easy to have the shaft shortend or lengthend at a driveline shop. They can ballance and replace the standard U joints too.

If not sure remove the shocks/swaybar and run the rear axel through its range on a floor jack to make sure it's smooth and doesn't bind.

Kevin

[PanozDuke]

Eric,
I don't know the specifics with the Panoz. I do know you need at least 1/2 inch of clearance betwwen the yoke bottoming on the output shaft on most cars. This accommodates shifts in drivetrain components and rear suspension movements. It appears to me that at normal ride height, the Panoz driveshaft is pretty close to horizonal. Any rear suspension up and down movement should pull the shaft out of the transmission, not push it in. If you think it is a close thing, you could put the rear on a jack stands, the differential on a floor jack, remove the coil overs and move the suspension through it's travel. One good thing is that the rear has very little front and rear shifting due to the rod ends on the radius rods. If the yoke bottoms on the transmission output shaft, the transmission will fail very quickly.

Mike

[eric1h]

great suggestions I'll look into and hopefully i dont need to start cutting the driveshaft!

[glenbinegar]

Hi Eric, the rear end location forward and aft is controlled by the trailing arms. I think you will find that up and down movement of the rear end results in more engagement of the driveshaft yoke into the transmission. G;-)

[eric1h]

Originally Posted by glenbinegar

Hi Eric, the rear end location forward and aft is controlled by the trailing arms. I think you will find that up and down movement of the rear end results in more engagement of the driveshaft yoke into the transmission. G;-)

Thanks, after running down to the garage to measure i decided to just shorten the shaft by @ 1.5" that should give me plenty of clearance. A local driveline shop can do it for under $100

Thanks everyone