Drive shaft length ?

[bad2bone]

Hi guys hope you can help on this one.9 "ford rear and th400 bop
trans what is the length needed for the drive shaft? the car is not assembled and wont be for a few months just tring to get a jump on things so im not waiting for parts to get shipped.also what to go with 3.5" alumn or chrome moly shaft.Thanks

 

[GNSCOTT]

I'm not sure where to measure from, but from tip to tip mine is 56-7/8ths

 

[Awesome T]

I too need a new shaft, and my measurement with 200-4R is 56 5/8". Preferred driveshaft is aluminum - lighter, and less vibe problems.

 

[steve h]

You would be better off to wait until you have the motor and trans in the car and measure yours. It could be a little different than somebody elses. The way you measure to get a driveshaft made is to go from the back of the tail housing to the center of the rear u-joint cap with the car at ride height. I also would not go with aluminum. It is not as strong as steel. Any good driveline shop can make you a shaft in a few hours.