driveshaft stickout/play @ End of tailshaft??

[Yedi]

I recently just put a 8.5 rear end in, replacing my original 7.5" I have a 2004r, I had the driveshaft cut 1" because it would not even go in. The machined part of the yoke sticks out 2" from the tailshaft, is this too much? I dont have any vibrations or leaks. although, even w/ the driveshaft in there is a little bit of play. tonight I am going to measure how much I have actually in (spline to spline)

I measured the drive shaft center of u-joint to u-joint and came up w/ 51" ( I've read on here stock is 51.5")

any info let me know, I dont want to ruin my tranny.

 

[Yedi]

Measurements

Ok, tonight I removed the driveshaft and took some measurements..


Driveshaft length from center of u-joint to center of u-joint 50 3/4"

machined part of yoke 3 3/4" long

stick driveshaft into tranny as far as it will go, 1/4" machined part shows.

bolt driveshaft in car, 2" of machined part shows.

so I have 1 3/4" of "play" or sliding room in the transmission


Now, do I have enough driveshaft in the tranny or am I short? I've read about having 3/4" to 1" of play is acceptable, I'm only talking 3/4" of an inch here, let me know I have too much money in the car/transmission to mess somthing up from a stupide measurement mistake..

 

[S10xGN]

My thoughts are not enough spline engagement, and (possibly) lots of vibration at speed. Try laying under the car and pushing up on the front u-joint. If you can deflect it, better get a longer shaft made. Good luck!

 

[Yedi]

S10xGN, thanks for the thought. I'm not going to chance it, I brought the driveshaft intoday to have it lengthened 7/8" giving me the 3/4" of play I need.