Slip Joint travel

[oldtimer]

What is the minimal slip joint travel I should have.

I just intalled my new driveshaft and I couldn't put it in without taking the cups off the rear u-joint and re-installing them when I got the driveshaft in place.

With the car sitting at ride height, the slip joint comes back out of the tranny just a little over 3/8ths of an inch so there is no binding at rest. My concern is that I suspect that the driveshaft may be a bit too long and I could do some damage to the tranny if the driveshaft gets forced into the transmission too far with diff movement.

I don't want to break off any mains either.

I'd appreciate some experienced wisdom here. Im can have the driveshaft shortened if necessary but by how much. ????

Thanks a lot

George

 

[oldtimer]

Anyone ????

 

[S10xGN]

I'd always heard 3/4" was optimal, but no idea on a minimum...

 

[chris718]

3/4 to an inch with the car on the ground between loaded and unloaded is perfect

 

[oldtimer]

Thanks a lot guys. That was my guess, but only a guess. I didn't want to take any chances

George