6cl vs. V8 front drive shaft length

[Dmntxn77]

I have heard that the front drive shaft on a inline 6 is 3 or 4 inches longer than the one on my 360/T18/D20 combo. Is this true? If so, will it bolt right up to mine? And... Does anyone have one they want to get rid of cheap?

[Big Blue]

It is true that the drive shaft on the inline 6's is 3-4 inches longer than on the v-8's. I would think that it would bolt up as long as the u-joints are the same size and the cv joint is the same kind/size. Should be fairly easy to see though if you have the two next to eachother.

[TimK]

I'll have one from my 81 available,
Ed's getting one for my 84 brought up when he gets a chance and I'll owe him $50.

Ever get to the Portland area?
If your interested, Bring your and well put them side by side to make sure your getting what you need.

[osceola]

measure what you need and go to any drive shaft shop.

[tgreese]

Wait a minute - how can that be true? Prior to 1980, the shifter location for V8s and I6s with the same transmission (ie T18A, T15) was in the same place. The overall length of the transmission was changed in order to keep the shifter in the same place. This would mean that the front driveshaft is the same length.

[waggin'ear]

I am not sure about all cases, but we swapped a 360/t176/208 in where a 258/t176/208 used to be in a 1980 J10 and used the same driveshafts. We did use the bellhousing with the spacer when we put the 360 in.

[TimK]

Front drive shaft lengths are different. The 6 cyl pushes the transmission and mount crossmember aft.

In the pics, you notice the trany mounting bolt is located on the forward half in the 6 cyl and aft half on the 8 cyl.

The front edge reference of the crossmember is 9.5 inches back from the side body mount on the 258 tranny. The crosmember is 3.5 inches back on the 360... this is why the 6 cyl front driveline is 3 to 4 inches longer.

Many have swapped the np229 and np208 on the v8 models without a change in the front driveshaft.

81 258


84 360


[ March 30, 2005, 10:58 PM: Message edited by: TimK ]

[Dmntxn77]

TimK... Thanks for the good info! I need to check into the price of either extending mine or a custom shaft. If they are too pricey, I will get back with you.

[tgreese]

Not trying to be contrary, but Dmntxn77 has a '79 Chkee and these are pictures of 80s era cars. The drivetrain changed in 1980. There were additional changes in 1981. Probably worthwhile to do a little more research before you are certain. The Jeep parts books would help if anybody has them or has access.

[TimK]

no sweat, just know the 258's are longer in my 80', otherwise i'd use it in my 84'...

Whether that would work for you, you'd have to judge side by side with yours.

eventually, someone doing a lift may need this length...
funny thing, even though the 258 set everything back,
the rear driveshaft is longer in it by about an inch or so because the np208 os so short.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

The front driveshaft lengths are different between the I6 and V8 in ALL year ranges.

[Dmntxn77]

Well, I decided to just have mine lengthened. It cost me $153 to extend it 3 inches, balance it, and replace the lower U joint. Don?t know if that is a good deal or not, but the guys at the shop were really helpful and ya cant beat overnight service.

[TimK]

sounds like a good deal, especially since their local and fit your timeline,...

by the way, what are you doing that needs a longer front driveshaft?... drive train swap, lift?...

[Dmntxn77]

Oh did I not mention it... SOA/Shackle Flip