Drive Shaft: Optimal driveshaft length

[jackb]

picking up on a previous thread...what are the limits of the driveshaft length differences when swapping car to car ? I have a 62' wagon that is receiving a driveline transplant from a 63' Cruiser(289, 3sp w/OD & 44 R/A). Both have 113 inch wheelbase. Why do they have different driveshaft lengths ? Rear springs ??

[DEEPNHOCK]

Probably an engineering decision based on load factors.
DANA has always been quite specific about driveshaft length/torque applied/driveshaft speed.
Quite a science.
Try looking at HD trucks sometimes.
Enough to make your head spin.

But, back to your question....
If your vehicle is not going to ever be heavily loaded, or worked hard, the car driveshaft will most likely be fine.

[over50]

The input on driveshaft length I got from one builder was to disconnect the universal from the differential and push the shaft with yoke all the way into the transmission tailshaft as far as it would go. Then measure the centerline distance from the front universal bearing to the differential yoke universal. He subtracts one inch from this measurement and builds the drive shaft to that length.

[StudeRich]

Did the wagon have a Dana 27 Axle in it, there are longer length D/Shafts for the shorter Differentials.