Well, I pulled the trigger today.

Ordered the 2- U-Joint and 18" Shaft kit from Classic Performance Products that they have on Ebay ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/262287912553 ).

I measured both ends; both are 3/4-36 splined shafts (well, 9 splines in 90*, so I presume 36, not 30 ... ) and it's about 14" between the two U-joints, so a 18" shaft will fit just fine; it will have to be cut down to the proper length, AAMOF.

I'll keep this going to let others know how well it fits and works.

I make no guarantee that this will fit any other year model motor transmission combo *grins* but hey, the methods should work for any year that there's not an intermediate shaft available for.

RwP

 

Hmmm.. I'll have to try this for my 95.

 

Ralph, I look forward to updates on this as well! What year is your truck, and also, is it 4WD?

 

Heh. Thought I had specified that, I mean, !I! know that *grins*

1988, 2WD, LWB RC, 3 speed auto, tilt column.

Any and all of those may alter the exact parts; the methodogy, however, will be the same.

RwP

 

Yes, I would think the big difference would be the 2wd has rack and pinion steering vs 4wd being recirculating ball. But honestly, I have not looked at how it attaches on my 4wd. If you want any picture to compare, let me know.
Again, look forward to your write up!!

 

Heh. !I! won't need the compare; the difference would probably be a) the total length and b) the U-joint at the steering box end. And that could be measured by someone who's interested.

RwP

 

Kit made it in today.

I have pictures of one of the U-joints on the Rack Doctor rack I'm also installing; and one of all three pieces on the RD box.

Here they are for your enjoyment.

RwP

 

I was perusing the CPP catalog; turns out they also have a) collapsible shafts; b) couplers with rag joints (to help keep the isolation that the rag joint provides); c) a few other types of couplers.

The Ebay bundle actually saved me about $10 is all; anyone looking may want to check out the rag joints et al for their shaft.

Today is off and on rain; we're forecast to get 3 to 5 inches (!!) between today and Sunday, so I won't be out working on the truck, I don't think.

RwP

 

Status update.

This past week I was so busy with register replacements (they start at 5 AM, can take up to 12 hours to do a full store of up to 4 registers ... YeOUCH!) that I didn't get much if anything done.

Today, I measured the new parts, and marked where I wanted them cut off.

I also found a shop to cut it, but alas, they were headed out today; so I will get it probably Monday.

It should be in by the end of the week.

Photos and measurements coming, I promise!

RwP

 

Finally got the shaft it; I measured it about 1/2" to 3/4" too LONG.

Well, that's fixable *grins*

Stepson will trim with an angle grinder so I can try to fit again tomorrow.

But for the visually interested, here's a few pics.

Pics of "As Installed" will be up by this weekend, I PROMISE!

RwP