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Driveshaft length
Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:44 pm
by MrChoo
I have a '64 D100 long-bed (122 in w/b) that needed new u-joints, so I took the entire original driveshaft into a local shop. When I returned to p/up it up, the shop owner told me that my truck is a "death trap" due to the shafts stock length (77"). He quoted from some book & told me if I drove over 55mph, tried towing a heavy enough load or did a burn-out that the driveshaft would likely twist or torque itself right off the truck & go flying down the road, possibly injuring innocent motorists behind me. He mentioned that he wasn't referring to broken u-joints either. He demanded I pay cash, refusing to even give me a receipt for the u-joint repairs & finally told me that the only solution was to have a 2-piece driveshaft, which he would gladly build for approximately $1500-$1800. Any opinions on why the stock driveshaft hasn't gone bad prior to this? I've never seen or heard of this issue.
Re: Driveshaft length
Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:56 pm
by powerwagon54
pm sent
Re: Driveshaft length
Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 9:01 pm
by Hobcobble
Was his office decorated with pictures of his twin screw power boat
and place on the shore?
Which transmission does your truck have? My '61 D200
with A318 and NP420 has its original one piece drive shaft.
It was a farm truck for years and was worked. I had a
drive shaft shop put in new u-joints and it works perfect.
I have the stock one piece shaft in my early '65 D100 122" wheel
base Sweptline.... no issues whatsoever.
John
Re: Driveshaft length
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 12:12 am
by dodgeboykim
MrChoo wrote: ↑Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:44 pm
I have a '64 D100 long-bed (122 in w/b) that needed new u-joints, so I took the entire original driveshaft into a local shop. When I returned to p/up it up, the shop owner told me that my truck is a "death trap" due to the shafts stock length (77"). He quoted from some book & told me if I drove over 55mph, tried towing a heavy enough load or did a burn-out that the driveshaft would likely twist or torque itself right off the truck & go flying down the road, possibly injuring innocent motorists behind me. He mentioned that he wasn't referring to broken u-joints either. He demanded I pay cash, refusing to even give me a receipt for the u-joint repairs & finally told me that the only solution was to have a 2-piece driveshaft, which he would gladly build for approximately $1500-$1800. Any opinions on why the stock driveshaft hasn't gone bad prior to this? I've never seen or heard of this issue.
He's Screwing you badly. Pay for the u joints and demand driveshaft back.
Re: Driveshaft length
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 4:55 am
by PwrWgnDrvr
File a complaint with BAR (Bureau of Auto Repair) in CA. Then go to Franchise Tax Board and tell them he won't give You a receipt for the cash payment he demanded. This guy is an ignorant, clueless @#%!
Re: Driveshaft length
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 4:55 am
by PwrWgnDrvr
File a complaint with BAR (Bureau of Auto Repair) in CA. Then go to Franchise Tax Board and tell them he won't give You a receipt for the cash payment he demanded. This guy is an ignorant, clueless @#%!
Re: Driveshaft length
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 7:14 am
by MadMC63
My 71 is a 128" wheel base with a single piece drive shaft. No problems here. Its not like there isnt another shop capable of doing that type of work. Sounds like the type of person who would remove a vacum line and tell you the engine needs to be replaced.
Re: Driveshaft length
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 12:51 pm
by Kaegi
I agree with everyone else. that guy is a scammer. most ridiculous scam I have heard in a long time. you could drive 100 miles an hour with a load all day and it would make no difference....
Re: Driveshaft length
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 8:34 pm
by MrChoo
Thanks for all of the awesome responses from everyone. Am I measuring just the tube (weld to weld) or the entire driveshaft, tip to tip? One person suggested middle of the u-joint to middle of the other u-joint? Weld to weld measures approx. 62 1/2". The engine is a poly 318 with the stock 3-on-the-tree.
Re: Driveshaft length
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:32 pm
by dodgeboykim
MrChoo wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 8:34 pm
Thanks for all of the awesome responses from everyone. Am I measuring just the tube (weld to weld) or the entire driveshaft, tip to tip? One person suggested middle of the u-joint to middle of the other u-joint? Weld to weld measures approx. 62 1/2". The engine is a poly 318 with the stock 3-on-the-tree.
Just one link to procedure. More if you do a search.
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... sfiD1RjGVo
Re: Driveshaft length
Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 2:16 pm
by Hobcobble
Re: Driveshaft length
Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2018 7:46 pm
by marklein
My trusted driveline guy that my shop uses once told me that when driveshafts get over 72", they can start to have problems. Today's trucks have some longer than that, but use a lot bigger tube to get away with it. At 62 1/2, you won't run into a problem. Less than reputable shops make us all look bad, and it pisses me off. Find a good driveline shop and get it checked. Report them.
