• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Cutting Driveshaft

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rmoore45
  • Start date Start date Jul 17, 2011
R

Rmoore45

Member
Jun 5, 2011
142
0
17
Jul 17, 2011
#1
  • Jul 17, 2011
  • #1
I'm installing a T-5 into my '67 coupe, I got to the point where I have to put in the driveshaft. Its too long How do I go about measuring so that I can get it cut?
 
2

2+2GT

10 Year Member
Apr 25, 2009
3,333
10
79
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Jul 17, 2011
#2
  • Jul 17, 2011
  • #2
Interesting. At least 90% of the time no cutting is required. Welcome to that 10%.

Put the back end of the car on jack stands with the axle hanging all the way down, tires in the air. insert the slip yoke all the way in the trans, then pull back out 1/4". Measure the center of the front U joint cap to the center of the rear joint cap.
 
R

Rmoore45

Member
Jun 5, 2011
142
0
17
Jul 17, 2011
#3
  • Jul 17, 2011
  • #3
I put it on my lift and had the yoke stick out 1/4", from center to center it was 50 and 3/8". My driveshaft is 51", 5/8" too big.
 

zookeeper

Founding Member
Aug 25, 2001
3,415
63
109
Rogue River, Oregon
Jul 17, 2011
#4
  • Jul 17, 2011
  • #4
2+2GT said:
Interesting. At least 90% of the time no cutting is required. Welcome to that 10%.

Put the back end of the car on jack stands with the axle hanging all the way down, tires in the air. insert the slip yoke all the way in the trans, then pull back out 1/4". Measure the center of the front U joint cap to the center of the rear joint cap.
Click to expand...
If you measure it that way (full droop) when the suspension compresses, you're drive shaft is quite likely to go into the trans too far, bottoming it out and damaging the trans. I always measure it with the axle stands under the axle so the springs support the car's weight. BTW, the T5 is about 3/4" longer from block to seal, so while you may be safe with 5/8" off your stocker, better measure at least twice.
 
R

Rmoore45

Member
Jun 5, 2011
142
0
17
Jul 17, 2011
#5
  • Jul 17, 2011
  • #5
zookeeper said:
If you measure it that way (full droop) when the suspension compresses, you're drive shaft is quite likely to go into the trans too far, bottoming it out and damaging the trans. I always measure it with the axle stands under the axle so the springs support the car's weight. BTW, the T5 is about 3/4" longer from block to seal, so while you may be safe with 5/8" off your stocker, better measure at least twice.
Click to expand...


I also thought that if I measure with full droop that when its back on the ground the driveshaft would actually go into the trans, however that's not the case. With the car on the lift (full droop), I measured the distance between the T-5 seal and the pinion yoke and got 53". Then I put the car on the ground and bounced it around and let it settle down, I took the same measurement and got 53 and 1/2". So the axle actually moves further away from the trans as the suspension compresses because of how the leaf springs are attached to the car. I thought that was pretty cool when I measured it and figured out how it worked.

I was thinking about just rounding up to make it easier and just cut 3/4", now that I know the trans is 3/4" longer I probably will. Thanks
 
2

2+2GT

10 Year Member
Apr 25, 2009
3,333
10
79
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Jul 18, 2011
#6
  • Jul 18, 2011
  • #6
zookeeper said:
If you measure it that way (full droop) when the suspension compresses, you're drive shaft is quite likely to go into the trans too far, bottoming it out and damaging the trans. I always measure it with the axle stands under the axle so the springs support the car's weight. BTW, the T5 is about 3/4" longer from block to seal, so while you may be safe with 5/8" off your stocker, better measure at least twice.
Click to expand...

Rmoore is right, the yoke slides OUT of the trans as the suspension compresses.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
67 Mustang, with the 302 want to convert auto back to the original manual
  • Pdunn
  • May 3, 2026
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
93
Classic Mustang Specific Tech May 7, 2026
Mcmahst
Progress Thread 91GTstroked 90 7 up convertible build
  • 91GTstroked
  • Apr 18, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
274
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 22, 2026
91GTstroked
G
Intro and FB questions
  • gflat65
  • Nov 16, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
192
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Nov 25, 2025
horse sence
Hello
  • TomcatPC
  • Jan 15, 2026
  • The Welcome Wagon
Replies
11
Views
365
The Welcome Wagon Jan 18, 2026
TomcatPC
C
Engine Idle cuts out
  • claypoolxx
  • Mar 7, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
22
Views
546
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 5, 2026
KRUISR
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?