Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: drive shaft question

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

drive shaft question (1/8)
 5/2/09 9:42am
Madrider
Former Member

Send Private Message

Robersonville, NC - USA

Vette(s):
76 stingray


Joined: 4/23/2009
Posts: 47

Hi All,
I am in the process of rebuilding the front end on my 76. This is the first time I have had a chance to reall give it a good looking over sence I bought it a week or so ago. I jacked it up and put it on 4 jack stands so it is completely off the ground and i can roll from one end to the other.
 
The question I have is that I noticed the the driveshaft dosent look like it is 100% straight. It runs really close to the body on the right side as it is leaving the trans and going to the rear end. There is quite a lot of room on the left side and almost touching the right.
Is there a adjustment on the trans mount to move it some? Could the trans mount be bad and maybe shifted to the right? Is this going to be a big problem? I have not driven the car but for the trip home, it did have a vibration in it but the front end was shot. Just wondering if there is something that can be done.
 
There is also a crack in my right frame, right by the shock/spring tower. Please tell me this can be welded and have no problems.
 
 
 
Thanks,
Dan
Our Sponsors help support C3VR
drive shaft question (2/8)
 5/2/09 10:17am
rick d
Former Member

Send Private Message

williamston, NC - USA

Vette(s):
1969 coupe, 350, m22 trans, ac, black on black,


Joined: 1/19/2006
Posts: 353

Madrider, this is rick d, I am in williamston, actually farm life, give me a call 2175153, and maybe i can help you with some of your questions,,rd
drive shaft question (3/8)
 5/2/09 11:37am
VetteSpecialties
Former Member

Send Private Message

Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

The drive train in a Corvette is slightly off center, so you probably don't have a problem.  As long as the transmission mount is in good condition, there isn't much else that can move.

A quality frame shop can weld your frame, but they will have to remove the suspension to do it.

Larry
drive shaft question (4/8)
 5/2/09 4:59pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20128

Looks like that shaft is definitely too far off, to me. They DO sit a little off-set, as the engine is off-set to the passenger side from the factory, but that looks too close for comfort, imho.
I'd check the trans AND engine mounts. The trans mount is fairly simple to replace, so that's something you shouldn't have any problem doing, unless this is a 4 speed car, which makes it just a little harder, but still not too bad.

Just so you won't feel bad, I've seen waaay worse cracks than that on Corvette frame, in the same area. As Larry says, it can absolutely be repaired by a competent welder, but the suspension stuff will need to be removed to do it properly. Keep looking at the front end of the frame, and make sure there's no other "boo-boos" you missed, so you can get it all fixed at the same time.

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

drive shaft question (5/8)
 5/2/09 8:33pm
Madrider
Former Member

Send Private Message

Robersonville, NC - USA

Vette(s):
76 stingray


Joined: 4/23/2009
Posts: 47

Hey Larry,
It was great talking to ya today. You are full of great info. I did get your message too about the welder here in town.
Thanks again!
Talk to ya later,
Dan
drive shaft question (6/8)
 5/2/09 8:36pm
Madrider
Former Member

Send Private Message

Robersonville, NC - USA

Vette(s):
76 stingray


Joined: 4/23/2009
Posts: 47

OPPS!!!
I mean Rick! Sorry about that I had just read the last reply and had Larrys name on my mind.
Hell, Im brain dead about half the time anyway!! LOL
drive shaft question (7/8)
 5/2/09 8:41pm
Madrider
Former Member

Send Private Message

Robersonville, NC - USA

Vette(s):
76 stingray


Joined: 4/23/2009
Posts: 47

Well the suspension is now off. Nothing but frame there now.  I hope to get someome over here this week or so to get the welding done.
Thanks for all the info and the re-asuring. When I saw that it really worried me.
I am looking forward to getting it welded and get the front end put back together. I do know it will be a few weeks though.
Later,
Dan
drive shaft question (8/8)
 5/3/09 2:17am
dskopp
Limited Member
Send Private Message

Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1958

Good Luck Dan.  We will be looking forward to hearing about the progress!
Dan


______________
          



(click to see a larger image)
Our Sponsors help support C3VR