Driveshaft Universals - WTF is this?

[GSXRJJordan]

So I've got a 1pc steel driveshaft. It's awesome, but it's cut for my SR in the S14 (49" or so, end to end). Now that I'm RB25-powered, I bought this:

*RB25 Yoke, with standard Spicer (sp?) ends*

When I looked at my driveshaft universal to see if the universal could be re-used, I measured the diameter of the hole (same as the new yoke), but found these "crush rings?" in the universal:



Is that an OEM universal that's just been welded to a new steel shaft? Can the universal be re-used, or do I have to buy a new one? I know I'll have to cut the shaft to length and re-balance it, but I'd like to keep using the same universal if at all possible.

[projectRDM]

That's the OEM joint. Cut/weld or get a new replaceable joint.

[g6civcx]

I recommend calling the Drive Shaft Shop for their recommendations if ever in doubt about any drive/propeller shaft and axle issues.

[GSXRJJordan]

Originally Posted by projectRDM

That's the OEM joint. Cut/weld or get a new replaceable joint.

Cool, I had a suspicion that was the OEM joint. I'll go looking for new replaceable ones, thanks Russ!

Originally Posted by g6civcx

I recommend calling the Drive Shaft Shop for their recommendations if ever in doubt about any drive/propeller shaft and axle issues.

That's who I ended up having to get this yoke from, since no one has any 300zx/rb25 yokes that I could find. They didn't really have any recommendations for me for using my current driveshaft, except to send it to them to have it shortened and give them more money.

Edit: Looks like Summit has the weld-on driveshaft side yoke, and universals to fit every size Spicer end. It'll end up costing me another $50 or so, no biggie.

[babowc]

remember to get it balanced after you get it welded on there GOOD.

[g6civcx]

I don't know what you're trying to do.

Usually when I'm doing a weird drivetrain combo, such as shoving in a small block Chevy with a T5 and trying to mate up with a Pathfinder diff, I get my drivetrain alignment perfectly, then I call the Drive Shaft Shop.

I tell them what gearbox I'm working with, and what diff I'm working with. They walk me through how to measure the appropriate length, and they custom build me one for about the same price as any other shaft they build.

I recommend you proceed the same way. Like said above, trying to piece together pieces and welding can cause issues.

[Om1kron]

unemployed car builders for the win.

[GSXRJJordan]

Originally Posted by w00tang

remember to get it balanced after you get it welded on there GOOD.

Lol it's 1/4" mild steel tubing to a thick mild steel universal flange, not exactly a "rocket science" welding project. That being said, I was going to have a driveshaft/axle shop do it, so they could rebalance - most shops say they'll do this for ~$50.

Originally Posted by g6civcx

I don't know what you're trying to do.

Usually when I'm doing a weird drivetrain combo, such as shoving in a small block Chevy with a T5 and trying to mate up with a Pathfinder diff, I get my drivetrain alignment perfectly, then I call the Drive Shaft Shop.

I tell them what gearbox I'm working with, and what diff I'm working with. They walk me through how to measure the appropriate length, and they custom build me one for about the same price as any other shaft they build.

I recommend you proceed the same way. Like said above, trying to piece together pieces and welding can cause issues.

I already have a nice 1pc steel driveshaft - it already has the correct tailshaft for the R200 dif, obviously, and I don't want to pay another $300 or whatever they want for their 1pc driveshaft made. I was hoping to cut the universal and it's driveshaft-mating-flange off, cut the driveshaft to size, weld it back on (and rebalance), then just pop the clip holding the current yoke on there and put the new yoke in with a new clip.

Originally Posted by Om1kron

unemployed car builders for the win.

Seriously *high five*. High dollar build on low budget dollars.

[brewster240]

shaftmasters.com

fuck dss and their inflated prices.

[g6civcx]

Originally Posted by GSXRJJordan

I already have a nice 1pc steel driveshaft - it already has the correct tailshaft for the R200 dif, obviously, and I don't want to pay another $300 or whatever they want for their 1pc driveshaft made. I was hoping to cut the universal and it's driveshaft-mating-flange off, cut the driveshaft to size, weld it back on (and rebalance), then just pop the clip holding the current yoke on there and put the new yoke in with a new clip.

I know that. Just giving general info so others can know what to do when starting out.

I had several propeller shafts snap on me so I do not want to cut any corner.

Can you sell your driveshaft? I was surprised that DSS can build me a custom shaft for the same price as any other shaft. That means every shaft they do is custom.