Measuring Driveshafts?

[canadabronco]

What is the proper technique for measuring the length? I have read different things on this one.

How much should a driveshaft slide lengthways? Sorry I don't know the proper lingo to describe it.

 

[Amac70]

I always measure center of u joint cap to center of u joint cap while its sitting on a flat surface. The rest the driveshaft maker can figure out. Also ask for a long slip shaft so it has more flexibility.

 

[Landshark]

[quote author=canadabronco link=board=5;threadid=17283;start=0#msg132077 date=1052572023]
What is the proper technique for measuring the length? I have read different things on this one.

How much should a driveshaft slide lengthways? Sorry I don't know the proper lingo to describe it.
[/quote]

The measurement is from the yoke on the transfer case to the yoke on the rear end center of bearing cap to center of bearing cap with the suspension loaded normally

 

[BlackHorse]

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/09.asp

This might help. The scetch shows the driveshaft compresed which is not how it will be under the Bronco but you get the idea. It's about right to have 3" of travel up and down.

 

[chuck]

[quote author=Amac70 link=board=5;threadid=17283;start=0#msg132094 date=1052584047]
I always measure center of u joint cap to center of u joint cap while its sitting on a flat surface. The rest the driveshaft maker can figure out. Also ask for a long slip shaft so it has more flexibility.
[/quote]
This is what the driveshaft shops want. I have them made with 2" of in travel at rest.