Tom Woods vs Wild Horses

[gnsteam]

Tom Woods / Wild Horses drive shafts are they the same? I need my front and rear drive shafts lengthened and rebuild. I was thinking it would be cheaper in the long run to purchase new shafts from one of our vendors.

 

[67sport]

Can't say if they are the same, and I'm sure the ones from wild horses are very good.
I just ordered/received/installed a Tom woods rear shaft, and was very happy with the service and product.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Depending on what is local to you, it might be better to use a local brick and mortar location. In Phoenix I have a shop (Master Shaft) that I have used for several projects. They all came out perfect and never had a come back. Walk in, tell him what I need, a little discussion about the requirements, and it comes out. One day (doing the front driveshaft on my last Bronco) he just built it right in front of me. No return visit. An hour after I walked in I was walking out with the shaft I needed.

There are some shops that are extremely proud of there work. Prices can be much higher than mail order. In those cases, just mail order and be done with it.

One time I did use Tom Woods. Good shaft. His stuff is well known for decades. Nothing against him at all. My plan "B" if I can't get it local.

 

[Madgyver]

tom woods https://4xshaft.com/ will honor a driveshaft length change at a reduced cost if driveshaft is purchased from them..

 

[JeffG]

I'm with Broncobowsher. I have always used a local driveshaft shop for all my needs. I prefer shops that specialize in driveshafts and use quality parts.

Also, from your build thread I believe you are going to Explorer EFI and 4R70W correct?

I know when I installed my AOD years ago, the front driveshaft diameter needed to be smaller to clearance the trans pan. My local shop built me a smaller diameter one using thicker wall tubing and it worked out perfect.

A quick search turned up this place in Lincoln, NE:

http://www.deansradiator.com/DriveshaftService.html

 

[Jedhead]

Good advice!

 

[papy]

Tom Woods front/rear shafts for my build. No complaints and they seem very duty and well built.

speedy and very good service

 

[flexmerc]

I've order front and rear driveshafts (extreme duty) from wild horses, they both were Tom woods. Additionally, I measured incorrectly when I ordered the front; I then went direct with Tom woods and they adjusted the length, with no issues.

 

[gnsteam]

Thanks everyone for the great reply's. I've got three local options that I'm going check out this week. One of which is Dean's Radiator and Drive Shaft, thanks Jeff for the link. I was looking at my online options if the cost of lengthening and rebuild exceeds the cost of purchasing a new one. I'm only working on the rear shaft at this point. I will deal with the front shaft during the frame off. So I will only be running the rear shaft until then.

 

[67 Halfcab]

I've order front and rear driveshafts (extreme duty) from wild horses, they both were Tom woods. Additionally, I measured incorrectly when I ordered the front; I then went direct with Tom woods and they adjusted the length, with no issues.

When I ordered my my front drive shaft from Tom Woods, I messed up and gave the wrong measurements for the front yolk. Not only did they change it out for free, but they covered the shipping back to me. Awesome customer service!

 

[TN1776]

I've done all of the above. I don't think there's a one size fits all answer.

When I first got my Bronco, one of the first things I did was lift it and change transmissions. Neither stock shaft worked. I was able to have the original rear shaft shortened for use on the front, and I bought a new rear shaft from Wild Horses. Both served me very well for many years, though I did change u-joints more than once.

If I were to do it again, I would not have shortened an original shaft, because when I got it back there wasn't much left of the original shaft; they replaced the splines, all joints, the bottom yoke, and probably things that I am forgetting. In essence it was an entirely new shaft at that point in time. I could have bought a new shaft from WH or Tom Woods for the same or maybe even less money.

In my latest round of changes (15 years later) I ended up needing a new shaft. Tom Woods got one to me in a couple of days, I could not believe it. It is a nice unit, custom length and all.

 

[Shimmy]

When you guys are ordering from WH, are you providing lengths or just stating lift size and what driveline you're running?

 

[bronkenn]

I got mine from WH and they were Tom Woods shafts. WH has a real good customer service when ordering them. They went over the measurements and I had no issues with fit.

 

[flexmerc]

When you guys are ordering from WH, are you providing lengths or just stating lift size and what driveline you're running?

I measured and selected the length from the drop down menu, in the item description it stated 1310 u joints.
Give them a call if you are looking to customize it, great people always willing to help.

 

[DirtDonk]

Yep, all must be measured. There is no such thing as "this size fits this lift" when it comes to Bronco shafts.
In fact, for most of us the stock length is still fine with up to 3.5" of lift. I've run three stock length shafts with that much lift on mine.

We stock the three most popular lengths for both front and rear shafts, but can also get custom length units when needed. All come from Tom Woods except for the High-Angle Driveline models.
If we don't have a shaft that someone needs that same day, or the next, we do have a local shop we can work with for quick turnaround. That's more for local region customers though, as TW is very quick with turnaround on custom lengths too. So for customers in most parts of the country it's just as quick to get the Tom Woods version.

We really don't have to order custom lengths very often. Most of the usual lifts and modifications will typically use one of the in-stock lengths.
As always though, you NEVER measure for a shaft until not only the vehicle is at full weight and sitting on the ground, but also not until you've verified that the pinion angles are within an acceptable range.
An incorrect pinion angle in the rear can completely skew the measurements and you can end up with a too-long shaft when you finally do correct the pinion angle. Makes a big difference.

Paul

 

[markw]

I have also done both local and WH/TW.
In my case WH was far better experience from customer service to time of delivery and price. Unless you have an awesome local shop I'd sure go with WH.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[gnsteam]

Thanks everyone for the responses to my question. After reading the replies and looking at my Broncos current state. I going to wait on the rebuild or purchase of a new rear shaft. This winter I am going to start a frame off restoration. Where changes in motor, transmission and moving the rear axle back an inch, will effect the final length of the drive shafts. The Bronco will be lightly driven between now and then so the current shaft will have to due.

 

[sprdv1]

Yep, all must be measured. There is no such thing as "this size fits this lift" when it comes to Bronco shafts.
In fact, for most of us the stock length is still fine with up to 3.5" of lift. I've run three stock length shafts with that much lift on mine.

We stock the three most popular lengths for both front and rear shafts, but can also get custom length units when needed. All come from Tom Woods except for the High-Angle Driveline models.
If we don't have a shaft that someone needs that same day, or the next, we do have a local shop we can work with for quick turnaround. That's more for local region customers though, as TW is very quick with turnaround on custom lengths too. So for customers in most parts of the country it's just as quick to get the Tom Woods version.

We really don't have to order custom lengths very often. Most of the usual lifts and modifications will typically use one of the in-stock lengths.
As always though, you NEVER measure for a shaft until not only the vehicle is at full weight and sitting on the ground, but also not until you've verified that the pinion angles are within an acceptable range.
An incorrect pinion angle in the rear can completely skew the measurements and you can end up with a too-long shaft when you finally do correct the pinion angle. Makes a big difference.

what I've seen as well....