1 piece drive shaft in a 3+3 dually??

[lowNslow]

Is it possible?? Goin to be running a 4l80e out of a 2004 2500 HD

 

[Kapdin]

I 2nd this question.

 

[foamypirate]

Your best bet would to estimate the length needed (add or subtract the different between your current trans and a 4L80E), and then take that to a driveshaft shop and ask if they think it can be safely built.

 

[HotRodPC]

I'd sure think not. That's an awful long driveshaft. Why would you want a single? What's the purpose? Not only is the length long, but what about if you're carrying a load? The truck squats to much it might just end up on top of the driveshaft. I'd want a dual at least.

 

[John-e Bravada]

No, it's too long for a straight run, Spicer has calculators for max lengths for each joint a tube size. Once you get over a certin length the tube actually droops in the middle and it's impossible to balance, it just whips.

 

[towjoe]

If it was possible, don't you think GM would have used them to save cost? I'm with everyone else It's to long a run and will be weak and hard to balance

 

[El Camino Man]

You could make your own and make a completely solid driveshaft!!! Not cost effective...

I agree: If GM did it from the factory, there was a reason. Iv never seen anything longer than an ext. cab short bed without a 2 piece in it, if that makes sense

My reasoning for the multi-piece drive shaft would be if you did put a load on it, or even hit a big enough bump, youd think itd pull out of/ram into the transmission since it has zero play in it

 

[foamypirate]

My reasoning for the multi-piece drive shaft would be if you did put a load on it, or even hit a big enough bump, youd think itd pull out of/ram into the transmission since it has zero play in it

1-piece shaft works just fine in this situation. The output shaft is splined, so the driveshaft can slide in/out of the transmission as the susepnsion is loaded/unloaded over bumps and dips or from carrying a load.

 

[El Camino Man]

On a crew cab long bed?

 

[foamypirate]

On a crew cab long bed?

I was just talking in general. When I said "this situation", I was referring to the suspension loading/unloading.

 

[El Camino Man]

But youd think on a crew cab long bed the travel would be exaggerated by the time it reached the front of the mile long drive shaft. I could be wrong

 

[HotRodPC]

But youd think on a crew cab long bed the travel would be exaggerated by the time it reached the front of the mile long drive shaft. I could be wrong

Yeah well first off, quit exaggerating. Not sure where you come up with a mile long driveshaft. It's more like a 1/4 mile long sooooo.... just sayin'




Bottom line, I'd just go 2 piece for several reasons.

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

But youd think on a crew cab long bed the travel would be exaggerated by the time it reached the front of the mile long drive shaft. I could be wrong

Actually, mechanically speaking, I would think a longer trans to diff length would reduce the amount of play in the slip yoke. Kind of like backing up a trailer. The longer the trailer, the less your steering inputs translate to trailer movement.

There are enough opinions in here, mine is null and void.

 

[lowNslow]

It was a thought.. i know the 4l80e is a lot longer than the turbo 400 that's in the truck.. so just wondered if it was possible

 

[HotRodPC]

Actually, mechanically speaking, I would think a longer trans to diff length would reduce the amount of play in the slip yoke. Kind of like backing up a trailer. The longer the trailer, the less your steering inputs translate to trailer movement.

There are enough opinions in here, mine is null and void.

Your opinion isn't null and void. I get your point and agree, BUT, in this case, this driveshaft would be to long. What he needs to do if converting from a Th400 to a 4L80-E is simply take the driveshaft, both pieces, to a driveline shop and have them cut the front shaft to fit the 4L80-E and just because, I'd have both pieces balanced as a single unit and new U Joints and carrier bearing while it was out.