Driveline length database?

[77 K20]

Does one exist? A friend of mine has a '83 Suburban 4x4 and took the manual trans and 208 transfer case out of it. He then installed a TH350 and a NP205. The old driveshafts are both too long. It looks like roughly the front one is 1.5" too long, and the rear is about 3" too long. The driveshaft shops around here want to much $$ to cut them down.

He is thinking maybe wrecking yards would have some good used driveshafts, but anything (year, model) in particular should he be looking at?

 

[77 K20]

I've heard that all 1980 trucks had the NP205 transfer case... is it the same with Suburbans?

So then IF he can find a 1980 3/4 ton Suburban that has an automatic then it would be what he needs, right?

 

[nvrenuf]

Yes, ALL 1980 GM trucks had an np205 regardless of body and/or drivetrain configuration.

As for the driveshaft, you'd need to have the same trans and approx. ride height (both stock or both 4", etc...).

Imo, there are too many variables and too much variety in a salvage yard to go searching for a driveshaft for a specific application. I think you're better off familiarizing yourself with u-joint sizes, what joints are in your buddy's truck and taking a tape measure.

Think about it, IF an 80 3/4 ton 4x4 Sub is your magic truck, how long will it take you to find that truck, unmolested with the same approx. ride height with a GOOD driveshaft (ie; not bent from a forklift, etc). I think you'd be searching for a while.

 

[MadOgre]

how are both drive shafts too long ? that doesn't make any sense

 

[77 K20]

Thanks for the input guys. He does seem to have a knack for finding parts... he was a Ford guy so he is new to the GM world.

I told him to lift it, but he has plans for a snow plow.