How to measure your driveshaft correctly?

[82sbshortbed]

Got it all cleaned up and new U joints installed. I'm gonna go by his shop later after the new rear end is in and have him make me a stronger better driveshaft. I just want it back on the road fast as I can.The New transmission yoke will be here tomorrow and I'll put him on.

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[Grumpy]

When measuring driveshaft length, I NEVER try to eyeball where the centre of the bore is for the u-joint cap.
The easiest I find is to start by placing the tape at the 2" mark (the tab at the end is supposed to move slightly depending on if it is pulled tight - measure inside - or pushed tight - measure outside) then I measure from the same point on both u-joint cap bores - the point closest to the outer end at one end and the point closest to the inner at the other end.
If changing the length of the driveshaft, I highly recommend the following link:

Driveshaft Set-Up and Measuring - Mark Williams Enterprises, Inc

Mark Williams Enterprises is an industry leading manufacturer of drag race axles, drive shafts, brakes, modular rears, rear end housings, thirdmembers, and chassis components.

www.markwilliams.com

The amount of slip yoke travel is critical! A little prudence here will prevent unnecessary repairs later.

Remember, as we alter geometries from the factory original, we MUST consider where other changes will occur - just like dropping water in a bucket, there will be ripples.