Which drive shaft?

[drooartz]

I've got two drive shafts to choose from -- the original one from the Bugeye, and one from the '74 Midget donor. They seem the same, except for the collar that is on one of them (from the donor car, if I remember correctly).

Which one do I use? Do I just clean and paint, or is there more rebuilding needed? Does it need to go out to a drive line shop for balancing?

 

[GeeBee1]

Drew:

Does either of them have weights on them?

How are the U joints?

Pat

 

[drooartz]

I think one had a weight on it, but I can't remember off hand. I'll check when I get home tonight.

Not sure how to tell if the U joints are okay...

 

[jlaird]

They clumk when you run the car. ie they are loose.

 

[drooartz]

Any way to check them while they're out of the car?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

You can usually feel play in them or binding in the range of motion. If they feel ok then go ahead and it install. They are simple enough to go back and replace latter if needed.

 

[drooartz]

Assuming both are in good shape, any preference for one or the other?

 

[GeeBee1]

Drew

Personally I have a 1275 one, because I figured that it maybe stronger being made later and perhaps slightly lighter w/o the collar.

Also remember to use new nylocks.

Pat

 

[bugimike]

And I personally like the one with the collar since the rear seal is basically just a felt ring and the collar just seems to give me a bit more peace of mind. You could probably just grease the U joints up and use it if, as stated above, there is no free play or binding, but it is really not that expensive to take it to a shop that specializes in the service and have it properly balanced!!!

 

[jlaird]

The one with the collar is appropiate for a Bugeye the other is a 1275. Go with the one that matches your engine and tranny.

 

[bugimike]

I also have one of each, and other than the collar, I do not see any appreciable difference!! Lengths are the same, diameter is the same, etc. etc.!

 

[lbc_newbie]

I don't know what you're running as far as your tranny goes, but I believe the one with the collar will not work with a 210 tranny.

 

[drooartz]

I'm running a ribcase transmission.

I'll probably ask around here and see if there's a driveline shop that is recommended. Silly to not get it balanced while I'm at it.

 

[spritenut]

Drew
Either shaft will work but the one without the collar is lighter, you will go faster and save gas :wink:
Ok, just a teeny tiny bit faster and maybe 1 ounce of gas per year.