Looking for opinions on half shaft replacement

[John W]

Guys, One of the half shafts on my 65 needs to be replaced (ujoint cup rotates in ear). Should I replace the worn shaft with a reconditioned shaft or should I replace both half shafts with new ones from Denny's? I would like to keep to keep cost under $500 and not worry about this again for couple ujoint replacements. Thanks, John [Modified by John W, 6:12 PM 4/27/2003]

[Lohkay]

Well first of all, you're not in the right forum and second, I would change both if you can. If not, you can surely just change one and get away with it.

[John W]

Thanks for the reply. Since half shafts are common across all platforms, I was looking to hit as many folks as possible who may have struggled with the same problem and dealt with rebuilt and new half shafts. I also figured the engine mod forum people may have faced more broken suspension parts than say, the keep it stock crowd.

Thanks,
John

[427Hotrod]

Cheapest way is to just buy a used halfshaft. Using later C-3 3" ones gives you an easy upgrade for low $$. They bolt in if you don't already have them.

Another alternative is to just take it to a driveshaft shop and have them replace that end. Very commonly done and doesn't cost much.

Next is to have new shafts made. You can buy them from one of the big name vendors, or once again just go to a good local driveline shop. Check out the truck parts side of town. You can get a killer set of halfshafts amde for a lot less $$ than are often charged. My 1480 series 3.5"x .134 wall tube shafts were custom made for $250 plus U-joints including balancing. You don't need anything htat ridiculous, but a set of 1350 series 3"x.134 wall ones could be made for even less.


JIM

[Bearcat]

Hey Jim, do you by any chance use "half shaft loops" on your half shafts? I've got a strong 427 in my Vette but still use the stock half shafts, and I admit I'm a little nervous about the carnage that would result if it ever broke loose during one of my "wild moments".

[gkull]

John W - I had custom half shafts and recently tore the end of one of them up. So I just called http://www.tomsdifferentials.com/tomp.htm

[71coupe]

I'm going to get a pair of Denny's "Nitrous Ready" ones with the flange installed option. $500.
http://www.dennysdriveshaft.com/html...dent_rear.html

Hey gkull - can you get the half shafts from Tom's without buying the whole axle kit :confused:


FYI: You are in the right forum as all the gearheads collect in here.




[Modified by 71coupe, 4:24 PM 5/11/2003]

[John W]

Guys,
Thanks for all the info. I have decided on the following actions thanks to the thread:
1) I bought a used shaft from Gruhala, $35. I have safety loops ready for install, so I am confortable with this gamble
2) I will have my old shaft end fixed and take it along on track days with ujoints installed for a quick swap and then limp home.
3) If I break the current shafts (only plan on using street tires), I will then pick up some custom shafts.


Thanks again for the help,
John

[groovyjay]

Someone posted a link on the C3 section awhile back about a company who custom makes carbon fibre halfshafts and if I can remember right they were 500$ pair. :cheers:

[81vette]

Group purchase in the C3 forum for carbon fiber halfshafts. $600 delivered with aluminum ends and spicer joints. Go sign up.

Here's the link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=561378

mark


[Modified by 81vette, 5:04 PM 5/14/2003]