Drive shaft swap, u-joints???? with pics

[zbhover]

Hey there everyone, I’m still working on our V8 beetle project, a lack of extra money has just slowed down progress.

I got our th350 trans swapped out for the 200r4, and now I’m wanting to figure out where I want to engine. That way I can weld in the engine mounts and make a new trans cross member.

Right now I have the engine sitting just about where it would be for a V8 s10 swap. With me lengthening the wheel base 4” I’m thinking that I’ll have plenty of room to move the engine back a little ways to make more room up front for the radiator, and also move a little of the weight back. I was thinking of moving it back 4”-6” I also am widening the car 8” so I’ll still have plenty of foot room with more of the trans being right there. The only problem with this is that my mechanical fuel pump will be in the way, but an upgrade to an electric pump wouldn’t hurt anyways.

Here is a picture off where the engine sits now:


So I was planning on just having the s10 drive shaft cut down and re-welded, etc. So I pulled out my driveshaft to eyeball it, and that’s when I remembered that I had the 2 piece drive shaft from the engine donor truck. The back section of that drive shaft just happens to be the right length that it will move the engine/trans back about 6”. So I thought I was set, the th350 trans yoke fits the 200r4 so I could just pull that yoke off of the front shaft and put it on the rear with a new U-joint. Then I could throw a new U-joint on the back of this shaft get it balanced, and connect it to the pinion yoke and be set………….. WRONG….. Unfortunately the two drive shafts have different style U-joints, the bearing cups??? Are different diameters on them, so I can’t connect the shaft to the pinion yoke.

Here’s a couple pics:




My question:
Is there maybe by chance a universal, universal-joint (LOL) out there that solves this problem??? Or is pretty much my only option to swap out the pinion yoke? If that’s the case I won’t be saving any money buying a pinion to save having a drive shaft shortened, and I might as well use the s10 drive shaft and make it the length I want. I just don’t have much driveshaft experience other than swapping out worn out u-joints so I figured I’d ask before I scrapped the idea.


THANKS FOR THE HELP

[paulj]

Yes, there is a U joint to make that work. If you take it to a drive shaft shop they can find the one you need. At worst the can swap the yoke on the shaft but most likely they can find a hybrid joint to make it work.

I'd move the engine back as much as you comfortably can. The car will drive so much better and by the looks of things 6" is an easy move.

[hellraiser]

that motor is sitting pretty far forward lol
i like the drill bit hing pin

[zbhover]

Thanks guys, I found some combination U joints on the internet, I'll check with the local machine shop that I was going to have balance it and see if they can get them. If not I'll order some.

Hellraiser: The hinge pin was all rusty and a PAIN to get in and out so I just hammered it out and found a drill bit close to that size and stuck it in there............ I have a matching on on the other side.......... LOL

I'll eventually get rid of those ;D LOL

[hellraiser]

Don't get rid of them, it adds class!! Haha

[zbhover]

Aug 16, 2009 0:07:02 GMT -5 hellraiser said:

Don't get rid of them, it adds class!! Haha

Well heck, I better put some in the lower hinges too then LOL

Actually I'd like to do some hidden hinges, make it look a little cleaner?

[hellraiser]

Ya I know what you mean, I had planned on shaving mine and do a suicide door set up, but now I'm thinking I like it looking stock.
Now I've got an 8 channel kit with two 50lb pull selinoids I don't know what to do with haha. Think instead of door poppers, I'm gunna use those 8 channels to run lights and air ride ext. Lol
as for hiding the hinges, go for it, they look clean.

[Mock1racer]

I like it w/ no front, looks like a gasser, or a rat rod project.

[V8 Super Beetle]

Hey Paul,

Do you know where a good drive shaft shop is out close to Cypress? Or anywhere in the Houston area.


Thanks,

Matt

[paulj]

The one I used to go to off of Ella is gone. The only one I know of is the one on I-10 East on the other side of the loop. I'll see if I can find their address.

[V8 Super Beetle]

Thanks! You wouldn't happen to have an engine lift would you?

[zbhover]

Aug 18, 2009 7:15:27 GMT -5 Mock1racer said:

I like it w/ no front, looks like a gasser, or a rat rod project.

The original. front part of the car was so rusty that I figured I'd be better chopping it off........... LOL

I think I'll eventually make a flip up fiberglass hood/fenders for it.

[paulj]

No lift. Sorry.......

[V8 Super Beetle]

No problem. Thanks.

[chenshui]

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