C2/3 drive shaft compatibility

[Jim B.]

Would any C3 drive shafts allow the smaller '63 16 spline slip yoke to be used on the front end or would there be any other practical solution to hooking the '63 drive shaft to a bigger yoke '75 differential? I just discovered the problem after having the Eaton rebuilt and adding all new Spicer u-joints. Thanks for any recommendations, jim

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2/3 drive shaft compatibility

Jim,

Check the archives for more info because there is a U-joint that's one size on one trunnion and the larger size on the other. You can use the set up you have or change the rear yoke to the smaller style.

[Jeff P.]

Re: C2/3 drive shaft compatibility

Jim,

You can change the yoke on the Differential to the smaller type(been there done that), Or as Tim said they make special u-joints for this situation. The yoke is going to cost in the $100 range. New u-joint around $20. I would like to know your results if you choose the u-joint. Any vibration at High Speeds?

[Jim B.]

Re: C2/3 drive shaft compatibility

Thanks Jeff,
I have never seen one of these specialty u-joints but I think that would be the best solution for me if available. I just wasn't sure which direction to go regarding changing the drive shaft, yoke, or with your better suggestion as everything except for the shaft is back in the car, the u-joint. There is a very good old school drive shaft shop near here that just replaced all six u-joints with new Spicer units before I reinstalled the differential so I will check with him tomorrow. Not a lot of older Corvettes around here but lots of metal bowties that he the best on. Thanks again and to all of the NCRS for your help, jim

[Joe L.]

Re: C2/3 drive shaft compatibility

Would any C3 drive shafts allow the smaller '63 16 spline slip yoke to be used on the front end or would there be any other practical solution to hooking the '63 drive shaft to a bigger yoke '75 differential? I just discovered the problem after having the Eaton rebuilt and adding all new Spicer u-joints. Thanks for any recommendations, jim

Jim-------


I'm not sure I understand your question since there seems to be two questions. As I interpret it, you are asking, first, if there are any C3 driveshafts that are compatible with the 1963 16 spline slip yoke. The answer is YES. The 1968-70 with manual transmission driveshaft will work perfectly.

Your second question seems to relate to using a driveshaft which is compatible with the 63 yoke with a differential with the 71+ pinion yoke. The answer to that question is there is no such drive shaft that will work as-is, except a custom manufactured driveshaft. You have two options. First, you can change the pinion yoke to the type for a 1310 series (old 1280 series) u-joint. I don't recommend this approach if you can avoid it but if strict adherence to maintaining original configuration is your goal, this is the only way to go. The second approach is to use a CONVERSION U-joint. This will convert the 1310 series yoke on the driveshaft to the 1330 yoke on the pinion flange. These are easily available from Spicer and others.