73-87 Chevy Pickup Driveshaft Question

[Tony_Barbarian]

I replaced the tranny in my '84 Chevy pickup last year after it grenaded. I replaced it with the transmission from an 87 1/2 ton diesel. Come to find out, that the front driveshaft no longer works.. it's either too short or too long, I can't recall, and I don't have the driveshaft anymore. The 87 didn't come with one, so that's out. I need to know if the front driveshaft from the 84 is longer or if the one from the 87 is longer so I can get one from a junk yard and have it cut instead of having one lengthened or completely custom made. It's a lot cheaper to have one cut and have the u-joints replaced than it is to have one made or lengthened. I think that the tranny currently in the truck is a 400 turbo (I'm not a Chevy guy so I'm just guessing).

[Tater Raider]

Just get a bombproof one built if you can. Buy once, cry once.

http://www.dennysdriveshaft.com/c4_4x4_driveshafts.html

[KJ4VOV]

A tape measure is all you need. Measure the distance from the transfer case output to the front diff input and just keep that number in mind, and the tape in your hand, when you go to the junkyard. Measure the first one you find ('84 or '87, doesn't matter which) and you'll instantly have your answer. If the one you're measuring at the junkyard is short then you need the other one.

Or... Just buy one you know is too long, even if it's a couple feet longer, and have it cut, since you're going to have it worked on anyway.

[Tony_Barbarian]

Thanks for the input. I suppose I should just spend the extra cash and get a heavy duty one.