[C2] Acceptable driveline angle
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 1,507
From: Willis, tx
Acceptable driveline angle
Installing a TKO 600 in my 67 coupe. The tunnel clearance is getting pretty tight as I move the trans up to align the driveshaft. What is and acceptable angle between the engine/trans and the driveshaft? I have heard 3 degrees from non-Corvette sources.
Drifting<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/2k-3k.gif" border="0">
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 827
From: Grosse Pointe, MI
You have to have an angle on it. Straight (or zero degrees) is bad and will wear the bearings. Rules of thumb to avoid vibration is to have equal or opposite angles at both ends. So for example +3 degrees and +3 degrees or +3 degrees and -3 degrees. In reality on these cars you don't get much in the way of adjustments. I can't remember how mine turned out when I did the TKO swap, but I think I got the angles close. No vibrations so that's what really matters.
Patrick
Patrick
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 538
From: Witness Protection Program Somewhere, USA
2026 Restomod of the Year Finalist
I have experience with this swap.
The TKO 600 will work but is not ideal. Your driveshaft will end up actually pointing slightly upward.
Driving will be ok until around 70 mph when there will be a noticeable vibration most visible in the rear view mirror.
The trans tail shaft will rest on the crossmember and caused a noticeable noise in fifth gear.
If you can go with a TKX the smaller case will give you most of the additional clearance needed to lessen these issues.
Much better option.
The TKO 600 will work but is not ideal. Your driveshaft will end up actually pointing slightly upward.
Driving will be ok until around 70 mph when there will be a noticeable vibration most visible in the rear view mirror.
The trans tail shaft will rest on the crossmember and caused a noticeable noise in fifth gear.
If you can go with a TKX the smaller case will give you most of the additional clearance needed to lessen these issues.
Much better option.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 1,507
From: Willis, tx
Did either of you guys have to do any tunnel modifications? I would have liked to use a TKX but this new TKO has been in my garage for ten years. I'm also having a hard time finding the correct 31 spine yoke.
Pro
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 690
Likes: 118
From: Strongsville, Ohio
I suggest you read the Spicer installation guide, it is easy to understand and clearly calls out angles. The front should be 1.0 to 1.5° down. IMO, 3° is too much. This has nothing to do with oil drain, it's the difference between the engine/trans centerline and the driveshaft. Use a digital angle finder, I have 4-5 of them and even the HF cheapie reads as good as the expensive ones (once it settles down). BTDT, fixed a lot of driveshaft angle problems on HD trucks.
https://media.spicerparts.com/cfs/fi...store=original
https://media.spicerparts.com/media
Good Luck!
https://media.spicerparts.com/cfs/fi...store=original
https://media.spicerparts.com/media
Good Luck!
