69 Bigblock halfshaft size?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
69 Bigblock halfshaft size?
I'm about to tear into the back of the Vette to hunt down a vibration. In the process I've noticed that my half shafts appear to be 2 1/2" diameter. Is this the stock size for a 69 bigblock? They were freshened up several years ago and do have Spicer solid U-joints.
Since I should be running 500+ HP w/ my combo, would it be wise to upgrade to a pair of halfshafts with 3" diameter such as those offered by DragVette? I'll definitely be ordering the halfshaft loops from him anyway so I figured I'd get it all at the same time if I decide to upgrade. I do expect to hit the strip with some sticky tires once I get this all sorted out. Any opinions on this? Thanks guys.
Since I should be running 500+ HP w/ my combo, would it be wise to upgrade to a pair of halfshafts with 3" diameter such as those offered by DragVette? I'll definitely be ordering the halfshaft loops from him anyway so I figured I'd get it all at the same time if I decide to upgrade. I do expect to hit the strip with some sticky tires once I get this all sorted out. Any opinions on this? Thanks guys.
i will be watching this because my 72 bigblock coupe will be making about the same power and i was wondering about what to do with the rear end. mine came with a 350 from chevrolet.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 4
From: Va
I would recommend going with the 3" halfshafts with the saftey loops also. The halfshafts from Dragvette come with regular solid spicer u-joints, but I would recommmend having Steve (Dragvette) swap out the u-joints for the Spicer Life Solid U-Joints, these are the same u-joints used in a lot of 4 x 4 so they are tough. If you have a local drive-shaft shop around you may can get the same joints swapped out cheaper, but the shop probably will not be able to beat the price on the Dragvette half-shafts, least that was the case for me. Have them re-balanced too after the swap. I wouldn't recommend doing this yourself unless you have flange support, this keeps you from bending the flange when pressing out the u-joint, don't ask me how I know. Bough a $100 press to DIY and ended up having to replace the bent flanges and paying a shop to do it. 
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
B71vette,
Good info, thanks. I'll call him tomorrow & order per your advice. Just out of curiosity were the halfshafts you replaced 2 1/2" or is my car a freak for having that size?
Good info, thanks. I'll call him tomorrow & order per your advice. Just out of curiosity were the halfshafts you replaced 2 1/2" or is my car a freak for having that size?
