1980 automatic with 3" half shafts
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 17
From: Iowa
1980 automatic with 3" half shafts
So I'm going through the rear and have it torn apart to replace TA bushings, brgs and seals, E brakes, strut arm bushings, U joints and such. I have a 1980 that came with a turbo 350 from the factory. Today I noticed that the half shafts are 3" in dia instead of 2 1/2" like they should have been from the factory. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they are bigger as I have swapped in a 383. I am confused because the hardware seems to be for a 2 1/2" shaft. For example, the bolts that strap the u joint to the yoke are 1/4-28 for instance. I thought they were bigger for the larger shaft. Same with the splined knuckle that mates with the stub axle shaft. I was going to order u joints with the rest of the parts from a Corvette parts supplier, but I guess I'll have to take them to a parts store and match them up. Just wondering what the deal is. Dave
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
If the U Joint straps use 1/4" bolts its all correct for an 80-81 Auto. 1330 U-Joints. If they are 5/16" then its an Clutch 80 or 81, or a Auto 82. 1350 U-Joints. The Diameter of the 1/2 shafts are all the same.
Just rebuilt my 80 automatic. Same here.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 17
From: Iowa
Thanks guys, I was a little nervous thinking I had a bastard bunch of parts or something. I searched 1330 and found out that the caps were 1.062 in dia. I verified this with a dial caliper on my u-joint. Thanks again. Dave
