C3 half shaft spacer needed
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, IL
C3 half shaft spacer needed
We’ll, here goes. When I purchased my 79, the previous owner had installed a Ford 9” in the car. Everything went excellent with build until I took the car in for an alignment. The geometry of the 9” requires the differential to be driver side justified by 1-2 inches. This in turn doesn’t allow sufficient room for the passenger side rear control arm to be shimmed enough for correct toe in alignment. I need to add a small spacer, perhaps 1/2” max, between either the differential and half shaft or between the half shaft and control arm. My question is, can I simply machine a spacer to accomplish this, or would I need the raised locating boss to verify the spacer remains centered? Alternatively, does anyone know of an aftermarket supplier that might have this type of spacer available?
Hopefully this makes sense enough. I can attach photos if needed, however the CA’s are currently off the car. Thanks folks.
Hopefully this makes sense enough. I can attach photos if needed, however the CA’s are currently off the car. Thanks folks.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
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I'm assuming you've got it all mounted already? When I installed the Dana 60 IRS setup under my car I dealt with it also being offset somewhat. I centered it up and used equal length shafts but the driveshaft goes slightly angled. U-joints don't care if they are going right to left or north/south and will run perfectly smoothly.
I'd prefer to keep the same length shafts..but I suppose you could have the shaft re-tubed a 1/2" longer...would be cleaner than adding spacer.
Or can you move the mounting position over some?
JIM
I'd prefer to keep the same length shafts..but I suppose you could have the shaft re-tubed a 1/2" longer...would be cleaner than adding spacer.
Or can you move the mounting position over some?
JIM
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, IL
No, I’t doesn’t appear to be a “kit” type install. It’s all Strange Engineering differential components with offset trailing arms. The half shafts appear to be stock.
My initial thought is a simple block of steel machined to fit accordingly. If any anomalies are experienced, a custom length shaft will be needed. Hoping to avoid that expense tho.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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I would try a custom Half shat to even it out. Its safer than a spacer
Racer
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 485
Likes: 181
From: San Diego
We asked the suspension/alignment shop to get some heavier half-shafts, which they did-but they said that they couldn’t get them to fit.
I’ve read that others have had custom half-shafts built. I figured that we’d have to do the same. Maybe spacers are the solution?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, IL
Thanks all for the input. I’m thinking for the short term, I’ll add spacers. I’m gonna take measurements tomorrow and immediately contact some vendors to price out the custom half shafts. Didn’t want to spend that amount of cash, but it’s looking to be the strongest, most reliable solution.
Thanks again, this forum has proven to be invaluable on this build.
Thanks again, this forum has proven to be invaluable on this build.
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Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,216
Likes: 9,354
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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2016 C3 of Year Finalist
im sure a good drive shaft guy can make the half shafts
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Corsicana, Tx
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Yes...just take the halfshaft to any driveshaft shop. They will use a lathe to cut welds and remove your yokes...and install whatever length tube you want. I had custom 3.5"x.134 wall shafts made for my combo at a shop that typically does big truck shafts. Been there for many years and perfectly smooth even literally at 200 MPH.
Any other place you deal with is just going to have it made locally and markup the price to you.
JIM
Any other place you deal with is just going to have it made locally and markup the price to you.
JIM