driveshaft interchange

[ramsesosirus]

My 76 280Z, auto trans needs all new u joints (all 6, 2 ds 4 rear axle)

The DS has non servicable u joints. I've heard a shop could replace them; BUT would an earlier 240 driveshaft fit? I am thinking of getting a used 240 shaft with servicable joints and putting new joints on it.

Are these the same length, and the same u joints (for rear and trans?)

Thanks

New driveshafts are expensive and having a shop do the swap of the non servicable ones is expensive too;

I guess the zbarn.com has some; looks like the 72-74 would be the one to go with, if it is interchangeable?

Edited November 3, 2008 by 280ZSS

[sblake01]

As long as it's not too early. At some point on the early cars the differential was moved to create better driveline angles. Any driveshaft from that point on would work.

[ramsesosirus]

So a 72-74 would bolt right up with new u-joints? Does that seem like a better idea than dealing with the non servicable u joints?

Zbarn lists 3 sets of DS; 70-71; 72-74; and 75-78 so I think the 70-71 had the diff mounting location, i think;

BTW I wont be driving this car is the winter anymore... I know i bought it to drive but i need to fix some things on it and get her ready to drive daily in spring/summer;

I just can't bear to ruin it yet if i can help it...

hopefully ill have a storage garage if money allows otherwise itll be outside w/tarp under and cover over;

[Arne]

Yes, the 72-74 should bolt right in. The 70-71 is about an inch shorter.

[sblake01]

Wouldn't buying a used driveshaft and putting new u joints in it cost about the same or even more than having your old one machined for replaceable u joints? It's been years since I had that done on my 78 but I don't recall it being too expensive.

[ramsesosirus]

Well you may be right sblake; I need to ask my friend bc he had his RX7 shaft done at a shop, I think it was like 100 bucks at least; May be worth it; Other issue is I don't really trust any mechanics but me anymore. I have one guy I trust but he can't do that kind of stuff.

I am just lookin into the diff options right now.

Thanks!

[Arne]

Yeah. I'd see about modifying the one you now have. I had the u-joints replace on my 240Z's driveshaft and had it balanced. Cost about $90. Add that to the cost of a used driveshaft. Might be money ahead to do the one you already have.

[7277]

new joints for the 1/2 shafts are easy to do yourself (just a pain in the a** IMO) if you have a press or a good bench vise. the smaller ones on the propeller shaft are a bit tougher as they are smaller. if you do them yourself, they're about $20 each from MSA. IMPORTANT: DON'T FORGET TO GET THE MAIN PROP SHAFT BALANCED at a good speed shop after install. any out-of-balance on the main shaft will cause a nasty vibration all the way through your trans and engine. when doing the half shafts, just squeeze them in so the outer races are evenly distanced, no need to run on a balancer.

i had a speed shop do the main prop shaft joints with a spin on the balancer for $145 total.