Do I need a new driveshaft?

[grannyknot]

My 240z is running a 1982 280zx drive line and the U joints need replacing on the driveshaft.

The Nissan dealer tells me that the propeller shaft is one piece so I can't just buy the U joints, although I see shims holding them in, but neither can I buy the whole shaft anymore, discontinued.

Do I have to have an an old 240Z shaft reworked to fit(those U joints are still available) or should I just have a new shaft built?

Thanks,

Chris

[Zed Head]

The 280ZX drive shaft won't work in a 240Z, the length is wrong, but the 280ZX transmission and differential will work with a 240Z drive shaft. That's probably what you have. Unless somebody had a 280ZX drive shaft cut to fit, which seems unlikely. You can get replacement u-joints at the local parts store (cheap), or MSA or the dealer (expensive).

Don't forget that Nissan calls it a propeller shaft. The drive shafts are the two on the sides of the diff.

[zKars]

Granny, somewhere on HybridZ there are the part numbers for the Spicer Nissan trans yoke and matching diff yoke that use the 1310 U-joints that allow you to have a custom 3" steel or Auml driveshaft made that result in an unbreakable and if you should EVER need to, replacable anywhere u-joints. If you're having one made, why not?

Here it is!

R200 Differential to Drive Shaft Connection - Drivetrain - HybridZ

Well that's close. There is another.

MSA sells a 3" Alum replacement shaft as well. Probably made with the same parts

Edited June 18, 2014 by zKars

[EuroDat]

If your drive shaft has uni's with circlips, its probably fitted with the 240Z originals.

Datsun 240Z/260Z/280Z Propeller Shaft

Partnr. 37125-14627 uni-joint $54ea

You can get different size shimes to get the tolerances right.

Shimess 2.00mm 37146-14600 $0.60ea

2.02mm 37147-14600

2.04mm 37148-14600

2.06mm 37149-14600

KIT JOURNA :: Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com

Courtesy Nissan still stock them.

Chas

Edited June 18, 2014 by EuroDat

[grannyknot]

Thanks guys, I should know better then to trust a parts guy under the age of 40.

[EuroDat]

Hi Chris,

I used the Nissan uni joints for the "propeller" shaft. Like Zed Head said they are expensive, but you can adjust them with the shimes.

Can't remember exactly which shimes wI used Wrote it down so I can look it up, but I needed different size shimes to get the tolerances right. Make sure you used the same size shime on opposite sides of the spider to keep the shaft centered. It took out the small high speed vibration I had.

I used Moog uni joints in the two axles.

Remember: The drive shaft can be one of the fastest rotating parts in the car when you drive in 5th at high speed.

Chas