Topic: Square shaft build

[rockhound]

Finished the build today.
This is a shot of the old junk.

[rockhound [OP]]

Parts for build.
I used the u-joint yoke from a section of the old two peice rear shaft.
I kept the long slip yoke for the front of the square shaft, to be cut and fit.

[rockhound [OP]]

Working on the old yoke, ground it square, to fit into the 2 1/2" square tube. I tried to fit it as true as possible, before welding.

[rockhound [OP]]

Next, on to the spline. This will be the lower part, 2", to be mounted to the diff flange.

[Hyena]

Looks good.

[rockhound [OP]]

I had a CV joint at the TC. It came stock that way. I decided to save the CV for a future clock job on the rear axle. After pointing the diff up, I'll want a CV rear drive to reduce vibration.
I swapped out the CV flange on the front output of the TC, to an extra u-joint flange I had laying around, left over form the dual transfer build.
nOtice the special tool.

[rockhound [OP]]

Thanks Hyena 

[rockhound [OP]]

I don't think I'll have to worry about pulling the front shaft apart, ever again.

Notice the groove cut. It's for the weld inside the 2 1/2", I shoulda used receiver tube. About $15 for 2 ft. at the steel yard. I didn't know.

WT, no need for the 1 1/2". I got impatient, built with what i had. If you sent it already though, I'll weld up a half and modify this one to use it.

I'm going to drill the rear output flange for dual hookup. U-joint or CV. That way, if I have to bolt the front on the rear for emergency, I can.

Next project is to remount my steering box. I just noticed today, one of the inserts thru the frame is busted loose.    

[MiniSimp]

Looks great!

[oddball]

good job

[rockhound [OP]]

Hey thanks guys. The more projects I tackle, the less intimidated I am by the next one. 

[toyotaexo]

ok I know this is a old thread but i'm going to build a square drive shaft for my truck and i'm wondering what's better? either using or not using a cv? I want to build one for the front of my rig. but is it ok for the rear also?  i'm going to be running a dana 60 front and 14 bolt rear .  with 6 inch leafs up front and 5 inch rears on a 85 pickup
here's my truck so far 

[toybuilt]

You can still use a cv, its better that you do if you have a short driveshaft. You can also make a rear square driveshaft but you welln't be able to go anywheres fast, hope its goin to be a trailered rig if you go that route

[alwayzbroken]

You can still use a cv, its better that you do if you have a short driveshaft. You can also make a rear square driveshaft but you welln't be able to go anywheres fast, hope its goin to be a trailered rig if you go that route

I have a square rear shaft and it is fine for trail purposes. I don't have any CVs on either my front or rear.

[BLACKDOG]

I put a CV on mine   with a short shaft it helps with the angle.

As toybuilt said, unless the rig isn't gonna be driven on the road, a square tube rear isn't a great idea.  The vibrations can get pretty bad

[Matty]

i kept the CV on my front shaft.  i can drive 60 with almost no vibratiion too 

take the time and do it right.  rear if its trail only, not so much on the street at all.

[Hyena]

the cv is better for vibration dampening.  but if you have  a steep angle a regular joint will rotate more.