Front Driveshaft measurments for 4WD Automatic

[zeratool]

Powertrain industries is developing a driveshaft program for our vans and needs some input for a clearance dimension between the shaft and anything that is close to the shaft on an automatic van. The automatic van front shaft is a different diameter than the standard and I do not have access to a van to make measurements. Would anyone that has a 4WD Auto van measure the distance between the auto bellhousing and the driveshaft and note any other issues that you see that might have clearance issues. Picture is of a manual transmission van. Thanks, Rob<BR>http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae181/zeratool/IMG_0845.jpg

[skibum]

I just went and measured my '87 4WD and the clearance is about 1/2". I took the cap off of a quart of oil and it almost fit between driveshaft and bell housing (flat to flat, not diameter). My driveshaft is a uniform diameter, not the "stepped" diameter as shown in your picture.

[zeratool]

Thanks! I will pass this info to Bryan at Powertrain. This info should make the front shafts on the automatics cheaper than the manuals since they might be able to use a standard tube and not have to cut off the ends and weld up new ones. FYI, Powertrain has cores for both the manual and auto on hand. The manual trans vans definitely have to supply a core for exchange. Rob