Measured the distance between trans and pinion centerlines compared to the ground with the car level. It appears the trans is 1/2” lower than diff pinion. I’m realizing now the 9” would fix this little issue, but I’m definitely going to need to raise the tunnel regardless. Otherwise the slip yoke / u joints will hit. I do have adjustable rear uppers so I can play with the pinion angle, but nothing I adjust will get the driveshaft to have a negative angle back to the diff unfortunately. Not sure if this is a deal breaker or not
Hooker 1964-67 A-body LS Swap System Preview
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Is the frame level to the ground? 1/2" given the length of the driveshaft is going to calculate to 1 or 2 tenths of a degree given the length of the driveshaft. You really need to look at the working angles of both u joints. If you can set both at 2.8* opposite of each other you should be fine. With my rear end at the bump stops I believe my drive shaft will clear the tunnel at the rear if I use a smaller diameter driveshaft. Keep in mind the driveshaft won't move up and down at the rear of the tunnel as much as the rear moves since the front of the driveshaft is stationary and the rear of the tunnel is about about 3/4 the length of the driveshaft.
The frame isn’t perfectly level but all load is on the wheels and the frame is where it will be at ride height. There is a slight rake front to back. I’m going to spend some time adjusting the rear upper arms to try to get the pinion angle as close to equal/opposite the -2.8 on the trans and say that’s as good as this setup can get.
another major hurdle is I do t have a driveshaft (yet) so getting the operating angles is just a guesstimate using a long level to simulate the shaft. I’m thinking my best bet would be to get the trans and pinions angles set, then measure for a driveshaft. I’m thinking I might as well go for CV shaft now, but honestly not 100% sure on this yet.
Thinking I’ll fix the tunnel sheet metal last
For those with a CV shaft, how much clearance is needed? The CV joint looks like a good size diameter. Thanks again everyone!
another major hurdle is I do t have a driveshaft (yet) so getting the operating angles is just a guesstimate using a long level to simulate the shaft. I’m thinking my best bet would be to get the trans and pinions angles set, then measure for a driveshaft. I’m thinking I might as well go for CV shaft now, but honestly not 100% sure on this yet.
Thinking I’ll fix the tunnel sheet metal last
For those with a CV shaft, how much clearance is needed? The CV joint looks like a good size diameter. Thanks again everyone!
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