Front drive shaft
 

I can't seem to find much information on front driveshafts. So here goes. What is the difference between a 1983 and 1984 or 1985 drive shaft? Are they the same length or close? What about the ifs shafts? They are shorter with less slip. Right? The reason I am asking is I am watching a driveshaft on ebay from an 83 that could use for a core for my sas.

I think the 83 is the same as 84-85. If you're going to sas you wont be able to use any stock driveshaft it will just be too short.

You could make a square one for super cheap like i did. They have tons of travel and are super strong.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m.../trucks363.jpg

Or you could go about 300-500 and order a custom long spline

DAMN ALGRANGER! That thing is sweet!
I think I might go that route when I do my SA.
Nice pic!

I like that drive shaft, but what's up with the shackle pushed up against the body mount?

I don't know that much about it, but wouldn't it be cheaper to get a driveshaft and have it lengthened then have a new one built (Assuming that I didn't want to go the square tube route). On the other hand, just out of curiosity, what size tube did you use? Is that just 2.5x2.5 with .25 wall with a 2x2 inside?. Where did you get the u-joints?. How fast can you go with you 4x4 engaged before you notice the drive shaft wobbling? Sorry for all the questions, but I have considered this option too, I just really like the idea of having my drive shaft ballanced so when I drive through the snow I don't have to unlock my hubs all the time.

yeah, most driveshaft shops can lengthen/shorten a shaft for around $75.00-$100
I believe they'll balance it and all to so if it's a DD or you're locked in on road, then you'll want to have a decent balanced shaft.
I had Jesse at high angle build both of mine. Very happy with the results; although for having $800 wrapped up in both of my shafts I guess I'd better be pleased! :)

One more question. Does anybody know if the bolt pattern on the pinion flange on an IFS diff is the same as the bolt pattern on the pinion flange of an 8 inch.

I know the drive shaft shops can lenghten and balance your STOCK driveshaft for around $100 or less. Custom 10" long spline balanced shafts with super u-joints are gonna hurt your wallet. Tom woods makes a nice shaft. As far as the bolt pattern goes They should be the same 79-83 had a differnet pattern. No big deal though if different you could swap pinion flanges or drill the new bolt pattern in the flange

trail-gear.com has a long spline kit you can make your own with an ifs shaft and there 10" slip unit.

Eh it's one of those gay little things i never get around to taking care of, once i put the TG front hanger on it wont be a problem

I used the stock ujoints from the 84 driveshaft. It would be much cheaper to lengthen a stock one than to buy a long spline. The main problem with the stock ones is they are super thin wall so if you ever do happen to smack it on a rock or stump, it can fold in. I used 2" hitch reviever tubing. Go to your local hitch shop and ask for about 13" of each should be under 40 bucks and unbreakable.

If we got much snow here i would have a different driveshaft cause i know what its like to have to drive 45 on the freeway in 4wd and that would suck with a square DS.

If i were you i would just lengthen a stock one unless you have the money to buy a beefier long spline.

I noticed that too.

Nice job on the driveshaft!

________________________________

85 Toyota p/u 4X4 SBC 327
(and too damn powerful)

99 Toyota 4-Runner 4X4
(wifeys)

69 Kaiser Jeepster Commando 4X4
(27k original miles, my daily driver)

the 83 axel doesnt have the bottom guesset the 84 and 85 axels do that the axel every one seeks after

how long do i need to make the front drive shaft with a sas and 6in leafs

I am sure the 81-83 SFA has a short bottom truss that stops before the u-bolts. The 84-85 SFA has a long bottom truss that extends past the u-bolts.

Its the 79-80 SFA that is naked. you can beef up any axle with a mig machine.