Okay, so I spent a little time mulling over Evan's suggestion to move my rear axle back to better center the rear wheels in the fender openings. Here are pictures of what I have. The carrier bearing has the short "open" shaft where it actually can slide back. (The closed gap was "original") I can slide it back to where it is 1/16" from extending the 1 1/2" needed. My question is, wouldn't this <not> be a good idea to run it in the extended fashion? If not, I assume I would need to do a bunch of Mickey Mousing around to come up with an extended shaft, which means more $$$... The only up side to that would be if I could use the Colorado drive shaft and have someone graft on the spline shaft that slides into the carrier bearing part? What say you?
If I remember correctly the new rear differential yoke will extend farther forward. By moving the new rear back 11/2 inches the rear wheels will be centered and the driveshaft will be the right length. All you should need is a new unjoint. My conversion was 51 Chevy 3/4 ton with a s10 four wheel drive rear. Lots of time with a tape measure will give you the answers you need. Jim
Zig: Before you decide to do or not do the job take into consideration any differences in measurement from the center line of the axle to the centerline of the U-joint. I doubt that these measurements are the same on your original axle and the Colorado axle. -Bill
True, Bill~ The center line of the Colorado is also offset 1 1/2", so in order for it to hook up, I believe I just added more length just for the offset from center. So... I don't think I'll worry about the original look of the tires tucked up in front of the opening. (Especially when I might end up with a flatbed anyway. )
I was talking about the center line through the axle shafts to the center line of the U-joint, front to back, not side to side.
Actually, Bill, that measurement is the same. If it is different, it is such a small difference that I'm not seeing it.
Back to the original question... For those who have a split shaft and would like to move their axle back 1 1/2", would sliding the shaft back like in the picture <not> be a good idea? Evan? Anyone else who has messed with more than one of these old trucks? Thanks. Your help might make some split shaft owners happy. If nothing else, your advice might keep them from making a mistake, if it won't work. Thanks!
