How to Measure Driveshaft Length

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The driveshaft of a vehicle transfers power from the vehicle's transmission to the wheels' axles. People who need to replace transmissions or other vehicle components will need to measure driveshafts so they can be replaced with compatible parts. This article will tell you how to measure driveshaft length.

Steps

1. 1
   Determine your driveshaft configuration. Knowing which configuration you have will help you measure it correctly.

   
   

   • There are 4 common designs for driveshafts. These designs are spline to end yoke, end yoke to end yoke, end yoke to flange and flange to flange.
   • Splines look like miniature gears, end yokes are metal pieces that look like the letter "u" and flanges have flat metal discs on the ends.
2. 2
   Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the driveshaft.
3. 3
   Take all driveshaft measurements with the rear wheels on the ground.
   • You must keep the car's suspension in proper alignment when taking measurements.
4. 4
   Use a jack to lift the car and place safety stands under the differential housing tubes if you need more clearance to measure.
   • You need to have the front and rear wheels off the ground when measuring 4x4 trucks.
5. 5
   Take your measurements.
   • Measure from the end of the spline to the center of the u-joint if you have a spline end yoke type.
   • Measure from the 1st u-joint to the center of the other u-joint if you have an end-yoke to end-yoke design.
   • Measure from the center of the u-joint to the flat part of the flange for an end-yoke to flange configuration.
   • Measure from the flat of the 1st flange to the flat of the 2nd flange if you have a flange to flange type of driveshaft.
6. 6
   Give your measurements to the driveshaft manufacturer or dealer.

Tips

• Call the shop or manufacturer if you are having problems. Many shops and driveshaft manufacturers provide technical phone support for customers who are experiencing difficulties.
• Use diagrams to help you figure out your configuration and measurements if necessary. You can visit http://www.dennysdriveshaft.com/how_to_measure.html for an entire list of car and truck driveshaft diagrams.

Things You'll Need

• Car jack
• Safety stands
• Ruler or tape measure
• 
  

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