65 Driveshaft Rebuild

[kdml]

I was about to order parts to rebuild my driveshaft and found the following thread which indicated only one CV joint rebuild kit is required. Also it looked like you only need 3 u-joints:

http://forums.aaca.org/f177/65-riv-gs-driveshaft-parts-question-332717.html

I just pulled out my driveshaft and I see 2 cv joints and 5 u-joints. So, what do I really need?

Doug

[60FlatTop]

I changed all five on the '64 right before we left for the 1981 Nationals in Sandusky, Ohio. The CV joints make it hard to get the cross of the U-joint out. We used a cutting torch to cut the center cross "ears" and left the CV joint undisturbed.

Most GM manuals say the driveshaft and CV joint are not serviceable and should be replaced as a unit. I tend to agree. I had a '67 Cadillac with a bad CV. I took it to a driveshaft specialist shop about 20 miles away for repair. I am pretty sure I made 6 trips back and forth and R&R'ed the shaft as many times. They never got it right. Finally I went to Paul Lauracella's Parts of the Past in Lyndonville, NY and picked out a good used one; smooth as silk. The "new" rebuilt one leaned in a corner of my garage for about 15 years as a reminder that-------sometimes-------- I am not smarter than the book. Eventually it went into the junk.

On the Riviera, if I had a bad CV cup or ball I would find a decent used one and replace. If the CV is OK put new U-Joints in.

Bernie

[1965rivgs]

The shaft is much more complicated than your typical `60`s driveline but anyone or shop with some experience, who understands which parts are pressed and who has a good dose of common sense and patience, can rebuild this shaft. The shaft is basically a combo of your typical truck shaft (multi-piece with with slip yoke and center bearing), a front wheel drive half shaft (CV joints designed to work across extreme angles) and your typical one piece automotive shaft (a standard ujoint at the front position).

It is true handling and rebuilding the shaft can be like "wrestling with an alligator" so patience is required but I literally did the last shaft I rebuilt with a pair of 4x4 cutoffs, a 2x4 to keep from marring the yokes, a torch to make things a little more cooperative, and a BFH. I did the whole job on the floor of my shop (my press was down due to a bypassing hydraulic cylinder).

The real challenge associated with these shafts is maintaining the proper phasing (which is not typical compared to the aforementioned multi-piece drivelines, see the shop manual) and the proper equipment to properly balance the shaft after it is rebuilt. Most driveline shops do not have the proper equipment, look for a shop that specializes in trucks... big trucks.

Not sure what the issue is with your shaft but as Bernie states I would approach it with caution and minimize the repair. I have encountered a stiff joint in the shaft, like the front joint only, and cured vibration problems with a minimal repair. Good luck!

Tom Mooney

[Don McClair]

When I bought my 65 Riv almost three years ago it had been sitting in a basement garage for 23 years and with 120,000 miles on it, I felt that the drive shaft should be rebuilt. I took the drive shaft to Driveline of Atlanta in Norcross Georgia and they replaced the CV joint and all of the U-joints and balanced it. It was a bit expensive at a little over $400 but after installation it has been smooth as silk for over 2,000 miles. I have had them do other work for me and have been very pleased every time. They do a lot of international work as well. The Riv is now having the body and paint work performed so it will be a while before it is back on the road. If anyone is interested, here is a link to their website.

Drive Line Service Of Atlanta

[kdml]

Thanks for the advice all. I have rebuilt driveshafts with CV joints in the past so I am comfortable with the process. Since I am basically replacing or rebuilding everything on the car, I don't want to take my chances with what appears to be 47 year old joints. Hopefully, all will go well.