I'm new to this list, and fairly new to mopars. i have a 64 valiant with a factory 833 trans. i am swapping front suspension from a 74 duster, and was wondering if the 8 1/4 rear will work with the ball and trunion driveshaft? i want to keep the trans as is, but change the axle. thanks for being patient with a newbee. i see lots of info about changing axles and tranmissions, but not many want to stick with the original trans.

thanks

You can use the B&T driveshaft but is will have to be shortened to use it with a 8 1/4 rear end.
DD

thanks for that info. the B&T shaft looks totally different than one with u-joints. i was worried about the mounting points not mating. i guess i need to pull it and get a good look at it first before i go making any judgments.

thanks

The back of you B&T driveshaft will have a "cross type" U-joint, just measure it to be sure it matches the knuckle on the new rearend.

As you saw, the front of the shaft with the B&T is completly different so that is why you want to shorten the current driveshaft.

Check to see if there is at least 1 3/4 of straight driveshaft tube right at the end of the shaft. The shop will cut-off the end flange, cut back the tube and re-install the flange. There can't be a taper in that area.
DD

I did this swap on my '65 Dart. I had the BT driveshaft cut down to work with the 8.25" axle.