Hi,

I'm changing out the 904 auto in my Charger to an overdrive a833. It came originally with a 3 speed manual, so all the pedals are there. Not sure why it was converted to an automatic.

I've got a 7 1/4 rear, so my driveshaft is too long. Can I get one from another car, or should I just have mine shortened? I've got the factory manual, and reading it showed the v8 and 8 3/4 shafts were shorter, maybe one would work?

Thanks!

John D

_________________
1968 Dodge Charger 225 a833 OD
1962 Valiant 170 2 door post car
1962 Valiant Signet (junker right now)
1962 Valiant Signet, one owner car, waiting for me to pick it up. Scratch that-got it!

The 3 speed manual of that time period was a non-synchro 1st gear, that didn't last long... later in the early 70's the full synchro box was placed behind 383-2v cars, and survived just fine... The A-904 probably was a cheap, easy to get item, and easy enough to slide in...

Now comes the next question... why is your driveline too short? Is the A-833OD you are putting in from an A/F body (short tranny), or a Truck?

If the A-904 was a shorty, and you're using a truck tranny, then I could understand (you might just need to grab a driveline out of a 1975-1978 Cordoba to make that one work...)...

Once you make the conversion, keep an eye out for a better rearend for your car... the OD with the weight of your car will prefer gearing in the 3.5 to 3.9 range a bit better (your car probably has 3.23's which is a good start)...depending on your driving style your 7 1/4" may not last long...

Good Luck, glad to see a great B body that is staying with it's original option....

-D.Idiot

Thanks DI,

The driveshaft is too long because the OD tranny is longer than the original three speed, not too short. I figure about three and a half inches too long.

I've never done anything like this so I'm learning as I go. As to recommending a cordoba for a longer shaft, should I try an A-body car for a shorter shaft? Is there a list or chart online? I'm looking now but haven't found one yet.

I am so excited about the slant six. I'll be able to have the body style I've been in love with since I was 14 and be able to keep gas in it. Also I'll be able to fly on the freeway. My last charger had 3.91s with an automatic and it was screaming on the freeway.

Thanks again!

John D

_________________
1968 Dodge Charger 225 a833 OD
1962 Valiant 170 2 door post car
1962 Valiant Signet (junker right now)
1962 Valiant Signet, one owner car, waiting for me to pick it up. Scratch that-got it!

You may just want to check locally and see if there's a driveshaft shop in your area. Here in Dallas, there are several shops that shorten/rebalance driveshafts for a reasonable price.

_________________
vm

Driveshaft lengths: http://www.autohobbydigest.com/tables.p ... _slip_yoke

_________________
Joshua

the cordoba could have an 8 1/4 or 9 1/4" rear which would require a driveline a couple inches shorter than yours is... if you gotta lose 3" or more... it's time to look into a drive line company... to bad you weren't local I used to have a couple of Cordoba drivelines from big block/727 equipped cars which might have been short enough...


good luck,

-d.Idiot

I figured a cordoba would have a longer driveshaft.

My factory service manual gives the length of my driveshaft as 58.27 inches and 2.75 inch diameter. The 68 dart shaft for a 7 1/4 rear and auto or 3 speed manual trans is listed as 54.36 and 3 inch diameter, a difference of 3.91 inches. We figured on about 3.5 based on tape measure measurements. Does this seem close enough? Also is this a valid way to figure it?

there is a local dart parts car for sale and I'm hoping the shaft is available. There is also a 68 valiant parts car on craigslist here locally. The shaft ought to be the same on it right?

Josh, thanks for the link. I'm going to study it well.

Thanks!

John

_________________
1968 Dodge Charger 225 a833 OD
1962 Valiant 170 2 door post car
1962 Valiant Signet (junker right now)
1962 Valiant Signet, one owner car, waiting for me to pick it up. Scratch that-got it!