Length of driveshaft? • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **Christer** » 26 Sep 2001 13:37

In Paul Herd´s book "Challenger& Barracuda Restoration Guide" it says that a Challenger with [340,383-4V engine AND all trans. AND 83/4] has a driveshaft length of 45.60".
In the row under it says that [440,426 engine AND auto trans. AND 83/4] has a driveshaft length of 43.60".
I´m not an expert but I have always thought the only difference between 383 and 440 engines is the deck height. Can anyone explain to me the difference?
(Background: My car had a too short driveshaft when I bought it. My plan is to buy a driveshaft from a junkyard and shorten it.)

by **Christer** » 26 Sep 2001 14:05

Sorry! I mean block height, NOT deck height.

by **Johnny-D** » 26 Sep 2001 23:18

Christer, Not everything in Paul Herds book is accurate . . . I can't speak to differences in drive shaft lengths specific to types of engine blocks used, but I had to have my driveshaft shortened to fit the big block 727 tranny since the car originally had a small block. The shop that shortened the shaft wanted me to make my measurements on the car rather than relying on the book. Hope this helps . . .

by **Christer** » 27 Sep 2001 7:34

I got your point there, Johnny. Maybe the book is wrong in this matter.
My 383, 727 and 83/4 combo fits with a 45.60" driveshaft. (When I bought my car it came with a 43.60" long driveshaft and it definitely was too short)
Is there anyone with a 440 under the hood that feels for crawling under the car and measure the driveshaft just to cure my curiosity?

by **Joel** » 30 Sep 2001 6:38

Dave, it sounds like he is asking you for a favor q;^)

by **dave-r** » 30 Sep 2001 10:28

And if the ground was not so wet....

by **Joel** » 01 Oct 2001 8:31

Yah, it has been raining here too. Probably because we both live close to the 49th parallel and it is that time of the year. :^}>

by **dave-r** » 15 Oct 2001 22:09

I still have not got under my car with a tape measure (not sure I can do it by myself anyway)but while looking up something else in the same section of that Paul Herd book I see the reference you were referring to.

Look at the part numbers! You would expect shafts with the same part numbers to be the same length would you not? I suspect a cock-up (as we British say) and now I am even more interested in finding out the truth! When the rain stops I will investigate!