The Dodge Challenger Message Board

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.)

Sorry! I mean block height, NOT deck height.

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 . . .

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?

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

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

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. :^}>

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!