Driveshafts, interchangability?

[AnthonyZarco]

Curious what other year driveshafts will fit my 75. I have done a search and have not been able to find a clear answer.
The bearing is worn and I figure it will be easier to simply replace the Driveshaft than to worry with a press.

Thank you,Anthony

[kmead]

To the best of my knowledge there are three different driveshafts:

One for the automatics

Two for the manual transmissions:

Early like your car
Late which go with the later rear end which changed over in 77/78 as I recall.

The very first Spiders from 1967 had a torque tube drive shaft and a different rear end from all of the later cars so it is not applicable to this question.

[manoa matt]

Anthony, consider the cost of the driveshaft and add shipping for that heavy lunk. What you get may be the same or worse that what you already have in terms of the condition of the rubber pillow block, bearing, and universal joints.

The universal joints are about $12 each and can be changed out with some large sockets and a large C clamp or vise. Your local auto parts store will have them. Buy the bearing and rubber pillow block and take that section to a shop to be pressed off and have the new one pressed on. It won't be that much. You only need to remove three of the bolts at the guibo, 4 small bolts at the rear differential, remove the pillow block crossmember, and drive shaft safety strap.

I just rebuilt a driveshaft for a friends car a few weeks ago, in and out in a few hours and contrary to popular belief, the guibo did not pose any problems with bolt alignment upon removal and reinstall, even without the compression band. If you have or buy a large bearing separator, you can remove the pillow block and bearing yourself, however buy the time you purchase it you could have a shop do it for you and save some effort.

[kmead]

In addition a driveshaft shop can balance the assembly as well to ensure it no vibration (not absolutely necessary).

[TulsaSpider]

I just got finished re doing mine while I have the drivetrain out. Do not get the U joints with the zert in the middle. The don't allow clearance and will break off, trust me I know. I found some at Advanced that have the zert on the end so those should work. I took the yoke to a shop where I kinda know the guys and they pressed it off for free. It took a big press and it deformed the threads a bit so he fixed it with a thread file and all was ok. Also you need snap ring pliers to get out the huge snap ring. Not a huge job, getting it apart but I would say one best left to those with the proper equip. Make sure you mark it because it needs to go back the same way it came apart!

[AnthonyZarco]

I actually found a complete near new driveshaft here aprox. an hour away for $50/ going to check it out saturday. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction here guys.
Anthony

[TulsaSpider]

New? Highly doubtful!

[AnthonyZarco]

Guy says about 3k on them. I'll take a good look at the shaft and judge its actual condition in person