Driveshaft Install Problem

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

I am trying to re-install the driveshaft in my '69 convertible.

Everything is new/rebuilt. Its the original driveshaft. New U-joints. The only difference is the yoke. I purchased a new one from Dead Nuts On, and it apprears to be the same as original (mine had vise marks form a previous owner)
It seems to slide into tranny just fine.
It appears the assembly is 1/4"-1/2" too long??? Tired installing with all four tires on the ground, and also with rear suspension hanging.
I’m stumped. Any Ideas about what’s going on?

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2

Have you compared the new yoke to the old one to be sure that they are 100% the same?

Randy Goodling
CCOA #95

3

They appear to be so. The original has a longer shaft than the repo, but according to the web site I purchased it from it isn’t supposed to matter. anyway a shorter shaft should help not hurt.

4

I don’t see a problem, you only need 3/4 in play and you have 1 3/16.

5

Turns out I wasn’t pushing in hard enough. I gently applied pressure with a pry bar and she slid in another inch. Everything fits now!!

6

The long tailshaft seal like the one on your car was replaced by a shorter one in the 1970’s as a result of many mechanics having the same trouble as you did. It’s hard to compress that seal even when it is new.