56 to 57 Driveshaft Length

[BJRVentport2]

Since Ford went to the 9" rear end in 57, is the driveshaft longer than the driveshaft in the 56 T-Birds? A previous owner put a 9" rear end in my 56 Bird and looking at it it is about 1" too short, and not enough of the transmission yoke goes into the tail shaft of the transmission. I can get a new shaft made, but was wondering if a 57 shaft would solve my issue.

[55blacktie]

Which transmission do you have?

You should have approximately 2 inches of slip yoke engagement on the transmission output shaft with 3/4-inch play. Rather than having a custom driveshaft made, you might find a slip yoke that will work for your application. The following might help as well:

vintage Thunderbird club.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=13697

[BJRVentport2]

Automatic.

[55blacktie]

I edited my previous post. You might find the additional information helpful.

[MarkR]

The 56 automatic/manual and the 57 automatic/manual have different numbers at least on the driveline decal. That may indicate different lengths.
Then to add to the mix the drivelines on 56 and 57 OD transmission are different from those. Hills can probably tell you the lengths.

Driveline numbers…
56 FM or Manual AH-4602-C2
56 OD AH-4602-D2

57 FM or Manual AH-4602-E1
57 OD AH-4602-E2

If memory serves the lengths are in the Restoration Manual. I don’t have mine. I remember Gil asked me to measure my 55 driveline as it was out of the car. He was planning to put the lengths in an addendum.
Hope this helps somehow.
Mark

[paul2748]

From the Restoration Manual by Gil

1955, 1956 and 1957 Std and Auto All 27 inches
1955 & 1956 O/D 24 inches
1957 O/D 25.5 inches

Measured from the center to center points where the u-joints mount.

EDIT: See posting below

[55blacktie]

These numbers are incorrect and were corrected by Gil. The corrected driveshaft length for the Fordomatic transmission is 28.5 inches. The standard and overdrive transmission driveshaft length is 25.5 inches. This is per an email sent by Gil Baumgartner to to John Harding (Oldmics) and posted on VTCI Forum on Oct. 5, 2018.

[paul2748]

Does this apply to just 57 or does the length change apply to earlier years ?

These numbers are incorrect and were corrected by Gil. The corrected driveshaft length for the Fordomatic transmission is 28.5 inches. The standard and overdrive transmission driveshaft length is 25.5 inches. This is per an email sent by Gil Baumgartner to to John Harding (Oldmics) and posted on VTCI Forum on Oct. 5, 2018.

[55blacktie]

Gil's corrected numbers are 57-specific.