1 Peice D/S swap 2wd ???

[the_intimidator03]

Ok, I figured this would be the place to ask since u-joints would be mentioned.

Ive got an 88 supercab with M5OD and 7.5" rear end. I found a 98+ one peice Driveshaft to pick up. I have looked at the tech article http://therangerstation.com/Magazine/June04/offroad.htm and see it is written for the 4x4 specifically.
I also see some mention of 2wd and am curious what parts ill need to complete the swap. I have never been very familiar with U-joints and such.

Thanks

 

[4x4junkie]

I haven't done the swap on a 2WD, but from what I know, you just need the shaft itself, and because you have a pre-'90 model, you'll probably also need a different flange adapter to mate it to your rear axle flange (the flange from the t-case end of a '98-'00 4x4 driveshaft is the same as what you need for the axle end on yours).
2WD shafts are transmission-specific, so be sure you get one from a truck with a stickshift

I recall someone also reporting that the rear floorboard area needed to be modified slightly for clearance.

 

[koda6966]

I've got a 1 piece on the '93, fits good. Your probably going to need to convert the back though since your older than 1990.

 

[brinker88]

You would definitely need the yoke on the rear axle.

 

[the_intimidator03]

thank you for the input. the driveshaft i found is out of a manual trans. I gotta call them on friday to make sure they have it when i drive by on wednesday. Sounds like I gotta do some figuring on the rear adapter. Im excited to dig into my truck this weekend WOOT greasy time!

 

[the_intimidator03]

if anyone still is reading this.. I am slightly confused WHICH piece I need for the rear end adapter. Ill start with this question.
We are changing the aluminum driveshaft REAR flange with the piece from the 4x4 correct?

As for the specific part. Is the piece I need off the transfer case side towards the rear or front of the truck? 98-00 4x4 correct?

One last thing. Anyone happen to have a picture of the the piece?

 

[4x4junkie]

'90up RBVs I believe all have a 3" bolt spacing on the rear axle pinion flange (4¼" bolt circle IIRC),
'89down RBVs have the smaller 2.5" bolt spacing (3½" circle).

On a '98-'00 4x4 truck (w/steel rear driveshaft), both a 2.5" and 3" mating flange is used, the 2.5" is at the t-case end, the 3" at the axle end. You need the one from the t-case end of the 4x4 shaft to mate your 1-piece 2WD driveshaft to your '89-down 2.5" axle flange (this is assuming the 2WD driveshaft also uses 1330-series u-joints... which I'm 99% sure it does. If not, then look for the same part but under a '90-'97 4x4 truck).

Hopefully that helps (and didn't confuse the heck out of you ), this is the best pic I have at the moment that shows the piece in question:

 

[the_intimidator03]

I think ive got it.. I am just used to slip joints into a trans. never messed with 4x4 stuff much. I should be able to locate the right part in 1 shot i hope cant wait to convert to the 1 piece. Got plans to remove the carrier bearing cross member and fab a new cross member/driveshaft hoop