JimAndA1972
New member
I'm another new guy to the early Broncos. Always wanted one and finally bought one about a year ago. It's a '72 bored 30 over with aluminum heads roller rockers and hydraulic 512 cam and lifters. The engine builder says it's somewhere between 385 and 400hp. Sounds wicked with the flowmasters. Lobes beautifully idling at 750rpm. I had this same engine builder do an overhaul on the whole rig while he had it. The truck is 100% brand new mechanically. Everything but the front and rear diffs and transfer case. They were inspected and in great condition. Power steering and power disc brakes in front have been added. New Centech wiring harness will be installed next week. When this truck is done it will be my daily driver. Here's my question: How do I determine the proper length for my rear main driveline? There's no lift but all new springs. The driveline that was on it twisted clean through at the tube. Broke in two right in the middle and each end twisted in on itself so I can't really determine it's original length. Bought a used one, already reinforced and balanced at a junk yard, but seems like it may be an inch or two longer. Right now I have the truck on jack stands with the rear axle hanging free. I've measured the length of driveline that now sticks out of the slip yoke. Now what's the next step in determining if it is the right length? How much travel should there be between fulling extended, sitting parked, and how much room should there be available while sitting parked? If it's too long it will slam into the u-joint at the rear differential, right? Any input is appreciated. This is a really awesome forum, btw.
