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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Drive Shaft - What Should I Use

I am using a T5 transmission and a stock MGB rear end. What should I use for my drive shaft.
Jim

Jim,
Whats your welding skills like???

My Uncle (a metal machinist) is making me a suitable drive shaft for my conversion, he is using a beefy bit of 50mm tube with univeral joints to suit my diff and an adpator plate to fit the gear box. It's not to hard if you can weld, or find a good engineering company to do it for you.

Clem Spriggs
Clem Spriggs

I too am closely approaching that point where some decisions have to be made about the drive shaft. I have a T5 tranny with drive shaft out of a 88 Camero. I was wondering if I should use the drive shaft out of the Camero. (Will it fit) orshould I have it adapted to use with my existing MGB drive shaft??

Bruce
Bruce Mills

If you can find a place that deals with drivelines have them do it. This task is not for the weekend warrior. for the T5 you need the yoke for the trans and "U" joint to fit and wel the "U" joint reciver onto the drive line. The MG drive line is plenty strong
then it should be balance. If you have to make a complete shaft then meusure from the flat surface of the trans (oil seal area) to the rear end flange. There are several companies that can do the job for around $150 to $250 for a alum. shaft. If can find anyone to do the job ship it to me or I could give you the address. Glad to help you.
r/Bill
Bill Guzman

Jim , I suggest you use a tail shaft that fits the gear box & have the rear end of it modified to fit the MG diff. This is the easiest way. The MG shaft will be too short & too skinny to use. Although the MG diff. flange is a bit on the small side, a larger flange can always be redrilled to align with it.Barrie E
Barrie Egerton

I am using a T5 on my car, and found that is better to start with a new shaft (tubing) The MG could be to short, it all depends on engine installation.
The MG, Camero, may be to short as indicated by Barrie.
The dia. does not matter, what really matters is the tubing thicknes. My drive line is of the same dia as the MG but thicker for strengh, if you go larger, their is a possibility that the drive line may hit the body strengh piece located just ahead of the trans. Please note that I say possibility. The rear flange can be cut of the old line and reweld to the new shaft. This flange is the same as use in industrial equipment and farming.

The yoke on the trans must maintain the right distance
for suspension travel. I highly recommned to balance the drive line. An unbalance shaft can create problems and ruin your project.

The drive line is the only piece between the power of your engine and the differential, just think of the rpm's the shaft is turning in 5 gear at 65 mph
don't want this drive line to come loose.
I have seeing this happen, one shaft took the trans, floor board and flip the car when the drive line hit the pavement. Do your selfs a favor do it right.
I almost lost a friend becouse of a poor quality job of a weekend warrior.

There are several co.'s that can do the job for you right, they specialize on drive lines.
Call Inland Empire Drive line 1-800-800-0108
www.iedls.com They are located in Ontario Ca.
Also Oxnard Drive Line 1-805-656-0285 no web.
They are located about 10 miles from me.

Do yoursekf a favor and don't cut corners on safty items. Alot of bus. don't deal with this becouse of the liability involve.
If I can help e-mail.
r/Bill

Bill Guzman

This thread was discussed between 21/03/2000 and 22/03/2000

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