Measuring a Heavy Truck Drive Shaft


The drawing above shows a typical 2 piece Spicer type tail shaft set with a centre bearing shaft at front and then a slip shaft at the rear. Many trucks are fitted with air bag suspension today so it is important that you measure the "Working Length" ie when the air bags are at ride height,  and then at fully compressed length, ie when the air bags are deflated.  Failure to take these measurements accurately on a single slip shaft application can cause major damage to the transmission when air bags are deflated.  If in doubt contact one of our driveline people.   European and Japanese trucks use flanges where the shafts connect to the transmission and diff.  All measurements on these vehicles should be taken "Flange to Flange"

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