Getting a Driveshaft shortened

MPTech

MPTech

Member # 032
GCC Member
Location
St. Louis (south county)
First Name
Mark
Last Name
Patterson
My mechanic friend messed me around a little bit.
I asked him for help getting a Drive Shaft and having it shortened.
He said he'd look out for stock one, comes across them all the time, but he FORGOT (even after I reminded him several times).
Long story short, I picked up one from Craigslist last Friday.

This morning he suggested I take it to Driveshaft Unlimited in Arnold. Then he tells me he doesn't know anyone there and I'd pay the normal price, as if I walked in off the street.

So, at this juncture, before I call them (they look legit and do all kinds of professional services), I just thought I'd check in here first.

I'd like the axle cleaned up, shortened / balanced, and new U-joints installled. (I can paint it myself).
I test fitted Rich's Driveshaft (15 1/2") and it's about 1/2" too long from fitting, so I was going to have mine made to 13 1/2" total inches. This would allow about 1 1/2" of slide in the tailshaft. This is an IRS, so there really is no movement of the rearend.

I'm anxious now, because this is the last item, prior to first go-kart! (little disappointed that my friend didn't move on this weeks ago, but hey, IT's ALL GOOD! I'm really enjoying the build and Rich has been a great help and MOTIVATOR! Can't THANK him enough :D)

Any shop suggestions or recommendations? (anything I missed?)
 
I used them out in Arnold and was pleased. They were easy to work with and did a nice job. Been a while, but I seem to recall them fixing something for me that I had mis-measured (endcaps?). Oh, and they ended up charging me $40 less than they had originally quoted!
 
I used inland truck parts in St Charles,shortened,balanced,new u joints and painted,$150. One day service as well. Mike M also used them.
 
itzdapig said:
I used inland truck parts in St Charles,shortened,balanced,new u joints and painted,$150. One day service as well. Mike M also used them.
Click to expand...

Actually due to the lack of QC at fortes I have used them twice. I had the 3rd incorrect length driveshaft Fortes sent me shortened and then had the same driveshaft lengthened for the LS1. Both times were good quality and quick turn around.
 
Dropped my axle off @ Driveshaft Unlimited this morning (much closer to me than St. Charles).
Should have it back this afternoon or tomorrow at the latest.

First Go-Kart planned for this weekend! (if I can wait that long! might be 2 minutes after I get the Drive-shaft installed!:D)


Funny thing, I spoke to my next door neighbor (in his 70's) on Sunday and asked him if he can hear it in his house when I start my car in the garage. He said "Yes, but it will be quieter when I put the mufflers on it".
I said "they ARE on it!" :eek: :rolleyes:
 
MPTech said:
Funny thing, I spoke to my next door neighbor (in his 70's) on Sunday and asked him if he can hear it in his house when I start my car in the garage. He said "Yes, but it will be quieter when I put the mufflers on it".
I said "they ARE on it!" :eek: :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Now that thar is is funny! I try to control it right around the house, but my neighbors actual smile when they hear it and bring friends over to see the car when they are visiting. Have fun with the go cart. Double check the brakes before you get on it! ;) Just saying.
 
Performing some thread necromancy...

Any issues with using Driveshaft Unlimited or inland truck parts? Any other recommended shops in the area? I'm getting tired of looking at my rusty stock Mustang driveshaft, so thought I'd get it shorted here soon.
 
Rich just had his shortened recently and probably closer to you than Arnold. He can give you his opinion on where he had his done. (I think Inland Truck sounds familiar)
 
Yes I used Inland Truck. They did a good job, but it was just a rebalance. BE prepared, it AINT cheap any longer. Ten years ago I paid $175 to have one shortened, the counter guy thought $300+ now :( I would ask first for a price using your old shaft.
 
Not everyone has access to the tools you have Skip nor as talented :p :) OR, it sounds like you are volunteering to do it! :D
 
Certified power on Fee Fee road is another that can do it......
Just making a comment that if you can cut and weld..... it's not a bad job.
balance is the key

Skip
 
As I said at the beginning of the post, I picked up a driveshaft from Craigslist and took it to Driveshaft Unlimited in Arnold and I've been happy with the results (no issues). Maybe call them about price(?)
 
Called around today. Just as a FYI for anyone in the future, here are the results for Cut, balance, and new U-Joints:

Driveshaft Unlimited - $200 ish
Inland Truck Parts - $157 ish
Certified Power - $175 ish
And for a new one from FFR - $375 plus shipping
 
Thats a good price from Inland, but very confusing. When I took mine in to have it rebalanced (weight got knocked off), they said it would be over $300. Maybe they thought that was ALL NEW parts, and not a shorten and balance with your parts, even though thats what I explained?
 
So Inland told me they couldn't cut and weld the driveshaft because they didn't have the 'right equipment'. But, they could make me a new one...
 
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