I'm doing u-joints and noticed that I have the two piece drive shaft with the rubber in between the two pieces. The drive shaft is pretty crusty on the surface but not pitted badly. My question is, would it be worth having a new shaft made in one piece to get away from the two piece with the rubber or leave it alone with new u-joints? The car is a 71 Cutlass Supreme convertible with the 350 auto.

 

I would say personal preference. If your not getting any vibration and it looks like the U-joints are still aligned I'd leave it alone. I've heard that they can separate but personally I've never had that happen. My 2 cents..... John

 

I guess I am confused. My 72 Cutlass with 350/350 has a one piece driveshaft.

 

Opinion- I would at the very least replace it with a solid drive shaft from u-joint to u-joint You can have one made (expensive) or dig any one out of the recycling yard (if your lucky find the same size/ length) or just get any GM one and have it narrowed and balanced which is all done at the same time anyway. Around here it is a 60-70 job.

 

Same. My original driveshaft 350/350 is 1 piece. Now, I am running a t400 and 455. I just replaced the driveshaft with a 71 442 one piece. I still have the original 350 shortblock, trans, and driveshaft.

 

I had an aluminum driveshaft made for my Vista Cruiser. A local shop used 4" tube and the large 1350 u-joints and only charged me $200.00 . It is much lighter and was told it should be good to around 450 horse power.