Drive (Propeller) Shaft Differences

[RobertKB]

On a previous thread I mentioned that I had found a modern style drive (propeller in the parts manual) shaft in a Canadian D25 sedan that was the same as the one on my '48 Dodge D25 coupe (see picture). I went and looked under my coupe and my '53 Plymouth to compare. The actual tube part of the drive shaft in the D25 is 2" longer and the overall length from hand brake drum to differential is about 1" longer. The yokes are completely different and would have to be switched over. I believe the handbrake drum is also different to take the modern style yoke on the D25. According to my parts book all Canadian made Plymouths and Dodges had the modern style u-joint from '46 to '52 and went back to the ball and trunnion, for whatever reason, in 1953. Canadian Chryslers and Desotos used the ball and trunnion throughout.

To convert the ball and trunnion driveshaft over, you would need not only the drive shaft but both yokes at the tranny and differential and the handbrake drum. Length could be adjusted by adding to, or taking off, inches and rebalancing. Should be a straight switch in a P15 with the ball and trunnion as long as both yokes and new hand brake drum are used.

Interesting what you find out about Mother Mopar. Why switch back to ball and trunnion in '53? Why different style drive shafts in Canadian and American Plymouths? I always assumed the ball and trunnion was used throughout and maybe my D25 had an optional driveshaft but I guess not. Any other Canadian D25 or P15 owners out there who are willing to look under their cars?

I will pull the driveshaft, yokes and handbrake drum in the spring and decide then if I am going to ebay them or try to convert my '53 over although the driveshaft in it is good.

Edited November 10, 2009 by RobertKB