Relocatuion of Drive Shaft

[Pen1311]

I know that this has been "talked about"... relocating the drive shaft from the factory position to the emergency brake drum.

With the assistance of Automotive Supply in Livonia MI, I was able to find a yoke that had the spline size I needed... with the U-Joint size that is stock. But here is the kicker, I do not have any emergency brakes.... YET!! I am in the process of having an adapter plate made to use the old yoke and brake drum, and install the new yoke.

Everything tight and double checked, I took the "Meat Wagon" out for a spin and some much needed fuel. WOW!!!! OMG!!! Where did the noise from the transfer case go???? What a difference relocating that drive shaft made. The is no loss of performance or loss of 4 wheel drive if needed. Again, WOW!

I contacted Vintage Power Wagon to see if they had any "Kits" available, and the answer was NO. So I removed the brake drum and yoke, went to Automotive Supply, and a very nice person named Tim looked in their considerable stash of old yoke and such.... and actually found the Detroit yoke that Vintage was selling. Here is the problems. 1) The spline was perfect, however the U-joint was 5 inches wide!! 1a) Try to find the U-joint retainer straps.... Tim says he hasn't seen them anywhere for about two years. 2)This forces you to buy the 5"X1 1/5" U-joint. 3) Because of the larger U-joint, you now have to buy a new drive shaft yoke.

It is true that those parts were a true "bolt on"... it is also true that they are almost impossible to find.

So anyway, the company that is making me an adapter plate is going to try to "give me a break" on design and manufacturing. I'll let everyone interested know how this turns out.

[Barrman]

Not trying to pick on you for re inventing the wheel, but if you click on the "online manuals" link at the top of the page, scroll down and look at the link about relocating the drive shaft. You will get this:

http://www.m715zone.com/vb/view.php?pg=rear_shaft_swap

As far as I know, the parts wetcj used are still available.

[Pen1311]

I contacted Vintage Power Wagons, who own and run the Vintage M715 Parts site. According to their representative, they had some parts, but not ALL the parts to make up more kits. The parts they had were the U-Joint (available anywhere) and the slip yoke for the drive shaft. Believe me, I would rather have the parts wetcj used.. I wouldn't have to go through what I am going through to get an adapter plate made.

Thanks for reply, and no... you were not picking on me.

[WetCJ]

Probably too late in your case, but see post #52
T-case Output Relocation Kit?

[rpgdeity]

I am not doing any more relocation kits at this time. I simply have too much on my plate with school, work, and taking care of my parents farm. I have 1 more term of school, then I will be able to get caught up and dedicate more time to my machine shop. If you have any questions I'd be glad to try to help you out though.

-Brandon