Camaro driveshaft identification and . . .

[opelitis1]

How do I go about identifying a First Gennie Camaro or Firebird driveshaft?  Are there codes somewhere on the shaft?  Is the driveshaft length different to Second Generation Camaros?  Any differences between  P'Glide / T350 / T400 or standard trans shafts?
The stripes are there but unfortunately, have long been painted over and have lost their lustre.

When did GM stop using the spring-loaded 'hard on the ole eyes' retaining clips on their U-joints?  Seems like a load of questions, and, you are right, but,
this is  the correct no-nonsense place!!

Thanks Gentlemen!!
T

[bcmiller]

Read this. Been working on a report for years. It's close to being ready.

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=7861.0;all

What year are you talking about?

[opelitis1]

Good afternoon bcmiller.  Here is what went on with my driveshaft. I measured it coming in at U-joint to U-joint centers at 48.5 inches.  Sold it to a p[erson who was looking for 1970 - 1981 shaft.  He calls me up after a week and says it is not right for his '79 Camaro for whatever reason.  The older U-joint with the spring retaining clips were on shafts prior to 1975 and the newer U-joints with a heated plastic installation process were from GM from '76 and up.  I had sold him the spring retaining clip U-joint shaft.
Now, a question; what is the length of a  a 69 shaft versus a shaft from 1970 - 1981 measured center of U-joint to center of U-joint? 
Is a '69 shaft 49"   and a 70 - 81 shaft 48.5"  ??
Thanks!
Ted

[bcmiller]

Good afternoon bcmiller.  Here is what went on with my driveshaft. I measured it coming in at U-joint to U-joint centers at 48.5 inches.  Sold it to a p[erson who was looking for 1970 - 1981 shaft.  He calls me up after a week and says it is not right for his '79 Camaro for whatever reason.  The older U-joint with the spring retaining clips were on shafts prior to 1975 and the newer U-joints with a heated plastic installation process were from GM from '76 and up.  I had sold him the spring retaining clip U-joint shaft.
Now, a question; what is the length of a  a 69 shaft versus a shaft from 1970 - 1981 measured center of U-joint to center of U-joint? 
Is a '69 shaft 49"   and a 70 - 81 shaft 48.5"  ??
Thanks!
Ted

Ted, sorry for the delayed response.

1969 AMA information says all Camaro driveshafts were 49.56 inches long (measured center of U joint to center of U joint).  I am fairly certain this is the case.

I am not sure on later second generation Camaro driveshafts.  Quoting from another site...
1) 70 Camaro 3 spd,and PG is part number 3981929
2) 70 Camaro TH400 is part number 3981930
3) 70 Camaro TH350, and 4 spd is part number 3981932

[ko-lek-tor]

Good afternoon bcmiller.  Here is what went on with my driveshaft. I measured it coming in at U-joint to U-joint centers at 48.5 inches.  Sold it to a p[erson who was looking for 1970 - 1981 shaft.  He calls me up after a week and says it is not right for his '79 Camaro for whatever reason.  The older U-joint with the spring retaining clips were on shafts prior to 1975 and the newer U-joints with a heated plastic installation process were from GM from '76 and up.  I had sold him the spring retaining clip U-joint shaft.
Now, a question; what is the length of a  a 69 shaft versus a shaft from 1970 - 1981 measured center of U-joint to center of U-joint? 
Is a '69 shaft 49"   and a 70 - 81 shaft 48.5"  ??
Thanks!
Ted

Ted, sorry for the delayed response.

1969 AMA information says all Camaro driveshafts were 49.56 inches long (measured center of U joint to center of U joint).  I am fairly certain this is the case.

I am not sure on later second generation Camaro driveshafts.  Quoting from another site...
1) 70 Camaro 3 spd,and PG is part number 3981929
2) 70 Camaro TH400 is part number 3981930
3) 70 Camaro TH350, and 4 spd is part number 3981932

I just posted the info for 69 driveshafts from a Hollander Manual on another site. This shows 4 different D.S.s for 69 and 70s are listed below.

[bcmiller]

I realize what the interchange manual says, but I don't think it's right. I will respond more later.

Is there a decode for what 491, 492, 493 and 494 specifics are?

[ko-lek-tor]

I realize what the interchange manual says, but I don't think it's right. I will respond more later.

Is there a decode for what 491, 492, 493 and 494 specifics are?

It just has GM part numbers. 491=3950194,492=3970521,493=3981931,494=3950196
And it shows only 69 Camaro usage exclusively. Does not cross reference to Firebird or any other make, model or year.

[bcmiller]

I show three different driveshafts.  All 49.56 inches U joint to U joint, the differences are in the yoke.