Driveshaft and Carrier Bearing Questions

[UNCLE BOO]

I have searched through the threads, but cannot get an answer that suits my situation, exactly.

I am restoring a (motorless) 1968 F100 lwb, which had a 360 with a C-6 transmission. I am putting a 429/460 motor with C-6 transmission into this truck. The existing driveshaft in the 1968 is a two-piece unit, with a carrier bearing.

I know I would need to replace the carrier bearing (truck had sat for last 30 years!). When I looked at the LMC catalog for a replacement, it shows two bearing sizes: 1.378 inch Id and 1.5478 inch ID. I have not yet taken the driveshaft/carrier bearing apart. Without taking it apart, how do I measure (what do I measure) to identify the correct sized replacement bearing?

The replacement motor/transmission noted above I am pulling out of a 1976 F100 lwb "donor" truck. I know the overall driveshaft length will be shorter with this replacement motor/transmission, and I would have to cut the shorter front shaft that's presently on the 1968 to make it fit. The second question I have is: would the driveshaft from the 1976 donor truck "bolt-in" to the 1968 without having to cut/modify it? (It would already be shorter, wouldn't it?) If it is a simple bolt-in, then I probably would not need to mess with shortening the two-piece driveshaft (preferred). I would replace the u-joints on the 1976 driveshaft while I had it apart, of course. And, there does not appear to be a carrier bearing on the 1-piece driveshafts, so no issues there! Are there any other associated "issues" I should be aware of if doing this swap?

I am new at this restoration hobby / game. (Old and bored, but in love with these Bumps!) So any help you very knowledgible and experienced folks can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Montana71-F100]

When I replaced the carrier bearing on my '71, I removed it and took it to the local parts store and was able to get the replacement. I use the local parts store for things that wear. With mail order, if it's wrong, it's a hassle to return it. The parts store isn't always right the first time but it's not as much trouble to take the part back. I don't know the answer to the drive shaft issue.

Good luck!

[averagef250]

I would take both shafts and your measurements to a driveline shop. Driveline shops live and breath this stuff, that's what they're for.

I find it's more cost effective and much better results to pay pros to do the work from a basic driveshaft cleanup and rebalance through length changes or just building one from scratch.

If you need a carrier bearing source it locally and buy a reputable brand. LMC would be the last place I'd buy a common part like that from.

[fordman]

I have searched through the threads, but cannot get an answer that suits my situation, exactly.

I am restoring a (motorless) 1968 F100 lwb, which had a 360 with a C-6 transmission. I am putting a 429/460 motor with C-6 transmission into this truck. The existing driveshaft in the 1968 is a two-piece unit, with a carrier bearing.

I know I would need to replace the carrier bearing (truck had sat for last 30 years!). When I looked at the LMC catalog look at another catalog. lmc isnt always correct. but niether are some of the other catalogs. always check two sources when ordering parts.for a replacement, it shows two bearing sizes: 1.378 inch Id and 1.5478 inch ID. I have not yet taken the driveshaft/carrier bearing apart. Without taking it apart, how do I measure (what do I measure) to identify the correct sized replacement bearing?

The replacement motor/transmission noted above I am pulling out of a 1976 F100 lwb "donor" truck. I know the overall driveshaft length will be shorter with this replacement motor/transmission, and I would have to cut the shorter front shaft that's presently on the 1968 to make it fit. The second question I have is: would the driveshaft from the 1976 donor truck "bolt-in" to the 1968 without having to cut/modify it? (It would already be shorter, wouldn't it?) If it is a simple bolt-in, then I probably would not need to mess with shortening the two-piece driveshaft (preferred). I would replace the u-joints on the 1976 driveshaft while I had it apart, of course. And, there does not appear to be a carrier bearing on the 1-piece driveshafts, so no issues there! Are there any other associated "issues" I should be aware of if doing this swap?

I am new at this restoration hobby / game. (Old and bored, but in love with these Bumps!) So any help you very knowledgible and experienced folks can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[UNCLE BOO]

Thanks for the replys, guys! I think I will take your suggestions to heart, and take the entire driveshaft (as a unit) to a shop to look at and disassemble. However, I will probably wait until I get the motor and C-6 transmission installed on the chassis....so I can get an actual length measurement for the driveshaft. I MAY be able to get away with using the one piece driveshaft out of the 1976, which would make replacement of the carrier bearing a moot point....I believe.

Cheers!