Prop shaft question...

[Sal]

Hello there,

Car - 1973 2.5 PI

When I bought the car the prop shaft was off so about to bolt it back on although both ends are slightly different, one flange is short and the other has a short slimmer shaft before the flange.

Question: which end bolts to the gearbox?

Thanks in advance

Sal

[Alec]

Hello Sal,

the parts book shows the sliding joint end goes to the gearbox.

However I'm sure there are others who say the opposite and I don't expect that you will notice any differnce?

Alec

[johnnydog]

If you search on here, there has been previous debates on this subject, although I can't remember the general consensus of opinion as to the correct or preferred fitment. I know that I have two manual cars with them fitted opposite ways though!

[Charles H]

Agree with the above, mine are fitted with the sliding joint at the rear.

[Jonathan Lewis]

I am reasonably sure that the original fitment on manual gearbox cars was sliding joint at the rear axle end, and the lubrication chart in my copy of the owner's handbook seems to support that.

However, the first volume of the Register Service Notes does reference a BL (New Zealand) Service Bulletin from May 1976 on the subject of Vibration Problems: “on manual and overdrive models, reversing the propshaft end to end … can sometimes influence the vibration level”.

[johnnydog]

The similar principle of a the sliding spline and UJ exiting from the gearbox on a BW35 auto Triumph doesn't seem to have any adverse affect relative to driveline vibration.

[Sal]

When you say ‘sliding joint’ what do you mean?

Do you mean the end with the slimmer joint?

[Charles H]

Yes, the slim end slides in and out.