66 American Auto Vibration

[JOE FULTON <piper_pa20@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jay wrote:
OK guys, I took my driveshaft loose and rotated it 180
degrees and that 
seemed to help a bit but didn't eliminate it
altogether. I have a new oil 
seal in the tailshaft (A/T) but there is a bit of
sideplay between the 
tailshaft housing and the splined shaft on the end of
the u-joint. I was 
told there shouldn't be ANY sideplay. Yes/no?  I
haven't looked yet at my 
IPC, but is there a bearing in the end of the
tailshaft that needs 
replacement?
This is related ot the vibration I get at about 35
mph.

Jay,

There is a bushing in the tail shaft ahead of the rear
seal.  On the larger cars (series and up) it is shown
as a bearing, but it is listed as a bushing for the
American. 

You are probably correct that there should be no or
minimal "play" or runout in the rear shaft.  The parts
book shows the bushing as part no. 3173523 for the
American series.  Partsvoice does not show this part
number as being available from any dealer.

You might also want to check to make sure that your
driveshaft is not dented and is straight.  Also, that
you have not lost any weights off of the driveshaft.
They are usually just tack welded to the shaft.

To replace the bushing, you may need to remove the
driveshaft and tail shaft housing of the tranny and
take the tailshaft housing to a machine shop along
with the outside diameter measurement of the rear
shaft itself and have a new bushing made and
installed.

Also, a good independent transmission shop may also
still be able to get this part by itself or as part of
a rebuild kit for your transmission.  I had my 1966
T-35 (M-35?)transmission re-sealed a few years ago and
the shop was able to get all the parts they needed for
the job.

Good Luck,
Joe Fulton