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