C2 1966 Half-Shaft Orientation?

[Tom D.]

A friend has lost track of which end is which, on his 1966 half shafts. Does it really matter which end of the half shaft installs by the wheel?

Or... which end is at the differential? The U-joints are not yet installed.

Thanks!

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2 1966 Half-Shaft Orientation?

No Matter.

[Larry M.]

Re: C2 1966 Half-Shaft Orientation?

No Matter.

Agree with Wayne. Tell him to take his pick. Unlike the driveshaft, the half-shafts were also NOT balanced due to their relatively low rotational speed. So there should be no balance weights to consider. I also believe, big block half-shafts were shot-peened for additional strength/stress relive. But again, this doesn't effect their orientation.

When installing the U-joints, tell him to be very careful, or use a special machined block for strength, to avoid bending the spindle flange. These HD metal blocks can be made or purchased. Or have a Driveshaft Company install these u-joints.

Larry

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2 1966 Half-Shaft Orientation?

When installing the U-joints, tell him to be very careful, or use a special machined block for strength, to avoid bending the spindle flange. These HD metal blocks can be made or purchased. Or have a Driveshaft Company install these u-joints.

Larry

Or just use the flange on the axle.

[Ron G.]

Re: C2 1966 Half-Shaft Orientation?

As all our conterparts made mention, it does not matter which end of the half shaft goes to what end. All big blocks and LT-1's half shafts were shot peened, but I would be interested in knowing if the L-79 350 H.P. and the L-76 365 h.p. cars were shot peened. Although I am primarily a 68-72 enthusiast with emhasis on LT-1's, I have owned several 66-67
L-79's, but never knew to look as the we were not aware of some models having their half shafts shot peened.

[John H.]

Re: C2 1966 Half-Shaft Orientation?

As all our conterparts made mention, it does not matter which end of the half shaft goes to what end. All big blocks and LT-1's half shafts were shot peened, but I would be interested in knowing if the L-79 350 H.P. and the L-76 365 h.p. cars were shot peened. Although I am primarily a 68-72 enthusiast with emhasis on LT-1's, I have owned several 66-67
L-79's, but never knew to look as the we were not aware of some models having their half shafts shot peened.

Ron -

On midyears, only the big-block half-shafts were shot-peened.

[Ron G.]

Re: C2 1966 Half-Shaft Orientation?

I told you I did not know, but now I do. Thanks John.

[Philip C.]

Re: C2 1966 Half-Shaft Orientation?

I told you I did not know, but now I do. Thanks John.

When was the last time you pulled a hard hole shot? Phil 8063

[Ron G.]

Re: C2 1966 Half-Shaft Orientation?

Phil,

With the Corvettes, not in a long time. With my GTO, a couple of weeks ago.

- Ron