5-speed driveshaft - realOEM misleading?

[SRC60]

Per most info I've read, the 5-speed driveshaft needs to be approximately 59 3/4" long. Per realOEM, an e36 325i 5-speed driveshaft is 1512mm long which is = to 59.53". Since its splined together and the length can be adjusted, I figured .23" would be no problem. So, I went to the trouble to pull one yesterday (cold and wet) only to find it is only about 58 1/4" long. It is about 59 1/2" if you include the Guibo. Apparently, the realOEM length included the Guibo. Just really disappointed as I thought I found a way to save a good bit of money on my 5-speed swap as I can't find a shop locally to shorten mine.

For what its worth, Steve.

[skipsfcr]

Yeah, all new BMW driveshafts include a new guibo joint right out of the box.

[Guest Anonymous]

Per most info I've read, the 5-speed driveshaft needs to be approximately 59 3/4" long. Per realOEM, an e36 325i 5-speed driveshaft is 1512mm long which is = to 59.53". Since its splined together and the length can be adjusted, I figured .23" would be no problem. So, I went to the trouble to pull one yesterday (cold and wet) only to find it is only about 58 1/4" long. It is about 59 1/2" if you include the Guibo. Apparently, the realOEM length included the Guibo. Just really disappointed as I thought I found a way to save a good bit of money on my 5-speed swap as I can't find a shop locally to shorten mine.For what its worth, Steve.

Many of us have traveled the same road. Search the archives.

I haven't analyzed how your idea would mount even if it were the proper length. If you are going to modify the center bearing mount this can create other issues, but nothing ventured . . . "

If you want to gain an additional 7.5mm of length, you can use the earlier style (solid rubber) giubo instead of the laminated rag disk that the newer cars use. Another possibility is shimming the giubo. The down side is the centering function of the drive shaft nose. Toby and others feel it is essential. Without arguing the point, my mock up suggests it is workable but I have never tried it on the street. I stopped in my tracks when a friend promised an aluminum shaft.

hth

[c.d.iesel]

[M3M3]

call driveline service in portland, or. they will send you a new one in a week and you just return your current one as a core in the shipping container. great stuff, and easy to work with.

but first...intall your 5spd and actually measure the length ds you need. 59 3/4 is the norm, but mine needed a 59 5/8 shaft. not all o2's are the same!

[blue7500]

but first...intall your 5spd and actually measure the length ds you need. 59 3/4 is the norm, but mine needed a 59 5/8 shaft. not all o2's are the same!

This is very, very important. Had to get mine remade because it was too short - luckily I had told the shop exactly how long I wanted it to be, so they redid it at no cost to me. Still wasn't worth the hassle/waste of time. Yes, there's some adjustment for the diff on the rear subframe, but it's likely not enough.