I want to swap an 80e into my 2wd 99 1500 rclb. I've been searching and haven't found the info I need. Donor trans will be from an 05 2500 2wd. What shaft can I use with the least hassles? I read that the suburban 2500 HD one piece shaft worked on this avalanche build by swapping the yoke on the rear axle. Is there an application I can look up that would do the same for me? I want a large dia aluminum oe 1 pc driveshaft.

 

I don't see why a rclb 2500 drive shaft wouldn't work?

 

Nvm I see what you're saying.. duh... That's a good question, maybe a Bastard joint is needed. I had to shorten mine :/

 

Bastard joint or yoke change to beefier yoke is no problem, wondering more about the length difference between transmissions and also rear ends? What are wheel bases on suburban and rclb?

 

Any estimate how much you shortened it? I assume you had the larger yoke welded on for the larger joint and 32 spline slip shaft? that will give me an idea if a slightly shorter wheelbase shaft will work or if I should just have mine cut.

 

No I put a different input shaft in the T-case so that I could use my stock yokes. I can't remember exactly but KCSilverado did the 4l80e swap thread and mine was almost spot on with his, maybe give or take a 1/2".

 

ahhh, mine is 2wd which changes things a bit, from info I got from a trans rebuilder the lengths of a regular 2wd 4l80e and my 99 4l60e are close enough that my current shaft will probably work. I need to take the bolt on yoke (since most 4l80s are on heavy duty, long wheelbase vehicles with 2 pc shafts) off and replace it either with a full spline or counterbored 32 spline slip yoke and depending on the u-joint either it will work directly or I will need an adapter joint at the rear of the trans. axle joint would stay the same.

If I can confirm any of this during my swap I will post what I figure out.

 

I have done two swaps . 99 and a 2000. Both I reused the stock shaft and used a th400 slip yoke and a 3R by 1350 U-joint. Still running stock length shafts and hitting 120 in the 1/4 with no issues. A th400/4l80 slip yoke is also availible in 3R u-joint sizes and keeps you using the stock size u-joint for ease of finding a replacement later. search button is your friend. These topics have been discussed a good bit through the years. good luck and enjoy the swap!

 

Good to hear you are having success with the stock shafts, I searched a good bit and couldn't find what I was looking for. Just from some quick measurements it looks like I have a 1330 joint at the trans yoke and a 1330 x 3rl on the diff yoke? 1330 in front I am pretty sure about, 1.062 od external clips 3-5/8 outside measurements. Diff joint I am not sure about, shaft side has 1.062 od and external clips like a 1330, diff yoke side has 1.125 od and internal clips like a 3rl.

So from what I can tell I think I will need to just replace the rear joint and get a 32 spline 1330 yoke for the trans which will keep both the same stock joints. Wish I had 1350's but I guess I will take this one and see what it will handle. If it blows up I'll get a shaft made with big parts.