If the center bearing is the only problem, then I'd just change it. It's not that difficult a DIY procedure. But if you're paying someone to do it then a remanufactured DS is the way to go.
Now that these cars are aging you should be able to get a reman DS for under $400. I doubt you can have a custom one built for less.
Not sure about new Corvettes, but all of the car's I've seen with one piece driveshafts had a splined, sliding joint in the tailshaft of the trans to compensate for movement, thermal growth, and allow for assembly.
A one piece DS can only have two flex joints not the three (CV, ujoint & guibo) you've proposed. A three flex joint design, like BMW's, only works with a center bearing. If BMW didn't have a center bearing to allow the driveshaft to hinge, you wouldn't be able to remove it without pulling the engine/trans or dif. BMW's CV joint does allow for some, although limited, axial movement. This limited axial movement will likely make installation difficult and require very precise measurements. I suppose it would be possible to design an adapter for the BMW trans output flange to allow a u-joint to bolt up like GM and Ford use to connect to their differentials using u-bolts. $500 is starting to seem like a bargain.
Paul Shovestul
Originally Posted by
M.Rad.
and I don't want to replace it with the same moronic assembly for $500.00.
I can see no reason for such a design. Since the diff. is solidly mounted there is little to no movement to compensate for (see: every Corvette since 1963).
I'm contemplating taking it to a local driveshaft shop, having them fabricate a one-piece shaft with the CV joint at the back, and a set of U-Joints just aft of the Guibo. This will give pleanty of flex without having a "hinge" in the middle.
And I don't buy "the engineers know what they're doing" routine. Otherwise we wouldn't be constantly hopping up our cars, we'd leave them as builtI'll let you know how it goes.
Any comments/thoughts?
Regards,
M.R.
.....Got to keep the loonies on the paath.