auto driveshaft differs from 5sp driveshaft, right?

[s13_240_rb20]

On my 1993 Hardbody, I have heard that the driveshaft should fit my 5sp RB20 transmission, but it doesn't. Am I right to assume that I have been hearing about the 5speed hardbody's driveshaft and that my auto hardbody's driveshaft is different??

It goes in about one inch and just stops. I also noticed that my 5speed 1990 240sx driveshaft yoke (that I used with this transmission before) looks to be smaller in diameter than my auto hardbody driveshaft yoke.

Soooo basically: Is the 5speed hardbody driveshaft's yoke smaller or ANY different than the auto hardbody driveshaft's yoke??

If so, is it possible to change the yoke from the 240 5speed driveshaft and the auto hardbody yoke at the joint closest to the transmission??

--TJ

[Rev_D21]

The output of the auto is different from the manual so I doubt they would interchange without doing some extra work. A driveline shop could fab something for you. Fleetpride specializes in driveline work.

[s13_240_rb20]

The output of the auto is different from the manual so I doubt they would interchange without doing some extra work. A driveline shop could fab something for you. Fleetpride specializes in driveline work.

Does anyone know if the auto and 5speed driveshafts are the same length?? I am trying to figure out where to weld my motor mounts and hope to use my auto driveshaft as my yardstick.

--TJ

[RT]

put motor mounts where motor needs to be and get shaft cut and proper ends welded on to fit it. The shaft can be done by any good driveline shop and that is the easiest cheapest way to custom it. mount motor where it fits and lines up best and keeps proper angle to chassis and transmission will clear the best. drive shaft is easiest cheapest thing to modify to fit front to back.

[s13_240_rb20]

I almost have the best of both worlds: bet engine location AND no custom driveshaft (not very custom anyway).

Below is the pic of my driveshafts from my 1993 auto and 1992 5speed hardbody. My 1992 5speed yoke is a confirmed fit with the RB20 transmission, but might be a tad bit too long. The center barrier thingy and rearend both line up about 2 inches off (front shaft too long).

Since the 1993 auto driveshaft is a tad bit shorter, it would be nice if I only had to have a shop only swap the yokes? could be a perfect fit without the cost of a truly "custom" driveshaft....too bad I think the 5speed yoke would be half way hanging out of the transmission cuz the auto driveshaft front section appears about 4 inches shorter than the 5speed's front section.

--TJ

[s13_240_rb20]

I'll reply with my final decision about fitment. Just wanted to post the pic above for anyone else that ever wants to see the differences between the 2.

--TJ

[s13_240_rb20]

Well, I will post the pic of this fitment later, but the stock 1992 5speed driveshaft will fit, but it puts about 3 inches between the valve cover and the firewall. This also means that the pulleys are up in the grill. This is obviously a no go cuz I gotta have room for a radiator...lol

So tomorrow, I will probably try to swap the yokes (if possible) and do a test fitment with the combination of the 1993 auto driveshaft fitted with the 5speed yoke at the end.

The front section of the auto driveshaft is roughly 4 inches shorter, so I should be able to slide the engine back those 3 inches and still have 1 inch of slack between the transmission and the "bottom out" point on the yoke???

I'm going to sleep now....

--TJ