Automatic Transmission Project hits a roadblock

[Fredward]

Thanks Clifford. By the way, no oil leaks on top of the engine anymore :0)
Regarding clocking or phasing, The driveline is currently installed in phase. That photo is an older one where we had it 90 degrees out of phase to compensate for the different angle the engine sits at in relation to the rear axle. That was one of the first things I changed to eliminate vibration. (the engine points toward the driver's position in an MC-5 obviously)

Lin you are right; its a dream to drive now.
Fred

[luvrbus]

If I ever did another I would seriously consider offsetting the complete engine to the driver side like a Eagle for a straight shot to the drop box but then you would have the fan drive belts to contend with

[Fredward]

Does anyone know if the OEM driveshaft on the MC-5 was out of phase? I've heard that some of the 9 spline drive shafts were keyed to only go together one way. Some people say that you can compensate for the engine being angled toward the driver by setting your yokes 60 to 90 degrees out of phase.

[TomC]

A U-joint will only go so far-doesn't matter what angle or clocked it is at. Always line up the flanges-will be the strongest and smoothest. Have you considered going with smaller Ujoints-or constant velocity joints (looks like two Ujoints in one). Good luck, TomC

[Fredward]

Yes Tom, but only in retrospect. Now that I've spent $800.00 on new spicer 1700 series components, it occurs to me that I could have maybe gone with 1600 or something smaller. Didn't know the magnitude of the problem, of course until I had it installed.

[eagle19952]

I think staying with the 1700 series is a good choice...bigger is better in this case. IMO etc. 

[Tom Y]

Fred, My 5C was keyed and fit only one way. I can not find any pictures of it, but you may find some on here. Search back about 10 years, I thought I posted about my drive shaft. Tom Y

[Tom Y]

Found it.

[Tom Y]

Another.

[Fredward]

Hey Tom,
Thanks for the photos! Total Recall - I'm impressed. That looks like about 45 degrees. I've used the Allison Driveline Calculator using my driveline measurements and it says I'm ok running at 0 degrees (in phase). But I will research further.

Thanks for posting.
Fred

[bevans6]

I remember that photo!  It's exactly as I recall, kind of half out of phase.  Neat.

Brian

[Fredward]

Yep now that I look at it, mine is keyed 45 degress out. I'll take out my new driveline and change it. Aside from that, the new transmission works great and the bus drives like a brand new coach. Unbelievable how much easier to drive and overall how much smoother it drives. That old spicer must have been pretty worn out. (It still has the tag on it from 1972 when it was rebuilt). Anyone know anyone who wants a Spicer?
Fred

[Lin]

Congratulations on your escape from the dark ages!