Check the yokes on the rear, Ford has 3 styles that I know of. Short, medium, and long. Measure from pinion bearing support to end of yoke to see if the yokes are the same. Driveshaft should go in tight then pull out 1 inch. You have to much yoke out of tranny.
He may be ok... depends on how many inches of spline are actually inside the transmission Mark a line on the driveshaft w/ a marker and pull it out Look into the yoke and if atleast 1'' of splines are in the transmission then you are safe. The yoke isnt splined all the way to the end, so you have to mark it and pull it out and see how much splines are actually in the transmission. If the rearend has a different yoke on the rear, this could be why more of the shiny part is showing, but as long as there is adequate amount of transmission yoke being used.... all should work out.
Yes, on as flat of ground as possible... make the mark and take it out. Even better idea.... Make the mark on flat ground then jack up the car so you are at full travel. Make another mark Now pull the driveshaft and check. THis will be the final "test" to make sure it is going to work for the driveshaft. As far as your clunking noise... Ive offered my suggestions on that. So Im not sure what to tell you
Well, needless to say I appreciate everyones input and will be looking at all suggestions (working from the easiest first of course), thanks.
Well this is what was accomplished today; ujoints front & rear, painted driveshaft, measured old pumpkin against new-identical everywhere; there is about 2 inches of the slip yoke inside the trans (see prior pic). I also posted a picture showing a straight edge against the tire and a white dot to the left. That's about 1/4 inch of play in the rear gears. Wont be able to test drive for a couple of days-raining buckets here.
Well if the rearends are identical... im guessing it had a dust boot and it is now gone on the transmission. Some say that painting the driveshaft is bad as it throws it out of balance... I wouldnt't know first hand however
