Dick,
The two mating parts, (trans flange, and drive shaft flange), must be
concentric and parallel...period! The flanges must mate together. They
should bolt up flat, and have some sort of means to constrain them in a
concentric manner. The slight difference in clock position, due to the
clearance holes for the bolts makes no difference what-so-ever. I don't mean
to be argumentative, but in fact "you are" relying on the shear strength of
the four bolts! The torque moment of a 400 HP V-8 Chevy engine could not
simultaneously shear these bolts! I think we're safe!
You also mentioned that the drive shaft should have mated correctly with the
tranny! I am now wondering if there is a difference between the drive shaft
yokes for different applications, (OD Vs. non-OD). I'm asking this based on
Patrick's reported situation.
Jim
-----Original Message-----
Patrick---I know very little about OD's but the lip on the drive shaft
flange should fit into the tranny tail piece flange, even with the OD
unit. This provides more surface area at the connection. Otherwise, you
are relying on the shear strength of the four bolts. Sounds as if
something's wrong with the tail piece flange. You might be able to have
a 1/4" plate made up to bolt between the units, that would match each of
their faces, should you want to use both flanges, as is.
Dick
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