TheSamba.com :: View topic - Exact axle shaft length for 2WD 5-speed transmissions?

Wed Apr 17, 2019 7:16 am

Hi gang,

I did a quick search, but can't find info on what the exact length of the '83-up 5 speed axle shafts should be. I ASSUME it's different from the 4 speed transmissions.

I'm installing a 1.6td with 5 speed transmission into my 82 diesel Westy. I have everything pulled out of an 83 diesel, but my axles were missing.

also, were there any different lengths in 83-up axles for 2WD?

thanks,
Steve

Wed Apr 17, 2019 7:28 am

While I was doing my CV's this past weekend, I had the Bentley open to the Axle Page for reference. It lists the Manual Trasnmission Axles as the same length for either side with no mention of Engine type playing into that, but the Auto does have different lengths.
Maybe someone else can chime in with different experience or knowledge.

Wed Apr 17, 2019 7:43 am

I do not believe there is a difference between the 4-speed manual driveshafts and the 5-speed manual driveshafts. With the later transmissions 091/1 4-speed and 094 5-speed, the drive flanges are placed in the same locations. Only the nose of the 5-speed is longer and the mount bracket is different to accommodate the longer nose. I do not know if the early 4-speed axles (as fitted to the 091 4-speed) are a different length.

Wed Apr 17, 2019 7:45 am

The axle lengths all changed when the engine mounting positions changed.

Your 82 would have had longer axles than the later van the TD and 5 speed came out of. Use the shorter axles. Most places selling axles don't even know about the longer earlier axles.

The axle dimensions given in the Bentley are for the longer earlier axles.

The later axles lengths are shorter only by 1/4" or so.

Both manual and automatic axles lengths changed.

Mark

Wed Apr 17, 2019 7:49 am

thanks everyone for your info...

I'd still like to get the actual dimensions of a proper axle, to see if I can locate a pair in my parts stash, or other people's parts, to make sure I get the right length axles.

regards,
steve

Wed Apr 17, 2019 7:55 am

Look at the axles lengths given in the Bentley, page 42.7

Then subtract 1/4" or 7mm for manual axles.

For auto axles subtract 5/16" or 9mm from the Bentley specs for auto axles.

Mark

rsvp wrote: thanks everyone for your info...

I'd still like to get the actual dimensions of a proper axle, to see if I can locate a pair in my parts stash, or other people's parts, to make sure I get the right length axles.

regards,
steve

Wed Apr 17, 2019 8:26 am

Thanks for the info Mark. As an aside, the Bentley is disappointing in that little chart for a couple reasons. Not listing that difference in axle length is a bit sad. I don't even see where it says which axles they are talking about. Another gripe is that they list the right side on the left and left side on the right! [facepalm]

Thu Apr 18, 2019 11:37 am

Ok thanks everybody,

So, as I understand, the five speed and later four-speed axles are the same length.

And I will check the Bentley and do the math to find out what I have in my pile at the moment.

Thanks again!

Steve