Front driveshaft for '73 3.0CS 4-speed to 5-speed conversion

[ES 1800]

Planning to replace my 4 speed with a 5 speed (OD) transmission. Is having the front driveshaft shortened the best route to go? Or are shortened one already available? (Don't particularly want to use the front of an automatic because it appears that is not really the best match.)

What else do I need to accumulate before doing this, and what might be the sources?

Thanks,

jim

 

[Ohmess]

May want to consider the fact that Paul Cain used Driveshaft Pro for his driveshaft (and the one in this auction) and sfdon praised the work they did. Were I in your shoes, I would send my entire driveshaft to them to be modified.

No Reserve: BMW E9/E3 5-Speed Conversion Components

Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: BMW E9/E3 5-Speed Conversion Components at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #76,997.

bringatrailer.com

 

[Dick Steinkamp]

Five Speed Conversion Parts List

NOTICE, this is not a for sale ad! This is a comprehensive conversion kit put together by Paul Cain that he offered on BaT using all BMW OEM parts, to convert an E9 from an automatic transmission to an overdrive 5 speed transmission. This kit with an easy adaptation can also be used to convert...

e9coupe.com

 

[ES 1800]

Five Speed Conversion Parts List

NOTICE, this is not a for sale ad! This is a comprehensive conversion kit put together by Paul Cain that he offered on BaT using all BMW OEM parts, to convert an E9 from an automatic transmission to an overdrive 5 speed transmission. This kit with an easy adaptation can also be used to convert...

e9coupe.com

Thanks!

 

[Thomas76]

@halboyles is making the shifter base that you'll likely need.

 

[Larry Louton]

Hello, I just went thru all this with Armando, ( Good man ) at Drive shaft pro in Garden city, California. When you change the dimension of the shaft, Front or rear, You change the balance. He will want to do all the U-joints and insure the phase of the unit. Weld and balance, Replace the center bearing and the nose bearing. After you take the old transmission out, Put the five speed in with out flywheel and or clutch. Install Guibo and measure with tape measure from the rear of the Guibo to where the front of the center bearing face will be. Then measure from the rear of the Guibo to the front of the differential flange for the total distance/ length. My drive shaft works better then new.
Take transmission back out while drive shaft is being done, replace rear main seal. Pilot shaft bearing, Get a good flywheel from WKohler and have his machinist put in the step.
I used a stock Sachs clutch. Works nice.

Larry Louton