measuring for new drive shaft

I am putting in a 9 inch rear in my 57 chev. Currently have a 400 turbo
auto trans...Need to know the correct way to measure for a new drive
shaft . Thanks rdobbs

install yoke in trans, bottom it out and pull it out 5/8 of an inch,then measure from center of u-joint to u-joint

....and if a visual helps you go here and follow the instructions; http://www.dennysdriveshaft.com/how_to_measure.html

If you are going to have one made frome scratch,Ask the shop that's going to do the work,Some times the method can very from shop to shop.

Yep, call the shop that will be doing it and ask their method of measuring, it varies from shop to shop. Another point: Measure with the weight on the car resting on the tires at ride height. I did one where I had the car up on jackstands with the tires hanging free, and when I put the shaft in and lowered the car it was too long! :o The shop took pity on me and only charged me $ 25 to recut it. :)

I only made that mistake ONCE. :D

Don