VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 Driveshaft bushing

I have a 1934 Master and want to replace the driveshaft (propeller shaft) bushing. I drilled out the pin and removed the bushing and bronze bushing ahead of it. I have an original type replacement, but also have an "okie" bushing for 34-36 master. Can I use the okie bushing, and if so what is the best way to install it?

This post and the linked posts should help you.

Oakie Bushing

Thanks Rusty. There was a lot of great information. I just have to decide to go original or okie. I'm leaning toward okie.

Frank VCCA #43423

The answer is based on which problem are you trying to fix.

You never stated why you are replacing the front bushing. If it is the only worn part then you should be able to fix things with a new front bushing.

If the problem is the rear bushing or the seal behind the rear bushing then I suggest you try the Oakie. You need either a special extractor tool or to remove the driveshaft tube from the rear axle housing to drive the original rear bushing and seal out.

As you read in the various posts the Oakie has both the front and rear bushings as well as a new rear seal as a single piece. The length is short enough that it does not hit the stock rear bushing. Essentially you "abandon" the original rear bushing and seal when you install an Oakie.

OK, Thanks. I want to stop any oil seeping back to the rear end. The okie will probably be the best solution.

Hi Frank,

That makes sense if the leakage is a concern.

Here are some ideas to make sure the Oakie works as you expect.

Do the best you can to make sure that the drive shaft is clean and smooth before you install the Oakie. The last thing you want is to damage the seal installing it.

Just before you install the Oakie put a light coat of oil or transmission lube on the length of the shaft and the lips of the seal. That reduces the chances of damaging the seal when it slides over the shaft.

A very light coat of oil on the outside diameter of the the Oakie and the inside diameter of the tube might help with the installation. The fit is pretty tight so I would not worry about the Oakie staying in place. Plus you could drill and pin it like the original front bushing.

The only thing I would add to Rusty's advice after playing with these a bit, is that I would wrap the propeller shaft splines with tape, then lube before trying to pass a seal or an Oakie over the splines if it will fit, otherwise be really careful. The splines are essentially the same diameter as the shaft so would be very easy to damage a seal or bushing. Someone recently on here had to chamfer the leading edge of the splines as his Oakie would not fit over the splines (maybe a burr).

In addition to the above you might consider putting the bushing in the freezer the night before you are to install it or put it in dry ice.

Thank you all for your help. All my areas of concern have been covered. Now I just gotta do it.