How to properly measure steer axle shafts?

[Jeff K]

What is your method of measuring for axle shaft length on a custom width steer axle? I'm working on building 2 SD 14b steers for a buggy and I was going to use stock SD length axles but now I've decided to go 40 spline and since I'd need custom axle shafts I might move the center sections.

 

[Bebop]

Tape measure does the job for me

Spline end to middle of the C

 

[Jeff K]

Tape measure does the job for me

Spline end to middle of the C

I'm kinda slow. I can't seem to find an accurate center of the C. I guess I need to make a tool to fit in the C and give me solid place to measure to.

 

[Bebop]

Eyeball it best you can. 1/4" is not a problem IMO.

The shafts will float during steering anyways.

You can build a tool if you want a more correct measurement.

 

[jeepkevin]

I built a Currie RockJock 60 for the front of my LJ years ago. I bought just the pig with tubes and used all Solid King pin outers. I wanted to use off the shelf Dodge 60 shafts so I could be 67.5" WMS. I was just going to swap the shafts sides so I could be driver drop. After fumbling around, I came up with the shaft needs to be 1/4" away from the center pin of your locker with the steering straight ahead. As U joint shafts rotate at full steering there was a slight in and out movement of the inner shaft, the outer was held secure in the hub assembly. I then measured from the center line of the king pin inclination line to the center pin, added 1/4" inch and welded the C's in place. I never had a problem.