1965 S Type 3.8 Propshaft

[GILESDENNING]

I believe my car left the factory as an MOD model but by the time of my purchase 10+ years ago a BW Autobox had been installed by the PPO. I then sourced a rebuilt 4 speed OD box which I believe to be of the correct type for this car and fitted it as part of a complete mechanical overhaul. The auto propshaft and gbox mount no longer fit this setup so I sourced a horseshoe type mount which again, I believe to be correct for this year model and seems to fit OK. Although I am not sure if I have the correct spring fitted? For the propshaft, I found 2 sections in the spares pile that combined to fit the car. There is a 34.75" long rear section with U-J's at both ends and a slip yoke with gaiter. The front section is 17.5" long with a UJ on the gbox end and incorporates a center mount with bearing and rubber isolators which looks like it may have been a factory piece but was then modified/strengthened with a piece of welded rod. I have mounted it temporarily using a couple of alu spacers to what seems a reasonable height/alignment. It drives OK but I am getting a slight vibration pulling away which may well be those perished bushings I am guessing.
Does anyone recognize this center mount or know which model it may be from? All the Jag manuals & parts books I have only show varying length single propshaft setups for the S Type, length dependent on having auto, manual or MOD boxes fitted. Its obviously in dire need of some new bushings and ideally a new center bearing but no idea what it is from to order those parts? Also do those 2 lengths (34.75+17.5 = 52.25) add up to what a standard S Type MOD propshaft should measure? Does anyone else have 2 piece prop setup like this or do I have the wrong gearbox maybe??
Any help in resolving what is the final hurdle to getting this one back on the road for the first time since 1984 I think is greatly appreciated.

[cass3958]

Nicely put together to get it working but as far as I know and I only have the BW35 to compare it with the S Type only had a one piece propshaft. Whilst doing some work a couple of weeks ago I changed my U/Js on the prop shaft and had some issues. In my garage I happen to have a spare prop shaft and pulled this out but determined that it was from a DG 250 or possibly a manual car as it was longer by a couple of inches and thicker in diameter. It is 54 inches long and 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Yours combined is 52 1/4 long so it would seem you need the same prop shaft length that I have on my car which is a one piece system.

Below is a composite photo of my propshaft in situ but I emphasis this is a BW35 gear box car and might be different to a DG250 or Manual set up.

DSCF3232.JPG (1.55 MiB) Viewed 1725 times

DSCF3233.JPG (1.59 MiB) Viewed 1725 times

[GILESDENNING]

thank you for the pics and explanation. So, it would seem my car has some kind of non factory 2 piece propshaft arrangement. I need to decide now whether to make up some replacement bushings for the center mount and stick with this setup, hoping it will cure the small vibration or source a one piece replacement. My preference would be a one piece I think, simply less parts to wrong in the long run.
If anyone else has a one piece prop they are interested in selling please let me know.

[John Quilter]

Since you are in California, you might try Jaguar Heaven in Stockton who have an extensive inventory of parted out Jaguars. I would measure the length you need before ordering from them. You car may be non stock. From my experience with my MOD car the shims between the rear mount cradle and the floor are critical to ensuring there is no vibration.

[GILESDENNING]

Thank you John. I have used Jaguar Heaven in the past for a few E Type & S type bits but for this one I bit the bullet and took the car down to a local outfit called Drivetrain Specialties and had them build one. 24 hours and $650 later I had a new propshaft with Spicer joints which solved the vibration problem completely thank goodness. I am still looking for the metal / mesh cover that goes over the heater controls on the front parcel shelf if you know anyone who has one they would be willing to part with? I have tried JH on that one a while ago but no luck.

[cass3958]

I am still looking for the metal / mesh cover that goes over the heater controls on the front parcel shelf if you know anyone who has one they would be willing to part with? I have tried JH on that one a while ago but no luck.

Is this the bit you are looking for. I have three spares. The one on the bottom is rechromed and in mint condition. The two on the top are decent, the left one being the better of the two. Minor corrosion of the chrome on the lips at the sides on one as you can see in the photo but it is covered by the carpet on the parcel shelve so would not be seen. I don't mind posting to the US. Give me a PM if you are interested.