Tail Shaft Compatibility between Old/New Model A4s

[Glennjamin19]

Greetings!

I've got a direct drive 1965 A4 and I'd like to drop it into a Cal 34' that was set up for V-drive. The A4 that came out of the Cal 34 was a newer model A4 (has the thermostat housing and no tombstone transmission cover...exact year uncertain but can find out if necessary) that was set up for V-drive so I have the V-drive unit an everything on hand. The problem is that the tail shaft of the 1965 A4 isn't set up for V-drive, so I'm hoping to pirate that part from the newer model A4. Does anyone know if this is possible? Are the tail shafts compatible between new/old model A4's?

Thanks for any guidance you can offer! I'd love to avoid rebuilding the newer model A4 at the moment so if this part exchange is possible it'll get me out on the water much sooner as the 1965 A4 is in surprisingly great shape.

Thanks,

Glenn

[The Garbone]

Should work, the only real issue is if you wish to renew the bearing at this time or just swap out the transmission internals. Pull trans cover, swap all guts and replace gaskets, put back on trans cover.

I have a late model block with early model trans cover and head and late model transmission parts. Mixing and match can be fun.

[Glennjamin19]

That's great news-- and thanks for the quick response!

I was under the impression you had to pull the transmission off the motor to remove the tail shaft...Are you saying it can be done just by pulling the cover? I watched a video where the guy said you have to put the shaft on a hydraulic press to pull it out...

Thanks,

Glenn