Triumph Repair: spitfire propshaft, overdrive transmission, drive shaft

Question
Hi,I am rebuilding a 1977 MKIV 1500 spit. It has got a 3 rail gearbox and D type overdrive unit, but the propshaft, it's a strap type, appears to be about 1" too long. I have measured it at 38ins. Any ideas? regards Brian

Answer
Hi Brian,
Sorry, I could not find any reference to the length of the drive shaft although I have replaced a lot of "U" joints over the years. Most of the British cars do have a different length drive shaft for an overdrive transmission then they do for a four speed box. I don't know what you are referring to as a "Strap" type drive shaft.

Maybe someone out there who is reading this can measure a Spitfire shaft and let us know.
Howard