Method and apparatus for drive shaft extension

A method for extending the length of an original drive assembly in a vehicle having a frame, wherein the original drive assembly has a front drive shaft segment coupled to a transmission of the vehicle and a rear drive shaft segment coupled to a rear differential assembly of the vehicle, the method comprising:

• disconnecting the front drive shaft segment from the transmission;
• extending the length of the vehicle frame;
• providing a drive shaft extension segment comprising:
• a rigid tubular shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having a front end and a rear end;
• a universal joint mounted at the tubular shaft front end and having a front flange configured for mounting to the transmission;
• and
• a bearing assembly mounted to the tubular shaft between the front end and the rear end;
• wherein the tubular shaft rear end includes a rearward facing flange configured for mounting to a forward facing flange of the front drive shaft segment;
• and
• installing the drive shaft extension segment in the vehicle between the vehicle transmission and the front drive shaft segment without rebalancing the original drive assembly;
• and
• balancing the drive shaft extension segment before installing the drive shaft extension segment in the vehicle;
• wherein the original drive assembly was balanced before it was installed in the vehicle.