For those who have balanced driveshafts
 

I am gearing up to do my manual swap into my TD. It is unclear to me whether the whole shaft needs to be balanced as a unit, or if the front shaft is marked, removed and balanced separately. I've read many posts about 'be careful when you take this apart or you'll have to get it balanced'. This implies that the two pieces are done together somehow. How have all those who've done this swap had their shafts balanced?

As a unit.

Take a punch and mark both halves near U joint. Later W123s are "supposedly" marked but its a good idea too mark it yourself. That is if your planning on putting it back as a 'unit".

who balances mb drive shafts. Remember they don't have u-joints at the ends...

Because it doesn't have u-joints, you're implying that it doesn't need balanced??? Every rotating assembly needs balanced to some degree.

No, you didnt understand me.

I'm saying you will have a tough time finding somebody with a machine that is capable of hooking up to your axle-assy since it does not have the usual yoke end connections.

Power Train Industries has adapters for all MB drive shafts. i believe they are a franchise and are all over the place.

He will have to get it shortened and re-balanced for his manual swap (assuming he is using a 240D Drive shaft)

Where'd you go, that place in Portland? "Bearing Service"

I can't believe it
 

I can't find anywhere but some place in CA to do my driveshaft. I called places in Chicago and Indianapolis, and nobody does this. Now I know what 94mgm was talking about. I thought it would be as simple as chucking it up in a lathe... Anybody have any leads somewhere closer than CA. This is driving me nuts
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Check around with custom car/engine builders, they probably shorten and lengthen shafts all the time, maybe they can give you some advice. I had mine done at a machine shop specializing in drag racing engines.

Yes, race shops can usually do it.

Driveline Service, Portland Or 800 227 8608

Finally found a place that said they could do it Rack&Axle in Indianapolis. The person I spoke with didn't know for sure if they could lengthen it, but at least they will balance it. Now I just need to figure out if I can get access to a lathe...