I'm swapping an original 292 distributer with an MSD 8383. When I removed the original drive shaft, there is a square key that goes from the bottom of the distributer shaft into the engine block. This key is about five inches long and is pointed on one end and squared on the other. I believe the Ford Manuals refer to this piece as an intermediate drive shaft. My question is, does the pointed end of this shaft go into the distributer shaft or the engine block?

Outlaw56

Darrell Howard Whitefish, MT Outlaw 56 Ford F-100's

The oil pump drive shaft is a hex on most Y-blocks. The exception being the earliest engines which used a tang drive - I think that's the proper term. The pointed end goes to the distributor. I don't have one in front of me but it seems like it should be longer than 5". There should be a clip on it to prevent it from pulling out when the distributor is removed. This clip can only be replaced by removing the oil pump. If you manage to get the shaft and distributor back in, don't worry about the clip too much.


Lawrenceville, GA

Thanks Charlie, now I understand why have "newbie" preceeding my posts. I checked and the intermediate drive shaft is not only a hex key, it is 8" long, not 5". It must be missing the clip which would explain why it came out with the distributer. Thanks for your help.

Outlaw56

Darrell Howard Whitefish, MT Outlaw 56 Ford F-100's