The splined slip shaft (yoke in Ford terminology,........................ is much longer than you can see in that image. Much of the slip shaft is inside the transmission.
Yes, but the concern here is that in component assemblies which allow motion, there is inevitably defection in a plane unappreciated, and in the driveshaft (propeller-shaft for those with hoods & bonnets as I realize the English lineage
) particularly, the relationship of the slip-yoke spline juncture to transmission main/out-put shaft, with additional responsibilities required of the slip-yoke bushing fixed within the tail housing, this deflection caused both by torque applied and centrifugal forces, causes the driveline to exhibit a "break", most pronounced at the U-joint nearest the slip-yoke, accompanied by an angle correction at the U-joint at the differential; hence one would want to keep the distance of the U-joint as "choked-up" as possible to the slip-spline relationship as possible as this will reduce the sum of the "break" in the alinement otherwise, and the resultant imbalance vibrations incurred, even if the structure is sufficient to provide acceptable service.
Unlike cars with "live" rear axles the differential is fixed in place so the slip shaft doesn't move in and out while the car is driven like let's say a Mustang's does.
One has to only push the yoke deeper into the transmission as seen enough to clear flanges on that aluminum panel that forms a shelf behind the seats to get a Cobra's drive shaft in.
Yes, I understand this; and that is why I previously stated that perhaps that sum of distance may be required in order to .......... "swing (the driveshaft) into position". But, I am skeptical of the implied requirement observed in the photo. But, I do also realize that this is a relatively short driveshaft, of not great mass, and not lending itself to great sums of deflection, and also that there may be another unseen (my me anyway, and I sure wouldn't compromise the mechanical requirements for something like sheet metal) responsibility or relationship not apparent in the photo, hence my inquiry.
Scott.