[plain OM]

Well, the shafts on the 3rd generation range from about 51 to about 58 inches between the center of the far end U-joints. That doesn't include the stub shaft at the front that goes into the transmission or the flange end at the back. The 2nd generation were a few inches shorter in wheelbase, but I suspect you're still going to be over 48 inches in length including the stub shaft and flange.

That said, I'm not sure, but I believe from comments I've read here about disabling the drive shaft, it might be two pieces. I don't see anything like that in the FSM -- there's either a U-joint or a Carden (CV) joint just behind the center bearing, but perhaps either they can be separated (probably not the best thing) or there's splined shafts connecting the two parts. If they could be separated without risk, then side-by-side the two pieces should be within the length limit.

 

[cardoc]

I crawled under my Outback earlier and gave him the measure. 5', give or take a couple inches, front to back.

I've never tried to separate the halves, so I can't say one way or the other.

I think I kicked his puppy twice today.

 

[ntippet]

They aren't designed to be separated.
Hence the reason you have to buy an entire driveshaft when the center bearing goes bad.

A driveshaft shop may be capable of servicing them but finding the correct size carrier bearing is usually the issue.

 

[coz375]

I bought one of these two weeks ago from a rebuilder and it was shipped UPS. No problems.