Manual steering shaft length

Hey guys, I have the cloumn out of my Valiant, the shaft has been collapsed and have pulled it back apart, but need to know the length of a A-body manual shaft and where the measurement is taken, ( end to end or bottom of threads to end etc).
I have seen 40 3/8" listed, but also 42", I plan to tack weld it in place, was hoping I I wouldn't have to trial and error it, as the car is fresh paint, etc., thanks!
Author: admin