Abstract: A drive shaft adapted for use in driving rolls of rolling mills and the like. It is assembled from a first tubular shaft connected on one end to a first joint member and a second tubular shaft connected on one end to a second joint member, the opposite ends of both shafts being coupled so as to transmit torque and slide axially, as well as a coiled spring assembly provided at the coupling section for biasing the two tubular shafts in axial opposition. The coiled spring assembly has a plurality of coiled spring units and at least one spacer member which is interposed between the two coiled spring units and has a pair of receiving portions into which the ends of the two coiled spring units are fitted so that the two coiled spring units are kept out of contact with the inner peripheral surface of one of the two tubular shafts forming the coupling section and an outer contact portion of each spacer member held in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the one tubular shaft.