Driveshaft.....Aluminum or Steel?

[dlascoskie]

An off-road excursion at the track caused some serious damage to my stock driveshaft. It must be replaced. I am considering an aluminum driveshaft from Ford Racing, but have been cautioned that aluminum might not be the best way to go. Thoughts??

 

[hotrodnut]

Why were you cautioned? I've had no problem with mine. The Mustang seems to have less vibrations and rev up a little quicker since I've changed from the steel to aluminum.

 

[stangGT97]

the aluminum DS is a great way to shave some rotating mass from your driveline... if you're overly concerned, invest in a driveshaft safety loop

 

[Dope 97GT]

A couple of my chevy friends told me not to get an aluminum driveshaft because they say they dont hold up to that much HP and a few of them said they have seen them break. But I see many people on here running a good number of HP with no problems with them.

I think the FRPP one would be good and if I had some money I would prolly get one too.

 

[bakos24]

I see no problems with an aluminum one. I have had one on for about 3 yrs and have not had a problem with it.

 

[Dope 97GT]

My chevy friends said there was like a plastic or some kind of coating on the aluminum d/s they had seen. When that wore down they broke, but on the ford ones all i see is solid aluminum and looks like it would be pretty strong.

Im not sure on how much it would take off on your e/ts but i want to try it out along with the fidanza aluminum flywheel i bought.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

My chevy friends said there was like a plastic or some kind of coating on the aluminum d/s they had seen. When that wore down they broke, but on the ford ones all i see is solid aluminum and looks like it would be pretty strong.

Im not sure on how much it would take off on your e/ts but i want to try it out along with the fidanza aluminum flywheel i bought.

Don't expect an e/t difference, most of the time you'll see people get an alluminum driveshaft after a gear install to reduce vibrations not for performance. Yes less rotating mass is always better but thats the same as expecting to see better numbers from lightweight wheels that are 2-3 lbs less per wheel - not likely

 

[RoadconeTuning]

just get th aluminum one... if nothing more its weight reduction overall for the car and its bling.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Chevy guys are morans

 

[stangGT97]

Chevy guys are morans

no, they just have enough torque to break driveshafts apparently

 

[urban96]

My chevy friends said there was like a plastic or some kind of coating on the aluminum d/s they had seen. When that wore down they broke, but on the ford ones all i see is solid aluminum and looks like it would be pretty strong.

Im not sure on how much it would take off on your e/ts but i want to try it out along with the fidanza aluminum flywheel i bought.

i have an alum D/S right here and i can tell you first hand theres no plastic on it

 

[BooWFO]

can a AL ds break YES. Heck seen custom made cf DS break and custom steel ones too.

The one thing to watch for is if your lowered nothing rubs into/grooves/cuts the AL ds. ie parking brake cable.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

no, they just have enough torque to break driveshafts apparently

no their used to breaking their own axles, buying drivetrain upgrades comes after buying tires for Z28's Their crap can't handle any grip, just a dyno # car if you ask me

 

[stangGT97]

no their used to breaking their own axles, buying drivetrain upgrades comes after buying tires for Z28's Their crap can't handle any grip, just a dyno # car if you ask me

yeah, the rears are weak but once they're built to handle a launch on sticky tires, watch out!