• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

Driveshaft.....Aluminum or Steel?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dlascoskie
  • Start date Start date Sep 5, 2006

dlascoskie

New Member
Jun 1, 2006
95
0
0
Sep 5, 2006
#1
  • Sep 5, 2006
  • #1
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

Member
Jul 12, 2004
672
0
17
North Florida
Sep 5, 2006
#2
  • Sep 5, 2006
  • #2
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

New Member
Dec 22, 2004
1,299
1
0
Boston area, MA
Sep 5, 2006
#3
  • Sep 5, 2006
  • #3
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

New Member
Jul 16, 2005
439
0
0
Rochester, NY (SUNY Brockport)
Sep 5, 2006
#4
  • Sep 5, 2006
  • #4
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.
 
B

bakos24

I find there is nothing better than a tasty wiener
Nov 29, 1999
4,461
87
134
NE, OH
Sep 5, 2006
#5
  • Sep 5, 2006
  • #5
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

New Member
Jul 16, 2005
439
0
0
Rochester, NY (SUNY Brockport)
Sep 5, 2006
#6
  • Sep 5, 2006
  • #6
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

Active Member
May 20, 2006
1,421
4
39
UCSD/La Jolla
Sep 5, 2006
#7
  • Sep 5, 2006
  • #7
Dope 97GT said:
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.
Click to expand...
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
 
R

RoadconeTuning

New Member
Apr 4, 2006
458
0
0
Upstate, SC
Sep 6, 2006
#8
  • Sep 6, 2006
  • #8
just get th aluminum one... if nothing more its weight reduction overall for the car and its bling.
 
K

Kilgore Trout

Fried or Broiled ?
10 Year Member
Mar 30, 2005
4,749
95
134
Sep 6, 2006
#9
  • Sep 6, 2006
  • #9
Chevy guys are morans
 

stangGT97

New Member
Dec 22, 2004
1,299
1
0
Boston area, MA
Sep 6, 2006
#10
  • Sep 6, 2006
  • #10
Kilgore Trout said:
Chevy guys are morans
Click to expand...

no, they just have enough torque to break driveshafts apparently
 

urban96

bubb rubb says:"woo woooooo"
Founding Member
Sep 24, 2002
3,464
1
69
Syracuse, NY
Sep 6, 2006
#11
  • Sep 6, 2006
  • #11
Dope 97GT said:
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.
Click to expand...
i have an alum D/S right here and i can tell you first hand theres no plastic on it
 

BooWFO

New Member
May 10, 2005
991
0
0
Louisville, KY
Sep 6, 2006
#12
  • Sep 6, 2006
  • #12
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

Active Member
May 20, 2006
1,421
4
39
UCSD/La Jolla
Sep 6, 2006
#13
  • Sep 6, 2006
  • #13
stangGT97 said:
no, they just have enough torque to break driveshafts apparently
Click to expand...
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

New Member
Dec 22, 2004
1,299
1
0
Boston area, MA
Sep 6, 2006
#14
  • Sep 6, 2006
  • #14
CobraRed_96_GT said:
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
Click to expand...

yeah, the rears are weak but once they're built to handle a launch on sticky tires, watch out!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Drivetrain T5 Transmission Leak at Tailshaft
  • MDrisc
  • Jun 17, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
6
Views
408
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 18, 2025
AeroCoupe
A
SOLD For Sale: 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra Modified
  • anjteal93
  • Sep 5, 2025
  • Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93)
Replies
13
Views
2K
Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93) Oct 26, 2025
Mindseye007
Old guy new to Forum.
  • 08shelby GT500
  • Jun 15, 2026
  • The Welcome Wagon
Replies
3
Views
148
The Welcome Wagon Jun 15, 2026
LILCBRA
Drive Shaft/Rear Diff Issue on 2014 GT
  • DudeStang
  • Jun 16, 2025
  • 2010 - 2014 Specific Tech
Replies
11
Views
1K
2010 - 2014 Specific Tech Jan 21, 2026
gkomo
Engine Suggestions on an engine rebuild. Stock cam/GT40Ps or aftermarket on both for a fun weekend driver?
  • MadSquirrelTech
  • Apr 28, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
23
Views
832
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
MadSquirrelTech
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?