Driveshaft safety loop questions

Mike92GT · Jan 28, 2006

At what point am I required to have a safety loop in my car?

I already have a Ford Racing (HPM) loop, I just have to install it. I've been putting it off 'cause it looks like a PITA. Any tips on installing one? Or pictures? I tried searching already...

Michael Yount · Jan 28, 2006

Well Mike - if you've ever seen what happens when a car loses a driveshaft at the strip ----

For me it's not when someone else requires it -- I want one for my own safety and to minimize the possibility of damage to the car. And you've got PLENTY enough torque to do some damage. Crawl under there - it won't be as bad as you think. Installing it will be a helluva lot easier than repairing the damage if you lose one at speed. Not to mention the potential for personal injury...

Sermon over. Stepping down off of soapbox.

red302 · Jan 28, 2006

I believe the NHRA rule book states 12.99 and quicker to require a drive shaft safety loop. They're very easy to install. I have a Lakewood and is bolted to the floor with 4 bolts.

Mike92GT · Jan 28, 2006

Thanks guys. I haven't raced my car yet, otherwise it would have been on there a long time ago. It's at the top of my to-do list. I just want to make sure I get it right the first time so I don't end up with a bunch of extra holes in my floor.

mustangsally93 · Jan 29, 2006

you I guys got pics? I got to get one but dont' know where to put it and what it looks like. I was told at 500 rwhp is went you should get one.

Black1987Stang · Jan 29, 2006

Anybody got pics of one installed? Do u have to drill ur own holes and use nuts and bolts or theres already a place for it to bolt in? Thanks

mustangsally93 · Jan 29, 2006

87stangdiddle said:
Anybody got pics of one installed? Do u have to drill ur own holes and use nuts and bolts or theres already a place for it to bolt in? Thanks

yea need more input, johny 5 need more input

393Bird · Jan 29, 2006

NHRA Rules state:
Drive shaft loop 13.99 (8.59) For drag slicks only

Drive shaft loop 13.00 (8.14) For “street” or DOT tires

2.4 DRIVELINE ( Drive shaft loop 6 inches from the front U Joint)

On any car in which the driver sits over or in back of the rearend center section, a suitable protective shield of .120-inch (3 mm) minimum thickness steel plate must be installed for those units with universal joints securely mounted to the rearend center section and the bellhousing adapter. Where possible, couplers are recommended in place of U-joints. For straight couplers, the minimum requirement is .063-inch (1.6 mm) aluminium which must contain an inspection cover for removal and inspection of the coupler, securely mounted to the rearend center section and the bellhousing adapter, or as noted in Class Requirements. In place of a crossmember, in the vicinity of the front universal joint, all cars in competition using open driveshafts, must have a retainer loop 360-degrees of enclosure, 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) minimum thickness and 2-inches (5.1 cm) wide, or 7/8-inch (22.2 mm) x .065-inch (1.65 mm) welded steel tubing, securely mounted and located within "6-inches" (15.2 cm) of the front universal joint f or support of the driveshaft in event of U-joint failure. Recommended the loop be round rather than oblong to minimize loading on loop. Open drivelines passing any part of the driver's body must be completely enclosed in 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) minimum thickness steel plate, securely mounted to the frame or frame structure.

Michael Yount · Jan 29, 2006

Yup Mike - just mock up/measure/mark 2 or 3 times before you cut/drill/weld.

We used to have a saying in the pipeline business -- "I don't know what's wrong -- I've cut it three times and it's still too short..."

04sleeper · Jan 29, 2006

This is what could happen if you loose your driveshaft....
http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.aspx?fileid=41DC920E-59E3-49A5-920C-411A2DE0A784&t=top&kw=5&p=40

Daggar · Jan 29, 2006

04sleeper said:
This is what could happen if you loose your driveshaft....
http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.aspx?fileid=41DC920E-59E3-49A5-920C-411A2DE0A784&t=top&kw=5&p=40

Holy Crap!

I would imagine that he had a loop but that it was installed on the wrong end?

04sleeper · Jan 29, 2006

Daggar said:
Holy Crap!

I would imagine that he had a loop but that it was installed on the wrong end?

Not sure, but if you look closely you can see it come out.

Something wasn't right.

86bluecobra · Jan 29, 2006

one more vote for the lakewood drive shaft loop. it is easy to install.

mustangsally93 · Jan 29, 2006

yea just spent the 32 dollars for one from summitracing.com. yea not happening to me

RYC CUKR · Jan 29, 2006

04sleeper said:
This is what could happen if you loose your driveshaft....
http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.aspx?fileid=41DC920E-59E3-49A5-920C-411A2DE0A784&t=top&kw=5&p=40

Thats gonna leave a mark.

rowdie- stang · Jan 29, 2006

To me it looks like the torque boxes ripped out of the car which pulled the drive shaft out of the trans.

Driveshaft safety loop questions

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