Need new driveshaft, what to get?

1slow95

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#1

• Apr 11, 2006

• #1

I don't know how it happened, but somehow my Ford Racing aluminum DS is bent...Since I need a longer ds with the TKO trans, a new one isn't a bad idea anyways. So now I have two choices for a new ds: I could go with another aluminum ds for $224 from Summit, Or I could go with a custom steel ds built locally for $170. The aluminum one will be a good bit lighter, but the steel will be much stonger. Right?

 

95cobraguy

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Dec 23, 2005

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Concord, NC by way of LI, NY

Apr 11, 2006

#2

• Apr 11, 2006

• #2

how did the aluminum one bend? how were you able to tell?

 

1slow95

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#3

• Apr 11, 2006

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me said:

I don't know how it happened, but...

Click to expand...

I took it to get it balanced and the guy said he couldn't balance it because it's bent about 9" back from the transmission.

 

95cobraguy

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Dec 23, 2005

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Concord, NC by way of LI, NY

Apr 11, 2006

#4

• Apr 11, 2006

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i guess it all depends if u believe him or not. can u see any visible creases or wrinkles in it to indicate that its bent?

 

donjohn

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Feb 7, 2004

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Apr 11, 2006

#5

• Apr 11, 2006

• #5

couldn't you just put a straight edge up to it?

 

L

Leezure

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#6

• Apr 11, 2006

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Even though I am running an aluminum driveshaft I never bought into the "extra salvaged horsepower derived from spinning a lighter mass" argument as it relates to driveshafts.

Even if it saved you 5 extra horsepower you'd still have trouble putting it all down to the ground with the combo you're running so it would be a miniscule advantage at best.

I would go with the locally built steel unit and save a few dollars as well as be able to have it made to your precise length.

Driveshafts aren't rocket science but they can be tricky. Get one built and hold the builder to the quality you are looking for and skip the possible added horsepower and expense of the aluminum shaft.

 

nmcgrawj

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Sep 28, 2003

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Apr 11, 2006

#7

• Apr 11, 2006

• #7

Doesnt make sense to me if the guy is lying....he's losing money. Why would u run a business and tell a guy a lie so that he leaves your shop and buys a new one else where?


The custom one sounds really tempting. Do some research on the 96 cobra DS's....for some reason i think i remember hearing that they are a direct bolt in for the tko swap. Im not sure if that means they are the right length or not.

 

1slow95

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Apr 11, 2006

#8

• Apr 11, 2006

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Hmmm...The steel ds is 3", where the alum. one is 3.5"....I know with larger rims you will slow down even if they weigh less because they weigh more on the outside part of the wheel than the smaller rims. Like say you have a 16" rim that weighs 18# and a 17" rim that weighs 13#...Even tho the 17" rim weighs less, the weight is shifted farther away from the center of the rim so you will see better performance from the 16" rim....Ok, now Im just rambling on lol

Anyways, I'll check my ds out to see if I can tell if it really is bent. If it is, I think I'll go with the local steel ds. This guy said he's built some for guys with over 800hp and never had a problem with one yet.

 

94-302-vert

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Aug 16, 2004

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NE CT

Apr 11, 2006

#9

• Apr 11, 2006

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remember too that the smaller OD will require thicker walls, and therefore more weight...

In your position I would go either alum or steel 3.5".

 

WhiteDevil

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Feb 4, 2003

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Apr 11, 2006

#10

• Apr 11, 2006

• #10

I would say a locally built steel drive shaft to the perfect length would be the best bet. That way its the right length and its perfectly balanced. That might even help your vibration problem, because you wont need the spacer anymore.

 

urban96

bubb rubb says:"woo woooooo"

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Apr 11, 2006

#11

• Apr 11, 2006

• #11

if you want another alum partsamerica.com has them for 189. but when i orderd mine it wasnt in stock so i called summit and they price matched

 

94-302-vert

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Aug 16, 2004

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Apr 12, 2006

#12

• Apr 12, 2006

• #12

Mike,

In your position... I was thinking.... what would I do... I would go with a steel one with the best darn U-Joints they could put on it...

If that helps you at all.

Now why can't they simply striaghten the alumunum one?

 

Numbles

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Dec 10, 2003

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Chicago, IL

Apr 12, 2006

#13

• Apr 12, 2006

• #13

I went with a steel ds when I did my tko swap. Makes it so much easier. And if anything happens to it. You can take it back and they will probably have you out the door for less than $50. Try that with breaking a summit ds. You will have to buy a new one.