Alluminum Driveshaft Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

valentini · 05-30-2007, 10:41 AM

Hello everyone,

I have recently built a 1972 GMC pickup and lowered it with Air Ride Suspension. My current issue revolves around the driveshaft length. It measures 73.5" and needs to be constructed of aluminum. Can anyone give me information regarding you experience with this type of setup? Also I am trying to locate a reputable shop in Colorado that can build this for me cost effectively. Any help is appreciated.

Thank you,

71chevylowrider · 05-30-2007, 11:12 AM

I have an aluminum driveshaft in my truck, I abuse it all the time, (that reminds me I need new back tires) I don't know much about them though, it was in my truck when i bought it.

valentini · 05-30-2007, 11:48 AM

Do you know how long you driveshaft is? Do you have some more pics of your truck?

71chevylowrider · 05-30-2007, 11:52 AM

I do have some pic's from under the truck that shows the drive shaft, but their on my home comouter, I can post them later when iget home for you, oh wait, maybe I can find them here, I posted them once before, I don't know the length, but I can measure it for you when I get home if that helps.

71chevylowrider · 05-30-2007, 11:56 AM

Here's my aluminum shaft, let me know what other pic's/measurements you might need.

71chevylowrider · 05-30-2007, 11:58 AM

My truck is pretty low too if that helps.

valentini · 05-30-2007, 12:05 PM

This is a shortbed correct? I am guessing it is a bit shorter than mine. however, if you can measure it I would appreciate it. If you do, can you measure from the end of the transmission or the seal to the center of the u-joint that connects to the rear end. I would appreciate it.

Off the subject how wide of a wheel were you able to get on the back of your truck?

71chevylowrider · 05-30-2007, 12:11 PM

Yes, it's a shorty, Sure, I'll try to squeeze under that thing when i get home, the back's are 10" with 305/50R/15's They don't tuck, but they sure do squeal

powell72 · 05-30-2007, 11:56 PM

Dirtball had one built for his truck in Greeley at Northern Colorado Driveline for $300, a little far from you but at least that gives you an idea on price.

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-31-2007, 12:20 AM

as far as i know all the new cars have aluminum driveshafts

Longhorn Man · 05-31-2007, 01:24 AM

i know I replace about 5 or 6 every winter at work.

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-31-2007, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

i know I replace about 5 or 6 every winter at work.

sounds like fun

timcos · 05-31-2007, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

i know I replace about 5 or 6 every winter at work.

Is that good or bad?

If it is a very low percentage of all the shafts out there...then it may not be too bad.

Why are they replaced?

Are they more replaced than regular metal drive shafts?

Tim

kbs71 · 05-31-2007, 03:12 AM

I went to the local "Warehouse" (bone yard) and got a 4" aluminum driveshaft out of a 95 chevy 1500. It was @ 3/4" shorter than my 2 piece for my LWB. The yoke sizes were diffrent that the ones on my TH350 and 12 bolt rear so I went to a local tranny shop and they had the right u-joints for it. Cost me $65.00 for the driveshaft and @ $45.00 for the u-joints installed. I had to trim out the opening in the crossmember some. But I drove it for over 2 years before I started project "OH S&!T, look out for that Mazda truck, 20 feet in front of me" rebuild. All I ever did was regularly grease the u-joints. There still tight.

valentini · 05-31-2007, 09:56 AM

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I ended up going with Indland Empire out of california. However, I purchased it from summit racing, they gave me a better price.

Hopefully the length will not be an issue, I will try to post some more info after I get the truck up and running, very close.

Longhorn Man · 05-31-2007, 03:28 PM

in the 5 years at the shop, I have only swapped out 3 or 4 steel shafts... the alluminum ones, simply don't hold up.
Now... GRANTED... thes shafts are breaking from abuse, one of our local DHL hubs is staffed with retarded idiots. They'll hit the gas in the snow, spin the tires, and as soon as they hit dry pavement, the shaft explodes... sometimes violently.

timcos · 05-31-2007, 03:31 PM

That is great to know. Thanks,

Tim

valentini · 05-31-2007, 05:09 PM

FYI - The reason I need to go with an alluminum dirveshaft is because of the overall length. I am converting from a two piece driveshaft to a one piece. The issue is related to the critical speed of the driveshaft, or point in which it decides to break. A normal mild steel driveshaft would tend to sag and eventually become out of balance at the length I need. The length is still wrather long for alluminum but it is supposed to hold up better. So hopefully it will work.

*Shane* · 05-31-2007, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valentini

FYI - The reason I need to go with an alluminum dirveshaft is because of the overall length. I am converting from a two piece driveshaft to a one piece. The issue is related to the critical speed of the driveshaft, or point in which it decides to break. A normal mild steel driveshaft would tend to sag and eventually become out of balance at the length I need. The length is still wrather long for alluminum but it is supposed to hold up better. So hopefully it will work.

Don't mean to sound out of line, but whoever told you the aluminum shaft was stronger than the steel is spreading false information. Critical speed, center of gravity, moment of inertia, or whatever else we need to cover... the tubular steel shaft will NOT "sag" any sooner than the aluminum shaft. Aluminum has less "torsional" strength than steel, and that is what we are talking about here. A twisting motion.

Not meaning to sound rude, and hope you don't take it that way, I just hate to see false information passed on in a place like this with so many readers.

LUV2XCLR8 · 05-31-2007, 05:21 PM

LongHorn?

Lwb?

Got pic's?

Longhorn Man · 05-31-2007, 05:55 PM

why not stick with the correct 2 piece shaft? It won't sag,or cost you $500

71chevylowrider · 05-31-2007, 06:25 PM

Hey andy? These driveshafts that keep breaking, what diameter are they? Mine looks peretty beefy, & beleive me, I abuse it on a regular basis, & soon I will be installing an Eaton posi unit, should I be worried?

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-31-2007, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

why not stick with the correct 2 piece shaft? It won't sag,or cost you $500

and IMO would be better and stronger to i beleive than a one piece

Longhorn Man · 05-31-2007, 09:03 PM

the alluminum shaft can be made longer without whipping, like a steel shaft will do. This is why a steel shaft shouldn't e made over six feet long.
71lowrider... I couldn't tell you the diameter.... but they are friggen huge though....I'll guess and say 5 or 6 inches.

71chevylowrider · 05-31-2007, 09:14 PM

Thanks Andy, hey? Are you getting my PM's?

05-30-2007, 10:41 AM	#1
valentini Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: denver Posts: 50	Alluminum Driveshaft Question Hello everyone, I have recently built a 1972 GMC pickup and lowered it with Air Ride Suspension. My current issue revolves around the driveshaft length. It measures 73.5" and needs to be constructed of aluminum. Can anyone give me information regarding you experience with this type of setup? Also I am trying to locate a reputable shop in Colorado that can build this for me cost effectively. Any help is appreciated. Thank you,

05-30-2007, 11:12 AM	#2
71chevylowrider Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 1,015	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question I have an aluminum driveshaft in my truck, I abuse it all the time, (that reminds me I need new back tires) I don't know much about them though, it was in my truck when i bought it.

05-30-2007, 11:48 AM	#3
valentini Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: denver Posts: 50	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question Do you know how long you driveshaft is? Do you have some more pics of your truck?

05-30-2007, 11:52 AM	#4
71chevylowrider Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 1,015	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question I do have some pic's from under the truck that shows the drive shaft, but their on my home comouter, I can post them later when iget home for you, oh wait, maybe I can find them here, I posted them once before, I don't know the length, but I can measure it for you when I get home if that helps.

05-30-2007, 11:56 AM	#5
71chevylowrider Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 1,015	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question Here's my aluminum shaft, let me know what other pic's/measurements you might need. Attached Images

05-30-2007, 11:58 AM	#6
71chevylowrider Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 1,015	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question My truck is pretty low too if that helps. Attached Images Last edited by 71chevylowrider; 05-30-2007 at 12:02 PM.

05-30-2007, 12:05 PM	#7
valentini Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: denver Posts: 50	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question This is a shortbed correct? I am guessing it is a bit shorter than mine. however, if you can measure it I would appreciate it. If you do, can you measure from the end of the transmission or the seal to the center of the u-joint that connects to the rear end. I would appreciate it. Off the subject how wide of a wheel were you able to get on the back of your truck?

05-30-2007, 12:11 PM	#8
71chevylowrider Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 1,015	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question Yes, it's a shorty, Sure, I'll try to squeeze under that thing when i get home, the back's are 10" with 305/50R/15's They don't tuck, but they sure do squeal Last edited by 71chevylowrider; 05-30-2007 at 12:12 PM.

05-30-2007, 11:56 PM	#9
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question Dirtball had one built for his truck in Greeley at Northern Colorado Driveline for $300, a little far from you but at least that gives you an idea on price. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html Last edited by powell72; 05-30-2007 at 11:57 PM.

05-31-2007, 12:20 AM	#10
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question as far as i know all the new cars have aluminum driveshafts __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

05-31-2007, 01:24 AM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question i know I replace about 5 or 6 every winter at work.

05-31-2007, 03:12 AM	#14
kbs71 71 rustless in texas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 257	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question I went to the local "Warehouse" (bone yard) and got a 4" aluminum driveshaft out of a 95 chevy 1500. It was @ 3/4" shorter than my 2 piece for my LWB. The yoke sizes were diffrent that the ones on my TH350 and 12 bolt rear so I went to a local tranny shop and they had the right u-joints for it. Cost me $65.00 for the driveshaft and @ $45.00 for the u-joints installed. I had to trim out the opening in the crossmember some. But I drove it for over 2 years before I started project "OH S&!T, look out for that Mazda truck, 20 feet in front of me" rebuild. All I ever did was regularly grease the u-joints. There still tight. __________________ "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." "No one really listens to anyone else, and if you try it for a while you'll see why" 71 C-10 LWB presently in a perpetual state of disassembly '96 Toyota (my work car) '04 Mustang Convertable (wife's car & other money pit) Latest aquesition and why my trucks still in the garage covered with junk.. 2010 Aqua Blue metallic 6 speed Manual LS3 2SS/RS Camaro (I want one of these in my truck FAQ here VENDORS here SUPPORT THE BOARD here My second favorite SITE

05-31-2007, 09:56 AM	#15
valentini Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: denver Posts: 50	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question Thanks to everyone for your replies. I ended up going with Indland Empire out of california. However, I purchased it from summit racing, they gave me a better price. Hopefully the length will not be an issue, I will try to post some more info after I get the truck up and running, very close.

05-31-2007, 03:28 PM	#16
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question in the 5 years at the shop, I have only swapped out 3 or 4 steel shafts... the alluminum ones, simply don't hold up. Now... GRANTED... thes shafts are breaking from abuse, one of our local DHL hubs is staffed with retarded idiots. They'll hit the gas in the snow, spin the tires, and as soon as they hit dry pavement, the shaft explodes... sometimes violently.

05-31-2007, 03:31 PM	#17
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question That is great to know. Thanks, Tim __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)



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05-31-2007, 05:09 PM	#18
valentini Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: denver Posts: 50	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question FYI - The reason I need to go with an alluminum dirveshaft is because of the overall length. I am converting from a two piece driveshaft to a one piece. The issue is related to the critical speed of the driveshaft, or point in which it decides to break. A normal mild steel driveshaft would tend to sag and eventually become out of balance at the length I need. The length is still wrather long for alluminum but it is supposed to hold up better. So hopefully it will work.

05-31-2007, 05:21 PM	#20
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question LongHorn? Lwb? Got pic's? __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

05-31-2007, 05:55 PM	#21
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question why not stick with the correct 2 piece shaft? It won't sag,or cost you $500

05-31-2007, 06:25 PM	#22
71chevylowrider Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 1,015	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question Hey andy? These driveshafts that keep breaking, what diameter are they? Mine looks peretty beefy, & beleive me, I abuse it on a regular basis, & soon I will be installing an Eaton posi unit, should I be worried?

05-31-2007, 09:03 PM	#24
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question the alluminum shaft can be made longer without whipping, like a steel shaft will do. This is why a steel shaft shouldn't e made over six feet long. 71lowrider... I couldn't tell you the diameter.... but they are friggen huge though....I'll guess and say 5 or 6 inches.

05-31-2007, 09:14 PM	#25
71chevylowrider Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 1,015	Re: Alluminum Driveshaft Question Thanks Andy, hey? Are you getting my PM's?

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