Lets talk drive shafts
 

I'm thinking of replacing my steel drive shaft and I'm interested in an aluminum shaft. My car has a long shaft 57" tell me about your experience with aluminum or other material drive shafts. Are there any negatives to running one (I don't want to replace it every couple years) welded vs bonded? What company have you dealt with good or bad. Thanks for your feedback.

Re: Lets talk drive shafts
 

Robbie , I would not put a aluminum shaft that long in a car as heavy as yours with a trans brake .
You would need to go to a 4" diameter shaft for one that long.
I'd recommend a 3 1/2" chromemoly shaft for a car like yours
The performance benefits of the aluminum shaft on Super class cars are minimal compared to cost and longevity.

Re: Lets talk drive shafts
 

I think my g body is 52 long maybe 54 long. It's a mark Williams 3.5. Hundreds of passes with small and big block. Small tire and big tire with no problems.
I removed 14 lbs from drive shaft and rotating in rear end and zero et gain.

Re: Lets talk drive shafts
 

Tom, and Jeff thanks for responding, I talked to a rep from PST and with the data I gave him he recommend and aluminum 4". He said with the Leigh and diameter of my drive shaft the critical mass was at 5500 RPM. I've been dealing with a vibration around that RPM for a while. I've replaced the yoke new joints and rebalanced the drive shaft and its still there. I think he said and aluminum 4" diameter that long critical mass would be 7700 RPM. I don't know if he was just blowing smoke up my butt or not.

Re: Lets talk drive shafts
 

I bought a MW aluminum shaft when they used to pay contingency it is 3.5 or 4" can't recall but it is bonded, with their yoke, been in car over 15 years now. I kept the steel one I made as a spare. I remember that it was no gain whatsoever. but if you have a vibration now, what is there to loose? Maybe some $ but you will have a spare!

Re: Lets talk drive shafts
 

Keith I know someone else the runs a Mark Williams shaft. He asked about sending it back to be inspected and they said it was not necessary just change the joints. But his and I'm sure yours aren't 57" long? Anyone else with a similar leigh shaft.

Re: Lets talk drive shafts
 

Running a MW masterline aluminum 4" shaft in stick car that runs low-mid 11s. No problems over about 5-6 years. (Welded ends, MW yoke for Jerico). 56.5" cl to cl of u-joints.

Re: Lets talk drive shafts
 

I have a long shaft in my 70 chevelle. Forgot the exact length but its an aluminium 4 inch mark williams shaft ive ran since 05 woth zero issues

Re: Lets talk drive shafts
 

gnicholson, is your drive shaft welded or bonded?

Re: Lets talk drive shafts
 

Its welded