PDA

View Full Version : Three inch driveshaft.. am I limited to steel?


Steve1968LS2
10-12-2009, 02:58 PM
So if you're running a 3.5-inch driveshaft in aluminum, but need to move to a 3-inch diameter one are you limited to steel which is so much heavier?

I would think CF would be large like 3.5" --- any other options?
Bryce
10-12-2009, 05:06 PM
inland empire driveline has a 3" aluminum driveshaft. At least when i was looking about 3 months ago i thought i saw that option.
dj3
10-12-2009, 05:57 PM
inland empire driveline has a 3" aluminum driveshaft. At least when i was looking about 3 months ago i thought i saw that option.

Yep, using a 3" from Inland with 600HP and TKO 600.
Steve1968LS2
10-12-2009, 06:22 PM
inland empire driveline has a 3" aluminum driveshaft. At least when i was looking about 3 months ago i thought i saw that option.

They do in regular old steel.. I was wondering if there were any other options to save weight.

For example, it would be nice if someone made a 3-inch alum unit with a thicker wall. I know diameter affect maximum rotational speed, but still.

I just hate to add the weight, but I may need the clearance.
Bryce
10-12-2009, 06:49 PM
Steve,

This is a aluminum driveshaft witha 3" diameter. It uses a 1310 u-joint. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/IED-CF8200/

hope this helps.
Steve1968LS2
10-12-2009, 07:03 PM
Steve,

This is a aluminum driveshaft witha 3" diameter. It uses a 1310 u-joint. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/IED-CF8200/

hope this helps.

not strong enough.. needs to run a 1350 U-joint.. well, at least it would make me feel better.

Just wondering if Im missing some sort of material.. I've seen Chro-Moly but I don't think it weighs less.
dj3
10-12-2009, 07:07 PM
not strong enough.. needs to run a 1350 U-joint.. well, at least it would make me feel better.

Just wondering if Im missing some sort of material.. I've seen Chro-Moly but I don't think it weighs less.


Call Inland, I actually have a 3" aluminum driveshaft from Inland with 1350 joints.

dj
Larry Callahan
10-12-2009, 08:57 PM
Can you get away with 3-1/2"? That's what I bought from Inland in aluminum.
John Wright
10-13-2009, 03:36 AM
Steve, I'd call them...it looks like they do custom shafts out of just about any material you want for high powered cars.

I love to visit the site just to hear and see that lil gal on their homepage talk to me about their products...LOL
Steve1968LS2
10-13-2009, 06:55 AM
Can you get away with 3-1/2"? That's what I bought from Inland in aluminum.

That's what I have...

The problem is that he car has more travel now and the driveshaft just touches the cross brace, which runs through the tunnel, for the front mount of the upper three link.

On option is a smaller diameter DS, but I hate moving to good old mild steel.

I'm in the research stage.
Steve1968LS2
10-13-2009, 06:56 AM
Call Inland, I actually have a 3" aluminum driveshaft from Inland with 1350 joints.

dj

Hmm.. the guy there didn't mention that the other day. I wonder if it's because it doesn't support my HP output.

Thanks though, I will look into that.
avewhtboy
10-13-2009, 07:10 AM
What about Carbon fiber drive shaft, seems fitting for your car. Looks like you can get them in 3 1/4 inch.
Vegas69
10-13-2009, 07:24 AM
Is it feasible to notch the cross brace instead?
gkring
10-13-2009, 07:48 AM
My 3.5 carbon fiber shaft only weighed a pound less than my double wall steel 3 inch shaft. Got mine through Mark Williams. If it's only a half inch from touch to no touch I would think you would want more of a safety margin than that. I would much rather have a steel shaft if there was any chance of it accidentally hitting anything than a carbon fiber one. The steel one may dent and cause vibration whereas the carbon fiber one could come apart. At least the CF ones come apart in a very safe manner.
parsonsj
10-13-2009, 08:08 AM
My 3" steel shaft is 4130. 4130 isn't lighter than the same-sized mild steel, but you can use less of it (thinner wall) so it is usually lighter.

The guys at Mark Williams took me through all this.

jp
Bryce
10-13-2009, 08:58 AM
just to give you an idea on strength.

Im running a 1310 u-joint in a 65 mustang drag car with a 4.86 spool and 10.5 slicks. The motor makes ~550hp and ~500 torque. no issues. thats with a manual trans launching at 5000rpm.

i know you cant change your setup now, but something to consider.

circle track guys run 1310 for the reduction in rotational mass.
Jim Nilsen
12-18-2009, 06:50 PM
Steve, I'd call them...it looks like they do custom shafts out of just about any material you want for high powered cars.

I love to visit the site just to hear and see that lil gal on their homepage talk to me about their products...LOL

Keep your mind on one driveshaft at a time,lol.