Notices
GM Drivetrain & Suspension Chassis | Transmission| Driveshaft | Gears/Rear End/Differential | Traction Aids

Big fat shaft

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-13-2011, 07:21 PM
  #1  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
swift700's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Big fat shaft

Hey guys, here's a picture of my rear driveshaft along with the front one. My truck has the tow package and I've been told by several guys that own similar trucks that they don't have this fat rear driveshaft:




Is it pretty common? Can it hold high horsepower? I'm wondering if I can just have it shortened for my 80E swap or whether I should fork out for a custom steel one. Anybody twisted one of these into a pretzel?

Last edited by swift700; 06-13-2011 at 07:27 PM.
Old 06-13-2011, 08:02 PM
  #2  
Moderately Differentiated
iTrader: (4)
 
dewmanshu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 27,563
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

thats the stocker shaft for a one piece. it is paper thin and full of foam. snapped, twisted, broke, you name it...we've done it. I love my 3" steel shaft. Heavy but speed balanced and solid as a rock. (put some loops on that bitch though)
Old 06-13-2011, 08:09 PM
  #3  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (15)
 
black04's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,406
Received 10 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Yeah that's a stock one.
Old 06-13-2011, 08:48 PM
  #4  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
swift700's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

That's what I kinda thought. It's going into the garbage and a steel shaft it shall be. Thanks, guys.
Old 06-13-2011, 09:52 PM
  #5  
Staging Lane
 
04SilverBullet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: LaPlace, LA
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Its not a driveshaft, its a light pole..
Old 06-14-2011, 02:43 AM
  #6  
11 Second Hall Moniter
iTrader: (22)
 
AKlowriderZ71's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 11,651
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

I don't make enough power to need more than the stock shaft.
Old 06-14-2011, 05:06 AM
  #7  
11 sec. Truck Mod
iTrader: (12)
 
TIM Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: OH IO :(
Posts: 9,736
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by dewmanshu
thats the stocker shaft for a one piece. it is paper thin and full of foam. snapped, twisted, broke, you name it...we've done it. I love my 3" steel shaft. Heavy but speed balanced and solid as a rock. (put some loops on that bitch though)
x2, same shaft i had stock.
Old 06-14-2011, 07:33 AM
  #8  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
2doorfury's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Franklin, IN
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

i run that type of aluminum driveshaft in my dually thats making 1025 ft. lbs. of trq..boost launches at the drag strip and its still kickin''...buuut. ive heard of them being weak links forsure. maybe im just lucky?
Old 06-14-2011, 08:35 AM
  #9  
12 Second Truck Club
iTrader: (13)
 
dlt76028's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Crowley, TX
Posts: 5,883
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I know the thin steel ones break all the time(mine include), but has anyone broke the stock big aluminum one? They were put on by gm instead of the steel because they're suppose tp be stronger at that length. I also read aluminum handles more tq, and steel can spin faster?


edit: on a side note, great title

Last edited by dlt76028; 06-14-2011 at 08:43 AM.
Old 06-14-2011, 02:44 PM
  #10  
11 sec. Truck Mod
iTrader: (12)
 
TIM Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: OH IO :(
Posts: 9,736
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 2doorfury
i run that type of aluminum driveshaft in my dually thats making 1025 ft. lbs. of trq..boost launches at the drag strip and its still kickin''...buuut. ive heard of them being weak links forsure. maybe im just lucky?
I thought the same thing as i too havea factory alum shaft in my Dmax, but i learned that these shafts break at high speeds, due to having a low critical speed rating. They like to twist apart at 120 mph from what reaserch ive done.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
03sierraslt
GM Engine & Exhaust Performance
14
10-09-2015 05:53 AM
LSX-81-SIERRA
FORCED INDUCTION
3
10-02-2015 07:05 AM
The_W
GM Engine & Exhaust Performance
0
10-01-2015 02:35 PM
StrokeTheLS
GM Drivetrain & Suspension
2
09-29-2015 08:33 PM



Quick Reply: Big fat shaft



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:07 PM.