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High Horsepower(1000+) - LONG Driveshaft - What do you use

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Old 06-14-2018, 11:36 AM
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Default High Horsepower(1000+) - LONG Driveshaft - What do you use

I can use search and find a lot of threads on either this site, or ls1tech.com regarding driveshafts.

I also see lots of threads where "Aluminum is evil" for high HP, or "Aluminum is the only way to go"


So, Instead of discussing what you THINK is the best option, I want to hear from your experiences, and what is working from you.

I would rather not hear from the low HP guys(600 or less), or from guys who have a short driveshaft, due to AWD, or short bed truck, etc.


I am interested to hear from the guys, who have a 68" + Driveshaft, pushing 800+ hp at the crank.



After calling around and talking to a few shops,

One shop locally will build a 3.5" steel driveshaft, with chrome moly yokes for 600$.

I spoke to Daemon @ Performance Driveline for a bit, and we discussed a 4" aluminum driveshaft, with billet yoke for around the same pricepoint.


From talking with vendors and other companies who build driveshaft, I am currently leaning towards the 4" aluminum option.


My situation:
1. 800+ RWHP(Turbo).
2. Long driveshaft, 68" +, 2wd long bed truck.
3. 4500-5,000 lbs.
4. It will be shoved down the strip one day, with a set of large, sticky tires.

But, I want to hear from you guys, who have been there and done it.
Old 06-14-2018, 04:32 PM
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I would go 5" alum or 4" steel. Nothing less. You need to think about critical speed as well as how much twist it'll take. Also make every angle as ideal as you can.

Driveshaft Critical Speed
Old 06-14-2018, 05:57 PM
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Your only option is a steel 2 pc 3.5" shaft with solid spicer joints. It won't be cheap but it will be indestructible
Old 06-15-2018, 08:40 AM
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My driveshaft isn't as long as yours, but I had Denny's build my front and rear shafts for my RCSB S484 370 truck. In 2wd it puts all the power through the back and hasn't missed a beat.

I'd call them and tell them what you've got, they're good guys, they know what they're doing, and they build quality stuff.
Old 06-16-2018, 07:57 AM
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I believe my driveshaft was just over 70".
I run a 5" aluminum from drive shaft specialists out of Texas.
with my heavy *** truck, slicks and nitrous it has held up just fine.
the main concern is critical speed not so much hp.
Old 06-16-2018, 08:22 AM
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I second that, I had a 70"ish 5" aluminum shaft from DSS in texas. No complaints and worked great.

Here is a comparison of a 5" shaft, 4", and stock front shaft, I think 2.5"
Old 06-16-2018, 03:10 PM
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Not a very long shaft on my truck, but I run over 800ft. Lbs to the tires with sticky meats(4520 race weight with driver) I have a DSS shaft as well with billet yoke and solid spicer joints. Hasn’t let me down yet......... my shaft is 4” dia. Aluminum. I had a 5” under the truck and I’m lowered 2/5 and the shaft would come into contact with the furthest most frame cross brace infront of the axle yoke when the suspension cycled....FWIW

Last edited by MrHorsepowerLSx; 06-16-2018 at 03:17 PM.
Old 06-16-2018, 08:09 PM
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My excab ds was 86".

I don't see aluminum as viable at these lengths.
Old 06-17-2018, 09:13 AM
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just asking. why you not looking into a 2 piece? i feel that it would probably be easier and better to handle the long length and high speed with out having to be a big drainage pipe.

Last edited by bobfig; 06-17-2018 at 10:25 AM.
Old 06-19-2018, 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by bobfig
just asking. why you not looking into a 2 piece? i feel that it would probably be easier and better to handle the long length and high speed with out having to be a big drainage pipe.

I may have to.

I have just heard from lots of people having issues with 2-piece setups, with a lot of power.


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