Aluminum Driveshafts: Anyone interested???

[DavidRam]

I had a feeling that this thread might have existed already, but for the life of me, I couldn't find it. Maybe it's just deja vu...

Does anyone have one?? Does anyone know of a off-the-shelf source for these??

I have found these two places so far, and both do custom:

SoCal - Driveline Parts: SFI Foundation, Driveshaft, Yoke, Universal Joint, Custom Driveshaft

Texas - Driveshaft Specialist Inc

 

[HLram]

Is there a noticeable performance increase from the aluminum shafts? I wonder how much lighter they actually are? Durability probably wouldn't be an issue if they can put them in diesel trucks. Lots more weight to move and a whole lot more torque so they are probably strong enough. I just wonder about the price vs performance.........

 

[DavidRam]

Would a 20% reduction in rotational mass be worth the cost of a custom aluminum driveshaft??

I wouldn't know the rotating mass on our driveshafts, but I am reading approx 25lbs less than the same size steel (but I don't remember the exact lenght I was reading about, damn it)...

Here I go again, in territory completely unknown to me.

 

[HLram]

How much actual weight is the 20% I am wondering. A driveshaft doesn't weigh that much. I would love to see a before and after test. Therefore we vote you, David, to purchase and test a custom aluminum driveshaft for your truck and then report the changes..........I would think my truck would benefit more from one than your regular cab. Longer driveshaft = more weight loss?

 

[DavidRam]

How much actual weight is the 20% I am wondering. A driveshaft doesn't weigh that much. I would love to see a before and after test. Therefore we vote you, David, to purchase and test a custom aluminum driveshaft for your truck and then report the changes..........I would think my truck would benefit more from one than your regular cab. Longer driveshaft = more weight loss?

So you are assuming your shaft is longer than mine?!

Thanks for the vote, but I was trying to inconspicuously get a group buy together for custom aluminum driveshafts, lol!!!

 

[HLram]

Lmao I actually thought about that comment while I was typing. I said to myself "self, he is gonna take this the wrong way" but my ******** wrote it anyway. Good luck with your group buy. lol.

 

[DavidRam]

Lmao I actually thought about that comment while I was typing. I said to myself "self, he is gonna take this the wrong way" but my ******** wrote it anyway. Good luck with your group buy. lol.

Did you notice how I high lighted the 3 words in your quote to make it look more legit?! LOL!

 

[doz]

Depending upon price, may be interested.

 

[loveracing1988]

Gm has been using aluminum driveshafts for years. So has ford, I'm surprised ram doesn't have one yet.

 

[TylerB]

http://www.ramforum.com/showthread.php?t=51853

 

[RLJ10X]

I have an aluminum driveshaft in my V6 Mustang. The stock driveshafts in those cars are crap. The alum driveshaft is still lighter yet much stronger than the flimsy stock unit. The alum shaft also transfers less vibration. Some guys said they're also prone to transferring more noise, but I've never noticed that trait. It gives the car a very classy, business like appearance, if you're into crawling under cars....

The GT Mustangs, with the V8s got a much heavier driveshaft. The weight difference there, is 20 pounds or so.

If you're after the last tenth or hundredth of a second in the quarter mile, and have $650 or more burning a hole in your pocket, go for it.

 

[charonblk07]

How much actual weight is the 20% I am wondering. A driveshaft doesn't weigh that much. I would love to see a before and after test. Therefore we vote you, David, to purchase and test a custom aluminum driveshaft for your truck and then report the changes..........I would think my truck would benefit more from one than your regular cab. Longer driveshaft = more weight loss?

You save about 7-10lb over the steel one depending on cab/box length. Doesn't sound like much but when you consider a 1lb rotational mass reduction is equivalent to a 7lb overall mass drop you'll see how it adds up quickly. The aluminum d-shaft I'm getting is expected to be 30% lighter over the stock steel and using spicer joints and they're going to look at a front shaft too but we're not sure if that one's possible yet.

And David should realize and have accepted by now that most of ours are bigger than his.

 

[BlkXpress]

Depending on price and weight saved I might be in.

 

[BlownGP]

Electric water pump, UD pulley, and electric power steering install - DODGE RAM FORUM - Dodge Truck Forums

Yeah, I was going post. That's the only person I know that's done one.

If there like other Aluminum driveshafts. Could be $400+
http://www.dennysdriveshaft.com/c3_aluminum_6061_t6_driveshafts.html

It's one of those things that no everybody needs. You want to get every last bit of HP, speed, weight reduction from your ride. Then yes you need one.

 

[DavidRam]

And David should realize and have accepted by now that most of ours are bigger than his.

.

Lmao!

Thanks for all the replies!!!

 

[DavidRam]

I emailed both the SoCal and TX driveshaft mfgs and requested more info...

I definitely need help with figuring our parts and sizes... I hope greychevy and others can help with this.

Also, I want to add the length that I pulled the slip yoke out to centered the axle, when I lowered it.

 

[BlownGP]

Also, I want to add the length that I pulled the slip yoke out to centered the axle, when I lowered it.

Poor guy.. Thet make stuff for that

 

[DavidRam]

Poor guy.. Thet make stuff for that

Hahahahaaaaa! THIS THREAD IS ABOUT A DRIVESHAFT, NOT MY "SHAFT"!!!

I am NOT having any problems with the length, width or weight of my personal shaft. It's my DRIVEshaft I am concerned with... Lmao!

 

[bskl76]

Aluminum driveshaft

Hey David, count me in on aluminum driveshaft.

 

[lonewolf2873]

Get prices/options?