performance idea - aluminum driveshaft

[juma]

In Herb Adams' book, 'Chassis Engineering' I saw a reference to rotational mass. He stated that items rotating at axle speed (i.e. the tires and wheels) were roughly three times harder to accelerate than non-rotating items. In other words, removing 80 lbs by going to slicks and convo-pros was equivalent to taking 240 lbs out of the trunk of the car.

I had no trouble believinng the above statement, since you can see that for yourself by doing the math. However, he also stated that rotational mass attached to the engine was15times harder to accelerate - in other words, if you could reduce the driveshaft weight 25 pounds you gain the same performance benefit as you would removing 400 pounds from the rest of the car.

seems like an aluminum driveshaft might be a big plus for running the quarter mile or messing with those pesky short cab dodges.

I have heard this particular place is a good product/good price but have never had such a driveshaft. any thoughts?? juma

[Tony]

It looked like it was aluminum when I last checked.

[bestatchess]

4x4 has an aluminum drive shaft. Maybe 4x2 is not?

[lizardking]

Mine is aluminum.

[goathead]

4x4 is aluminum

steve

[GETSOMZ28]

Yeah, mine is aluminum. It looks like 1.5-2 times the diameter as the stock steel one (though does taper down at the U-joints)

[JetTech]

Originally Posted by bestatchess

4x4 has an aluminum drive shaft. Maybe 4x2 is not?

That's correct, the 4x2's are steel.

[juma]

hmmm....well that probably helps the 4 x4's with all the other rotating mass they have but us guys with with 4x2's might benefit from aluminum. I wonder if the 4 x 4 stocker is the same length as the the 4x2?? anyone want to switch:>0 juma

[bestatchess]

I would think that the length of 4x2 is different as no transfer case between engine and rear diff. Also, I think 4x2 has splined section at center carrier not found on 4x4.

[IMADOGMAN]

Originally Posted by bestatchess

I would think that the length of 4x2 is different as no transfer case between engine and rear diff. Also, I think 4x2 has splined section at center carrier not found on 4x4.

Driveshaft pics on this link:

Driveshaft Rusting

[juma]

yep, well looks like inland empire is the place to go for aluminum driveshafts. they are well used by the the chevy folks. usually, a drive shaft is about 400 bux from them. I'm gonna check tommorrow and see what can be done and for how much. juma

[pciley]

Also a well known drive line shop in North County SD, Oceanside Driveline, and I think the good one in Escondido is Driveline Express.
I should probably inquire as to whether they even have the tooling to fabricate an aluminum drive shaft... ahhh, how we love to void the warranty.

This makes sense to me to have an aluminum drive shaft because of Gran Turismo 3 on the PlayStation 2. You can get a "lightened" drive shaft and it makes your car faster Same situation should apply to the trucks

[Potroast]

it appears nissan hasn't learned from their days as datsun. Rust, even small amounts can turn into HUGE problems down the road. Especially since rust will spread *under* painted parts.

[GETSOMZ28]

If you are going for an aftermarket DS, you should look at a carbon fiber one if you want the lightest.

[IMADOGMAN]

Originally Posted by Potroast

it appears nissan hasn't learned from their days as datsun. Rust, even small amounts can turn into HUGE problems down the road. [SIZE=2]Especially since rust will spread *under* painted parts[/SIZE].

Even those parts that are "painted" with undercoating? You seem to contradict your other post about rust...