Drive shafts - aluminum or stock replacement

[Crzypny]

Had a bad vibration which seems to be drivetrain related. Not as noticeable now at lower rpms since the harmonic balancer, motor mounts, and "u" joints have been replaced. Guess at this point then next plan of action is to replace the drive shaft. Would like some input on whether to go with the aluminum or stock replacement.

[Craig K.]

Could you just have your balanced since you already replaced the u-joints :shrug:

[93Cobra#2771]

If you don't get it balanced, then I'd go aluminum...

[natedawgg94]

i would go with alum.

[1sicklx]

... frpp aluminum driveshaft. ;)

[Italian LX]

... ffrp aluminum driveshaft. ;)
I would go with the FRPP instead. :jester:

[QWKSNKE]

Aluminum unless cost is a factor right now. It maybe that you need u-joints in your OEM driveshaft

[Italian LX]

It maybe that you need u-joints in your OEM driveshaft
She said they have already been replaced. :slap:

[QWKSNKE]

oops. :D

[1sicklx]

I would go with the FRPP instead. :jester: i don't spel so guud

[QWKSNKE]

i don't spel so guud


:lol:

[coupe]

If the FRPP was still cheap...I'd say do it. But it's pricey now. A stocker that's balanced right is just as good. They only twist up if you have really big power or there's a kink/gash in it somewhere. I've seen some sick-fast cars with steel DS's.

[1sicklx]

... For the money you spend balancing a stocker just get the Aluminum. Less rotational mass.....strength isn't the issue. Anyone who has ever installed one knows the benefits and can feel it. It will eliminate vibrations you didn't even realize you had and it's a known scientific fact that less rotational weight means more power realized at the rear wheels...granted we are not talking a huge gain but every little bit helps. ;)

[Craig K.]

I had my stock d.s. balanced and new u-joints installed for about $50, grant it this was a few years ago.

If cost is no factor, sure get the aluminum one.

If cost is somewhat of a factor, you owe it to yourself to find out how much a balance job on the stocker would be.

Also after a good balance job to the stocker, compared to the al, I don't think either one will be better for eliminating more vibrations than the other.
On mine I had seen speeds regularly of 150+ (5200 RPM in 5th gear) and had very little vibrations.

[Shorty]

I had my stock d.s. balanced and new u-joints installed for about $50, grant it this was a few years ago.

i think the u-joints will cost you more than that. :shrug:

[Craig K.]

i think the u-joints will cost you more than that. :shrug:

Read his first post, he has already replaced the U-Joints

[Shorty]

Read his first post, he has already replaced the U-Joints


:yup: but you said.

I had my stock d.s. balanced and new u-joints installed for about $50, grant it this was a few years ago.

of course you didnt mention if this was parts price included or just labor. just trying understand if i am clear on what you are saying. i will have to make this same decision in the near future. also where is closets place to have this done. i know there is not anywhere here in Gadsden area.

[qkjuicedpony]

Read his first post, he has already replaced the U-Joints




that would be SHE.... :jester:

[Crzypny]

that would be SHE.... :jester:

Thanks for clearing that up for me cupcake. ;)
:poke:

When I changed the "u"s noticed that 2 of the 4 bolts where the driveshaft meets the rear end were half way backed out - guess you can expect that with an old pony.

[slvrbullit]

... For the money you spend balancing a stocker just get the Aluminum. Less rotational mass.....strength isn't the issue. Anyone who has ever installed one knows the benefits and can feel it. It will eliminate vibrations you didn't even realize you had and it's a known scientific fact that less rotational weight means more power realized at the rear wheels...granted we are not talking a huge gain but every little bit helps. ;)


I have proof that I lost 5ftlbs of torque on the dyno when I went from a steel one to an Al. one. So all that gain in hp and tq is just a sales gimic in my book.

[Craig K.]

When I changed the "u"s noticed that 2 of the 4 bolts where the driveshaft meets the rear end were half way backed out - guess you can expect that with an old pony.

Make sure you use a Loc-Tite product on these bolts, I would think blue should work fine.


Shorty - I had installed the joints myself, the price was for the joints and the balance, but as I had said it was a few years ago, about'95-'98.

I do not know if there are any shaft balancer's in this area. When I had my work done it was in the Chicago suburbs.

[Crzypny]

I do not know if there are any shaft balancer's in this area. When I had my work done it was in the Chicago suburbs.


Anyone know a place locally?

[Shankin]

I havre dynoed both on the same car and had no change at all. I do prefer the aluminum just for the cool factor. Also check the amount of play you have at the tailshaft of the trans. The bushing can be worn causing a vibe also.

[Shorty]

Shorty - I had installed the joints myself, the price was for the joints and the balance, but as I had said it was a few years ago, about'95-'98.

:nice: yeah i was just saying that with as high as stuff is now the u-joints alone would be that high.

[qkjuicedpony]

good u joints are about 20 bucks each

[coupe]

Balance driveshafts at a place called "Birmingham Spring" (I think that's it.) They're downtown somewhere near 4th South...pretty close to UAB. I think it's under $100 for a shorten/balance job.

[Crzypny]

Balance driveshafts at a place called "Birmingham Spring" (I think that's it.) They're downtown somewhere near 4th South...pretty close to UAB. I think it's under $100 for a shorten/balance job.

Thanks Matt.

Took my driveshaft out this morning and took it down to Birmingham Spring. I was told it was so bad out of balance it jumped up and down on the machine. He also found a dent in it, pulled it out and added the proper weight to balance it out. Got home, reinstalled and took him for a test drive. My problem seems to be solved. :metal:


Normally charge $40 for balancing, but I didn't have to pay a dime. Guess these baby blues come in handy. :D

[Italian LX]

That is awsome. Glad it worked out for you. :nice:

[TheJeanyus]

:nice:

[mustang1549]

Normally charge $40 for balancing, but I didn't have to pay a dime. Guess these baby blues come in handy. :D

or you flashed them :poke:

[93Cobra#2771]

Cool (the flashing part, that is) :rofl:

[Crzypny]

or you flashed them :poke:

No Chad, believe it or not I was FULLY clothed from head to toe - My mommy would be proud of me. ;)

[mustang1549]

No Chad, believe it or not I was FULLY clothed from head to toe - My mommy would be proud of me. ;)


yeah right. :bs:



:jester:

[SVOChic]

Glad to hear it worked out good for ya! I bet it's nice to be back on the road again!

[M1Speed]

:nice: Glad you got it fix

[1sicklx]

good job :nice:

[95whitevenom]

I got my AL FRPP put in several months back cause of bad u-joints in the stocker and i was very pleased. Plus that things looks sharp as hell when looking under the car.

[93Cobra#2771]

Especially if you polish it... :D