any benifet to getting an aluminum drive shaft??

**BKDZ28** · 10-15-2008, 05:34 PM

Just wondering if there is any advantage to having a aluminum driveshaft over a steel . Just wondering if its worth it Hope to get it for under $100. Lel me know if theat a ok price

**0rion** · 10-15-2008, 06:32 PM

I don't know about the price but anytime you reduce mass in the drivetrain it's a good thing. Takes less power to rotate an alum. vs steel shaft. The downside is aluminum isn't as strong if you go big power down the road.

**RAWPWR3** · 10-15-2008, 07:12 PM

These cars came with alluminum driveshafts from the factory.

**Bouvers** · 10-15-2008, 07:14 PM

thats what I figured... heres a question I've recently had a friend of mine blow up a stock DS with 420rwhp... I figured they could take more then that... is this a freak incident or is this common?

**0rion** · 10-15-2008, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by RAWPWR3

These cars came with alluminum driveshafts from the factory.

not altogether true..... 2.73 cars came with steel shafts. Not sure if all of them came with steel shafts or if it was an option.

**RAWPWR3** · 10-15-2008, 07:18 PM

Did the actual drive shaft fail, or was it the u joint or the yoke? Im not really sure, i thought they could handle that, im pretty sure its 3in diameter too.

**RAWPWR3** · 10-15-2008, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by 0rion

not altogether true..... 2.73 cars came with steel shafts. Not sure if all of them came with steel shafts or if it was an option.

I didnt know that, it could have very well been an option. I thought all ls1 powered f bods came with allum. My buddies '98 z28 with an auto and 2.73's has an alluminum one.

**Benner** · 10-15-2008, 07:33 PM

It's an option as far as I know. I have a 98 M6 with a steel driveshaft from factory and a buddy of mine has a 98 m6 as well with an aluminum from the factory.

**RAWPWR3** · 10-15-2008, 07:40 PM

Well ill be dambed, i didnt know that, i thought after the lt1's, all ls1 f body's had allum drive shafts. Maybe it was an option early in the model years, ex. 98,99. My '01 auto, and my '02 m6 both have allum. Ill have to check the window sticker on my '01 and see what it says.

**WS6ICK2K** · 10-15-2008, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by 0rion

not altogether true..... 2.73 cars came with steel shafts. Not sure if all of them came with steel shafts or if it was an option.

Something I didnt know learn something new everyday.

**Benner** · 10-15-2008, 07:42 PM

Another friend has an 01 with steel as well.

**RAWPWR3** · 10-15-2008, 07:43 PM

^^ Indeed. By the way Benner, is your steel ds one or two piece? Im just curious, thanks.

**JoshieDoom** · 10-15-2008, 11:30 PM

Im pretty sure the performance axle got aluminum. My plain T/A with 3.23s does...

**ICRAZY6** · 10-16-2008, 05:53 AM

My 02 WS6 came with an aluminum ds with the 323 rear end. The ds is currently up for sale in the for sale section. Went chromoly with my fab 9.

**Benner** · 10-16-2008, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by RAWPWR3

^^ Indeed. By the way Benner, is your steel ds one or two piece? Im just curious, thanks.

IT's a 1 piece. Exact same setup as aluminum just steel. It's a direct swap.

**Alex212** · 10-16-2008, 10:29 AM

It depends on the rear option. check the option codes on the drivers door sticker if you have GU2 you got a 2.73 rear with a steel drive shaft. If it's GU5(?) you got the 3.23 rear with an Aluminum drive shaft.

**BKDZ28** · 10-16-2008, 08:19 PM

Thanks for all the info. Anyone know If the driveshaft is the same size for the M6 and Auto? My car Is a 2000 Z-28 A4 with 2.73

they suck! soon to be 3.73

**Alex212** · 10-17-2008, 06:10 AM

I got the same setup...2.73. If I'd a known better i would of made sure it had at least the 3.23 option, but did'nt think about it when i bought the car. I just keep telling myself it helps with gas mileage.

**Jays00ss** · 10-17-2008, 05:50 PM

The stock aluminum is junk. if you have any kind of cam and expect to hit the track, I would recommend a Strange 3" chromoly. I got mine with 1350 yokes and u-joints (for my 9") and it was $295 shipped and can handle 1000 HP. I am far from that but its nice knowing it can handle anything I can put at it.

Cheap insurance for what can happen if your weak stock one were to fail.