FYI FORD - MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum
The Internet's Most Knowledgeable Classic Mustang Information
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CLASSIC FORD MUSTANGS, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
MustangSteve has over 30 years of Mustang experience, having owned 30 of them and restored several others. With the help of other Mustangers, this site is dedicated to helping anyone wanting to restore or modify their Mustang.... THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS!!!!!
Visit MustangSteve's web site to view some of my work and find details for:
FYIFORD Contributors' PICTURES - Power Brake Retrofit Kits for 65-66 Stangs - Classic Mustang FAQ's by MustangSteve - How to wire in a Duraspark Ignition - Mustang Ride Height Pictures and Descriptions - Steel Bushings to fit Granada Spindles to Mustang Tie Rods - Visit my EBAY store MustangSteve Performance - How to Install Granada Disc Brakes MustangSteve's Disc Brake Swap Page - FYIFORD Acronyms for guide to all the acronyms used on this page - FYIFORD Important information and upcoming events

You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    • 1 of 1

       

    8/26/2020 3:06 PM  #1

    1fststang
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    Registered: 6/02/2013
    Posts: 419

    driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    about to get driveshaft made.

    running a currie 9+ which i wish it had come with the bigger 1350 yoke but think it was made to direct swap in to mustang so i guess i will leave it and use the 1330 joint at least its the 1.125 not the smaller.

    I have a sonnax chrome moly trans yoke with the 1350 solid u ujoint.

    thoughts on steel versus aluminum ?

    Steel is plenty strong and will cost about $350 to have made. The aluminum will be closer to $600 and already have $150 in my chrome moly yoke.  Aluminum would look awesome and save a few lbs Not sure its any stronger though.

    What would you guys recommend ?
     

     

    8/26/2020 4:22 PM  #2

    Ron68
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Mukilteo, Washington
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,583

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    I used an aluminum driveshaft from a 98 2wd Explorer. I had it shortened to fit between the yoke on my 4R70W and the 9 inch Trak-Lok rear that I have. Much cheaper than having one made.

    68 coupe - 351W, 4R70W, 9" 3.25 -- 65 convertible - 289 4v, C4, 8" 3.00
     

    8/26/2020 4:56 PM  #3

    Rudi
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 3,976

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    1fststang wrote:

    about to get driveshaft made.

    running a currie 9+ which i wish it had come with the bigger 1350 yoke but think it was made to direct swap in to mustang so i guess i will leave it and use the 1330 joint at least its the 1.125 not the smaller.

    I have a sonnax chrome moly trans yoke with the 1350 solid u ujoint.

    thoughts on steel versus aluminum ?

    Steel is plenty strong and will cost about $350 to have made. The aluminum will be closer to $600 and already have $150 in my chrome moly yoke.  Aluminum would look awesome and save a few lbs Not sure its any stronger though.

    What would you guys recommend ?
     

     
    It might look awesome but you are probably the only one who sees it, you will have to decide  if that’s worth $250

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    8/26/2020 5:33 PM  #4

    Bentworker
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    Registered: 9/17/2017
    Posts: 472

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    Pounds add up.  I went aluminum- with Sonnax parts.  I don’t think you can make a wrong choice though.

     

    8/26/2020 6:34 PM  #5

    rpm
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,664

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    My 2wd Explorer shaft has held up fine with 393 cubes.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    8/26/2020 7:50 PM  #6

    1fststang
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    Registered: 6/02/2013
    Posts: 419

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    I have hear of a few people using explorer driveshafts with good luck.  Thought about checking in to it.

    I'm running some big power but only a 275 tire on rear so not a ton of traction

       •Thread Starter
     

    8/26/2020 8:39 PM  #7

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,267

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    I broke my aluminum shaft.  Went back to steel.  Can’t tell the difference from inside the car.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    8/26/2020 8:50 PM  #8

    BILLY WALTON from GEORGIA
    Carrollton, GA Bash Host

    Offline

    From: CARROLLTON GEORGIA
    Registered: 4/14/2013
    Posts: 2,431

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    AS FAR AS I CAN TELL I HAVE THE ORIGINAL SHAFT IN MINE.

    Its really me....I fixed my caps lock .
     

    8/27/2020 4:50 AM  #9

    TKOPerformance
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,504

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    Over the years I've researched this pretty thoroughly.  In terms of a performance advantage its going to be too small to notice. 

    Aluminum, at least in theory, has a higher critical speed than steel and should damp vibrations better.  That has not been my experience ion practice though.  I've replaced factory aluminum shafts with steel a couple times and the vehicle had less vibration after the swap.  Possibly the factory shaft balance was off due to age, etc.

    I have a good local shop that builds driveshafts, but they only work with steel, so every shaft I've had made locally has always been steel and I've always been quite happy with them.  I think in the end, like most things, it comes down to the guy making the shaft, not the material. 

     

    8/27/2020 6:41 AM  #10

    kardad
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    From: Lexington Ky
    Registered: 12/03/2019
    Posts: 305

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    I too have an Explorer aluminum shaft that I grabbed when I picked the Rear end. I had it cut and rebalanced and seems to be fine. But I do have a vibration at 90 mph plus. Aluminum will be bigger diameter, typically not an issue but could impact exhaust routing. If I ever do something different I will go back to steel.

     

    8/27/2020 7:03 AM  #11

    DC
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Marshall, MI
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,251

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    I ended up with steel because the aluminum design was so big and took room I needed for exhaust so I could lower the car more.

     

    8/27/2020 7:59 AM  #12

    Rudi
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 3,976

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    I wonder how much carbon fibre ones cost, prolly need a second mortgage.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    8/28/2020 12:26 AM  #13

    rpm
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,664

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    Rudi wrote:

    I wonder how much carbon fibre ones cost, prolly need a second mortgage.

    Pretty sure they start at a grand for street car length. But not even MS could break one.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    8/28/2020 5:23 AM  #14

    TKOPerformance
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,504

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    Bearing Bob wrote:

    Rudi wrote:

    I wonder how much carbon fibre ones cost, prolly need a second mortgage.

    Pretty sure they start at a grand for street car length. But not even MS could break one.

    Yep, a grand is entry level.  Really the only reason to run one is ultra competitive racing, not so much for power, but because when they fail they disintegrate, unlike a metal shaft that does all kinds of damage and could potentially kill you. 
     

     

    8/28/2020 9:34 AM  #15

    1fststang
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    Registered: 6/02/2013
    Posts: 419

    Re: driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    well finally pulled the trigger on my driveshaft.

    having a new one mad in steel using my chrome moly trans yoke.

    ultimately strength is what is most important to me and the fact it's considerably cheaper is a plus.

    local shop putting it together and they give a lifetime warranty

    using Spicer solid/non-greaasable ujoints for strengh.

       •Thread Starter
     

     

    1 of 1

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  »  driveshaft aluminum versus steel

    • Board footera


    REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this forum, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.