Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Hi,
Has anyone had a single piece aluminum driveshaft made for there car in a 6 speed or auto?
Get ride of the flex discs and the carrier bearing and less rotational weight.
Change out the flex discs and install aluminum plate to mount driveshaft yolk and u joints on transmission and rearend.
TY
Speedy

Has anyone had a driveshaft made ?

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Does anyone have a companion flange or 3 arm prop lying around?
I found some ideas I am working with.

1 is I think I might have found a new companion flange that can have common bolt on yoke.

2 is taking companion flange completly off and bolt on a common yoke, but will have to cut off the pilots

3 is custom made yokes front and rear and will not have to cut off the pilots, $125-$140 if they can modify one of there shelf, $170 - $180 If made from scratch and will be direct bolt on, using our normal seals.

4 is solid aluminum bolt on 3 bolt flange, that will be a direct bolt on our companion flanges.

and can have a single aluminum driveshaft cut down and reballanced.
have options for that also.
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been working with another senior member on some measurements, but at the point i need a spare flange in my hand.

TY
Speedy

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

as we spoke about last week, I love the idea, but decided to stay stock, being i with my V8
I have way more torque than the V6 and i feel i need a little give in my drive line , and being i have over 400 runs with a stock driveshaft without a failure, with what i and you found we could make a steel one piece drive shaft for under $500.00 maybe under $300.00,, two ways, 1. a yoke with a 30 spline and 2 1/2 " tall u joint. https://www.carid.com/replacement-driveshaft-yokes.html,,,,,, 2. the companion flange

https://www.googleadservices.com/pag...9aACCD4&adurl=
hope you get it all sorted out jim

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Found bolt on carbon fiber driveshaft with cv joints that bolt on the 3 bolt companion flanges we have now that is rated for 1,000 hp and say it will increase 60' times.
as I was telling you having a solid driveline instead of the flex discs.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

that is great post a pic of it and the cost, you never know i might get one. thanks jim

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Over $1,000

When I find a 3 arm prop to take with me, get measurements and to take with me to match up to other options will makes things easier.
went to a salvage yard after work yesterday looking for a 3.5" aluminum driveshaft with slip, without luck :( bad problem with forklifts tearing up driveshafts, especially the aluminum ones.
most common would be from a 01-11 ranger supercab, 4x4 with manual transmission.
and when I have a prop in my hand, the vechile's I believe we could use parts from, like a ford 8.8 pinion yoke, to take the yoke off check measurements and see if the prop will slide on, and if it fits good then more options for cheap off the shelf parts or if someone wants to do the work, go to a salvage yard to get parts and get done cheap.

found a listing on ebay that crossreference the mopar numerous for prop and says crossfire, charger, 300, and acouple others all use the same prop.
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and want to double check our pinion and output shaft on manual and auto all have same spline and use the same props, companion flange, driveshaft flange etc.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

For a single driveshaft, the heat shield over rear cats needs to be removed, would be over my mf muffler, the linkage plate for the nsg370 slight modification which would be minor, and acouple small things for a 3.5" aluminum shaft, for a 4" shaft would have to cut off the mounting for the carrier bearing, a 3.5" is close but should work.
explorer sport trac (I believe) and a 4" aluminum with a slip but the 3.5 from even a isuzu axiom can be cut down, but like with a ranger, the more common the easier to find and cheaper.
if we can use the pinion flange from a ford 8.8, then would be easy to get the aluminum shaft and cut down and reballanced, change out props on front and rear with the pinion flanges and would have the yokes that come with it, then would have cheap single piece aluminum driveshaft with 1330 joints.
I am trying to find yokes to switch out props to yokes, and leave pilots on, to have less parts.
well I found some but trying to find some that are less than $180 apiece.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Can a few people help me please.
Help cross reference atleast some part numbers???
From what I have found on acouple sites says the crossfire, charger, 300, and acouple others all use the same 3 arm prop.
Help me double check please with pics and part numbers, counting splines and atleast seeing if the look the same.
And if you find some good pics and post here of the prop for crossfire and from other vechicles and any info you find please.
I have been crawling under vechicles in salvage yards for past 3 days looking at and measuring driveshafts, and if the pinion flange from charger or 300 etc ss the same then I can take one off and be checking and test fitting on acouple other rearends that I am thinking about.
Have a good bead on some aluminum driveshafts with slips that is common and with standars1310 joints with is plenty, if on a modded srt and wants this setup, I would suggest paying more to get stronger 1310 joints, or building from scratch using 1330 or best 1350 joints, but the 1310 is stronger than what we have now anyway.
And with the many vechicles I have crawled under, I might have a idea for a steel shaft that is the right length.
But need some help with info on flanges, making sure manual, auto and pinion on our Crossfires are the same and if the part numbers cross reference and the same on other chrysler or dodges etc.

Than You
Speedy
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Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

I have found contradicting info some say we have 29 spline, some say 30 spline.
Need to know which we have, and if both ends are the same, or is one a 29 and other a 30?
Do not particularly want my car down atm striping it.
Next week may be the last chance I have for awhile to be able to go to a salvage yard and test parts.
And monday is my best time to go, will have more time.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

I am surprised that I am the only one that wants to do this????????????

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Well, going to start tearing into my car this morning, was hoping to find a companion flange for our crossfire so I could use to measure and compare or have something to reference as I make something.
A extra $66 a week in gas driving my truck than my crossfire

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Front and rear props are different, atleast on the nsg370, could be the same on the auto, idk.
Have a few ideas, well more than a few.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Picked up a aluminum driveshaft, and some other parts to test, trying to get time to go to a machine shop and getting some flange adapter plates.
Going to pickup a 3" steel shaft also that I believe is the right length and will not need cut down.
Last weekend I cut down a piece of 3" pvc and did a test fit, and believe a 3" driveshaft will not need any modifications the 4" aluminum will need acouple brackets modified, will find out.
But think with just 2 adapter plates made a oem driveahaft with slip will bolt in, and can single it and have a full service able driveshaft cheap.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

And if everything is right can have a 3.5" aluminum driveshaft with slip, adapter plates in aluminum for around $800, and is good for 700 hp.
With the weight savings and adding more power to the wheels with less power loss, increase 60' and take 2 tenths off 1/4

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Talked with a machine shop that will do both adapter plates shipped for $315, 5 day to get made and priority shipped.
Then with the adapters and flange yokes might be able for a 05 -09 mustang driveshaft to be a bolt on.
Have my 4" aluminum, and picking up a 3" mustang driveshaft this evening if I can have the time, and can check the lengths and test fit.

Still need to weigh stock driveshafts.

How much have you spent to have your oem shafts rebuild with new flex discs, center carrier bearing and u joint ???

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Got a place to make the plates for $130 and cut down and reballance aluminum driveshaft for $80
$28 for aluminum driveshaft with slip, $14 apiece for new u joints, need to get new bolts still.

Lighter, rebuild able and cheaper than rebuilding oem

Anyone else want plates while he has the program?

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Have my aluminum driveshaft, and new yokes.
Going to get driveshaft cut down and reballanced next week, just waiting on my adapter plates, if they do not get here soon, I will make my own, I have some 5 3/8 x 1 lathe stock, just time is my problem and trying to find someone that can make them at a descent price if anyone else wants to.

Here is some of the info for adapters


I purchased 2 more flange yokes.
Part number 2-2-329
SPECS:

1.375" = CENTERLINE OF UJ TO FLAT OF FLANGE FACE
2.375" = MALE PILOT DIAMETER
3.875" = FLANGE SWING DIAMETER
.375" = BOLT HOLE DIAMETER
3 1/8" = BOLT HOLE CIRCLE DIAMETER

The other set of flange yokes I have, measured with calipers, would like to use but if you can not get the timing correct for bolt holes, than would use the other pair. Ty

64.99 male pilot
95mm bolt circle diameter
10mm bolts
Would prefer to use but believe timing the 4 bolt over the 3 bolt will have the holes to close together

3 arm props measured with calipers
100mm bolt circle diameter
12mm bolt holes
16mm pilot .6300"

A 5" x 1" aluminum
With a .6320 pilot all the way through, .0020" larger to fit
3 12mm bolt holes in a 100mm bolt circle diameter, with 18mm recess 12mm deep for cap bolts
So the flange yoke will sit over top of the flange yoke
The 4 bolt holes for the flange yoke need to be threaded

Of course I have lots of pics, I can post if anyone wants I can post.

O and new driveshaft is stronger and lighter and alot higher critical mass.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

I do not know if you can but plugging the holes with tight plugs and tack welding them in place would be an option. Alternatively threaded plugs staked in position is another option. You are just building up side strength. If the holes touch then the welding method is the option, but the weld would be deeper and all around. Both options would be flush.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

I want to see your pics. I've been following along ,since you started this thread. Im sorry, I didn't have anything of substance ,to add to your quest; I am interested .... :)

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Which holes are you talking about?
With the 2 different flange yokes?

I was planning on doing everything out of aluminum but the bolts.
If I did the plates in steel, the easiest way would be to weld a pinion yoke on 5x3/8 steel, and drill pilot and 3 bolt holes and done.
The pic is a reference what plates will look like, the large recess is for the male pilot flange, and the 6 recessed holes are 2 different 3 bolt patterns, recessed cap bolts So flush so flange has the room, and the threaded holes for the flange yoke.
These adapters are for bmw, lexus and toyota, but I could not get any dimensions of them from anyone, emailed a few companies that sold them and could not get a awanser, and several emails to the company that makes them, but he would not just give me awanser dimensions, but he said he would make for me for $320, hahahaha ahhh no, they sell there others for $99 that have more work, granted it is already on program on cnc but still, I would rather do myself.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

I have 2 different aluminum driveshafts I picked up that would work, 1 is better than the other, which I am going with, but the other, can be done without having to go to a driveshaft shop and cut and reballance

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

I measured the centers of the props and believe I found 2 pinion yokes that would fit perfectly, on manual transmission, the output shaft prop and pinion prop has 2 different centers.
BUT with 5"x3/8" steel drill the 3 12mm bolt holes, then cut out center so the pinion yoke would slide through and weld in place, when bolted on prop it would use the center bore instead of the pilot for the perfect alignment.

I cut a piece of 3" pvc pipe and put in place checking clearance, a 3" driveshaft would not have any modifications, a 3.5" has 1 bracket to modify, with the 4" I am going with has alittle more, but will be nice when it is done.
If we could modify a slip yoke to go in transmission, would be alot better, but I don't have the time.
Haha costs me a extra $48 a week just in gas to drive my truck than my crossfire, so don't want it down for 2 long.
Would be putting everything in this weekend if I just would have gave up on these shops and made my own plates.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Pvc pipe is length needed prop to prop, so minus 2 inches for the adapters and minus face to flange center line and then have the working joint to joint length.
The shaft on left is from a 01 or 02-04 isuzu rodeo and uses 1310 joints and has the slip, also in found in some ford rangers and explorers, need to find my paper that has which years and models.
Next is from a jeep grand cherokee, what it needs is take off bands holding the bellows, do not tear bellows, mark timing on splines, again need my sheet for accurate measurements, but then pull apart and take off roughly 1.5" from each, then put back together and attach bellows with acouple zip ties and install.
Have not looked yet to see if the bellows will be in a location to for additional clearance issues.
Right is ours.
Pic of new yokes.
And if you can see on drawing, marked out the centers for the 3 bolt and both 4 bolt.
Should be fine is I used the yokes on deiveahaft, it is close.
But would have to drill and tap holes but instead on bolting on, would use lock tie and studs for the flanges

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Machinist got my plates done finally, went to pick them and the driveshaft up and he screwed them up in many ways.
And his is going to work on them in the morning.
So $290 for temporary plates.
And going to get some more material and do them myself and change out.
Need to get back in my crossfire, I am Jones ing to get back in the seat.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

hang in there ,, you will get it done, I'm pulling for you . jim

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

I going to get there, evan if I have to just stud both sides of the plate for prop and flange yoke.
Which I was debating on doing, but bolts would be easier for install and better for driveshaft.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

you have everything going the right way, don't get in a hurry, do it right the first time,you know what your doing, so keep it up,, i do agree we need this ,I just spent money on stock driveshafts two of them so that is why i am staying stock. jim

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Before I had the driveshaft cut down I weighed it and stock, came in around 2 lbs lighter, will post when in get back home and reweigh shortened shaft.
With the tiny driveshafts we have I am surprised it does not get destroyed often.
Funny according to spicer driveshaft calculator, our oem driveahaft is good for 2,600 rpm.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Picked up my plates.
They are unusable.......
Didn't pay, but I out material, going to make them myself, tried to have a shop do, since I don't have the time when I am home and if anyone else wants, they could call up the shop and have them make them a pair.
I don't know yet, while I am doing it I might make a extra set or 2 while I am set up already.

What the machine shop did was horrible.
The 3 arm is not centered, diameter for bolt is to big, recess is way to deep, recess is not big enough.
Center pilot needs a .632 for a .630 shaft, he has a .620
Center pilot for the flange yoke is about 1/16 to big, seriously wtf, said I wanted pilot 1/8 deep I got .4370
Threads are fubared
And you notice the extra hole, where he started then relized the timing would not work, ya good thing it is only made for 7,000 rpm and not 70,000 rpm.
And he didn't even face them true .008 off, they where at .0005 when I dropped them off

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

"It was a Monday" :(
"AwwwAww crap , my apprentice did it!" :confused:
DON'T GO BACK FOR MORE! :mad:

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Hell no, I am going to do them myself, just the time is my problem.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

I got a few pieces milled down over the weekend and my template made, center punched my holes.
Next, be the pilots
.630 & 2.375

Then drill and tap the 4 3/8 nf holes.
3 12 mm holes with 18mm x 12mm counter sink for cap bolts

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Have my driveshaft done.
47 1/4 working length U to U
have 4 plates I milled down, both pilots in, and bolt holes center punched ready to drill
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Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Got 1 done, perfect fit :)
Getting ready to finish drilling the 2nd and tap, then going to start installing, have 2 brackets to modify then gtg, hopefully I can get it done before I run out of time today, and need to get ready for work next week.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Both plates done.
And fit perfect, I made with tight tolerances and they fit perfect, didn't have time to finish.

;(

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

Why is it that all the driveshaft calculators I have found d say that the oem driveshaft should not be in our cars?
and that it should have vibrations for cruising at over half critical mass
the 2 piece and size of the shafts.

someone please let me know if you go d a place that says otherwise.
well in numbers not my buddy said ahhh it be fine.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

I have been wondering how you intend to balance this shaft.

Re: Single piece aluminum driveshaft
 

the new shaft???

took it to a driveshaft shop and had them cut it down, and reweld and reballanced.
had to go twice, they measured wrong.
they only took off for 1 plate off the measurement and not two like I said.