steel DS stronger?
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: PURDUE
steel DS stronger? My friend is buying a 12bolt, but obviously his stock aluminum driveshaft won't be up to the task. Would a steel DS (out of a LT1 A4 or 3rd gen) be stronger? Any other ideas on a cheap, strong DS? Thanks.
Re: steel DS stronger? A custom made steel DS is definately stronger than the stock aluminum piece. The carbon fiber one's are extremely expensive and you better not nick or scratch them. I'm not sure if they make a chromoly DS or not, but that may be the way to go. Also, it depends on the 12 bolt ordered, I believe you can get the heavy duty pinion which takes a beefier u-joint and the stock DS won't work.
[ December 30, 2001: Message edited by: DanZ28 ]</p>
[ December 30, 2001: Message edited by: DanZ28 ]</p>
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From: College Station, Tx
Re: steel DS stronger? I would go ahead and get an aftermarket driveshaft. The steel is stronger than the aluminum (stock) - but if you need a 12 bolt I wouldn't feel comfortable with either. I have used Denny's before and been very happy with their service. Carbon fiber is great - it's very strong and light, and has a very high critical speed - but as pointed out above, don't knick it (and be prepared to shell out ~800 for it).
A metal matrix driveshaft might be a good alternative - it's almost as light as CF and has almost as high of a critical speed and is almost as strong - but cost much less - ~400-450.
A chrome-moly is as strong/stronger than CF depending on the circumstances/gear used, but is much heavier. It's also around 400-450.
You can get a HD steel driveshaft for around 300-350 which will stand up to anything you will probably be throwing at it.
Chris
A metal matrix driveshaft might be a good alternative - it's almost as light as CF and has almost as high of a critical speed and is almost as strong - but cost much less - ~400-450.
A chrome-moly is as strong/stronger than CF depending on the circumstances/gear used, but is much heavier. It's also around 400-450.
You can get a HD steel driveshaft for around 300-350 which will stand up to anything you will probably be throwing at it.
Chris
