While under my sons 02 Z28 I noticed that he has a steel driveshaft. I also have an 02 Z28 and mine is aluminum. I thought all LS1 F-body's have aluminum driveshafts. Anyone know for sure? Thanks

 

From what I understood, all M6 cars have an aluminum shaft whereas the a4 cars will have a steel shaft...im not 100% sure though.

 

No

All 2.73 geared Auto cars got the steel shaft. Some 2.73 cars were lucky enough to be upgraded to aluminum due to a vibration TSB. Everyone else got aluminum.

 

is there any reason why the auto cars came with a steel shaft?

 

2.73 automatics, because it saved GM a buck and they
calculated it'd last. But do a gear ratio swap and say
goodbye to your tailhousing and maybe the whole
driveline if you put it on the dyno. It's just bad news,
swap in an aluminum first excuse you get to do it.

 

That clears it up. Thanks

 

seen many aluminums break in bolt on cars though...no steel ones...i though 98-00 cars got steel and 01-02 have aluminum...just from what cars ive seen

 

+1 Had to do with the axle ratio... 2.73's had steel.. cars with the performance axle ratio had Al DS's. AL ones are lighter but also weaker and will break easily if you are running it hard at the drag strip on sticky tires.

 

+1

When you change gears you may exceed the critical RPM of the shaft and turn it into a pretzel. That is BAD news!