New Specific MMX/MMC Driveshaft Questions.

[mariodawg]

Yo all. I researched this topic long and hard on various website forums, and now feel confident I can ask specific questions about this special 1999-2000 (and some early '01 examples) CVPI driveshaft, which were never asked specifically before (so I shouldn't come off as a dweeb). I just bought a 2004 MM, and I am actively searching for this "Holy Grail" of driveshafts.

Question #1: There is lots of talk about Alcoa being the manufacturer of this limited production driveshaft. But no one ever says who manufactured the regular CVPI aluminum driveshafts. Did Alcoa make those also? Because if they didn't, then any Alcoa-branded shaft in that time-period "should" be a MMC shaft, if say one can't actually find/read a "MMC" marking.

Question #2: From what I've read, the CVPI MMC driveshaft most probably was ONLY produced in 1999-2000 (and appeared on a few '01s, and only on 3.55-geared CVPIs). However, there ARE a few other forum threads on various websites that claim they were made later on also. So that brings up the possibility that the MMC driveshafts were produced originally in 99-00, so that was the truth then; but then they may have reappeared many years later on newer CVPIs, which is why there are other threads that conflict with the original assertions. Or, those other folks were just wrong. Are the '99-'00-only production years still the "current" truth?

Question #3: Is the MMC driveshaft's Part Number XW7Z-4602-AA also stamped on the driveshaft? Most photos I find only document the "MMC POLICE" etchings, or show the painted colored stripes (which can fade, wipe off, or are otherwise unreliable ID indicators). But in one case, a person shows a pic of the Part Number actually displayed on the driveshaft, and thus if one cannot find the MMC etching (say it got rubbed off running over a shirtless Meth-Head with gold teeth), this part Number in-and-of-itself is the proof one needs to plop cash on the table? Or do most MMC driveshafts not have this Part Number marking?

That's it. Now who is knowledgable on this topic? This inquiring mind wants to know. (and Thanks!)

[fastblackmerc]

I believe all you need to look for was the "right" paint stripes on the driveshaft.

[nh muscle]

I have a marauder driveshaft for sale $130 shipped perfect condition

[mariodawg]

I already have the original driveshaft (installed). I am looking for a CVPI MMC driveshaft. Thanks though.

[gdmjoe]

mariodawg ...
Question #1: There is lots of talk about Alcoa being the manufacturer of this limited production driveshaft. But no one ever says who manufactured the regular CVPI aluminum driveshafts. Did Alcoa make those also? Because if they didn't, then any Alcoa-branded shaft in that time-period "should" be a MMC shaft, if say one can't actually find/read a "MMC" marking.
Given Alcoa's close relationship with FLM, I would surmise that they provided the aluminum, non-MMC driveshafts, however, have no 1st-hand knowledge.

*Recall that they also provided the forged rims for the 2003-4 Marauders.

As for assumption of being MMC "in that time-period" ... The MMC was a 1999 late-model consideration therefore alumium would been used prior to and after mid-year 2000 though was an -option- in 2001 that was seldom ordered. Therefore the assumption would/could be invalid - it would all be dependent upon when the MMC was introduced into the assembly-line.

As for MMC marking ... Personal example is that mine had it before I polished the driveshaft. And you're right ... It comes-off VERY easily.


Question #2: From what I've read, the CVPI MMC driveshaft most probably was ONLY produced in 1999-2000 (and appeared on a few '01s, and only on 3.55-geared CVPIs). However, there ARE a few other forum threads on various websites that claim they were made later on also. So that brings up the possibility that the MMC driveshafts were produced originally in 99-00, so that was the truth then; but then they may have reappeared many years later on newer CVPIs, which is why there are other threads that conflict with the original assertions. Or, those other folks were just wrong. Are the '99-'00-only production years still the "current" truth?
Truth - late 1999 > early 2000 for production assembly-line. The MMCs were used to address critical speed issues for non-MMC equipped P71s with 3.55 RAR.
TSB 99-18-1 (http://www.gdmjoe.com/gothvic/driveline/MMCdriveshaft-tsb99181.pdf) ««« -click-AND ... Were gobbled-up by Panther performance enthusiasts once the word got-out. IIRC by late 2001 the MMC was *obsolete* from FoMoCo parts counter sales.

Question #3: Is the MMC driveshaft's Part Number XW7Z-4602-AA also stamped on the driveshaft? Most photos I find only document the "MMC POLICE" etchings, or show the painted colored stripes (which can fade, wipe off, or are otherwise unreliable ID indicators). But in one case, a person shows a pic of the Part Number actually displayed on the driveshaft, and thus if one cannot find the MMC etching (say it got rubbed off running over a shirtless Meth-Head with gold teeth), this part Number in-and-of-itself is the proof one needs to plop cash on the table? Or do most MMC driveshafts not have this Part Number marking?
For the reasons that you note, the part # usually isn't there.

BTW ... Both offer reduced weight, which is key in addressing critical speed issues, though the MMC weighs slightly less (16¾ Lbs versus 17 Lbs - versus 27 Lbs (steel)) . The MMC provides the bonus of additional damping and stiffness over the aluminum.

Additional critical speed information (with an added 10% safety margin):

CVPI Amuminum Driveshaft 4.10 = 116mph
CVPI Amuminum Driveshaft 3.55 = 132mph
CVPI Amuminum Driveshaft 3.27 = 145mph
CVPI Amuminum Driveshaft 3.08 = 154mph

CVPI Metal/Matrix Driveshaft 4.10 = 133mph
CVPI Metal/Matrix Driveshaft 3.55 = 154mph
CVPI Metal/Matrix Driveshaft 3.27 = 167mph
CVPI Metal/Matrix Driveshaft 3.08 = 177mph
.

[Ninoblack1]

Given Alcoa's close relationship with FLM, I would surmise that they provided the aluminum, non-MMC driveshafts, however, have no 1st-hand knowledge.

*Recall that they also provided the forged rims for the 2003-4 Marauders.

As for assumption of being MMC "in that time-period" ... The MMC was a 1999 late-model consideration therefore alumium would been used prior to and after mid-year 2000 though was an -option- in 2001 that was seldom ordered. Therefore the assumption would/could be invalid - it would all be dependent upon when the MMC was introduced into the assembly-line.

As for MMC marking ... Personal example is that mine had it before I polished the driveshaft. And you're right ... It comes-off VERY easily.


Truth - late 1999 > early 2000 for production assembly-line. The MMCs were used to address critical speed issues for non-MMC equipped P71s with 3.55 RAR.
TSB 99-18-1 (http://www.gdmjoe.com/gothvic/driveline/MMCdriveshaft-tsb99181.pdf) ««« -click-AND ... Were gobbled-up by Panther performance enthusiasts once the word got-out. IIRC by late 2001 the MMC was *obsolete* from FoMoCo parts counter sales.
For the reasons that you note, the part # usually isn't there.

BTW ... Both offer reduced weight, which is key in addressing critical speed issues, though the MMC weighs slightly more. The MMC provides the bonus of additional damping and stiffness over the aluminum.
.

Wow thanks for all the insight I learned a lot.

[tbone]

Mine came from a 99 CVPI but it had no stripes. But it WAS marked POLICE.

[Blk04MM]

From my knowledge and what I was told in the thread I posted. The DS marked POLICE isn't the MMC one.

I have a MMC ACOLA on my marauder now. The stripes are very faint but the MMC ACOLA is there. Depending on car condition you'll find em with good stripes and faint MMC or faint stripes and good MMC.

Just Gota look.

[mariodawg]

Thanks for the info, GDMJOE! That article was also invaluable. I just wish I wasn't such an addict when it comes to this type of stuff; it can make a man broke!:burnout:

[tbone]

From my knowledge and what I was told in the thread I posted. The DS marked POLICE isn't the MMC one.

I have a MMC ACOLA on my marauder now. The stripes are very faint but the MMC ACOLA is there. Depending on car condition you'll find em with good stripes and faint MMC or faint stripes and good MMC.

Just Gota look.

It was the right one.

[Ninoblack1]

Thanks for the info, GDMJOE! That article was also invaluable. I just wish I wasn't such an addict when it comes to this type of stuff; it can make a man broke!:burnout:



Ha ! Tell me about it brother.

[vegasmarauder]

The MMC/MMX driveshafts are the holy graile of DS in wrecking yards. We have found about 4 so far in U-pull yards. All were from 99-00 CVPI's with 3.55s. In one case almost all the markings were gone but it had 3.55s and my Ford parts friend ran the VIN and it showed built with the MMC.

Over the years the stripe will wear off, especially the last blue one, which of course is the difference between the MMC. The "wrong" aluminum ones have pink/green/green and pink/green/orange stripes. Any any shaft with the large POLICE letters running longitudialy down the shaft is the regular one. These are the later police shafts.

A tip when checking for markings is to be very gentle with rubbing off the grease and dirt in the third stripe area and the where the ink MMX and date runs around the ends. Funny thing, I have found the ink markings on the upper or lower end. Usually it was on the lower end, but maybe the shaft was rebuilt.

Whenever I see a 99-01 CVPI in the wrecking yard, that's the first thing I look for. Our U-pull yards charge $30 for a used shaft.

I posted some pics of the ink marks and stripe colors in the MM.net gallery for reference.

[BODYMAN]

From my knowledge and what I was told in the thread I posted. The DS marked POLICE isn't the MMC one.

I have a MMC ACOLA on my marauder now. The stripes are very faint but the MMC ACOLA is there. Depending on car condition you'll find em with good stripes and faint MMC or faint stripes and good MMC.

Just Gota look.

Best way to find one of these shafts is to find a salvage yard that gets the wore out Taxis as there are generaly retired CVPI's. It is likely that 1 S yard in youre area gets all the used up taxis.


That is 100% correct! 1 I found had MMC & color stripes very clear. I have read somewere that some later CVPI's had MMC shafts however they were not the OE shaft but actually changed while in service. If memory is correct the later models which got swaped out for MMC shaft were in a few states like Montana, due to State Patrol complaining that at or above 110-115mph severe vibration in drive line. My guess is Ford supplied these departments with the MMC shaft to alleviate the problem. I would guess Ford knew rt away what the cause of the vibration was.

[mariodawg]

I looked at the pics you posted, VegasMarauder, and it helped reinforce my MMC education. I think I located one in a junkyard about 90 miles from where I live; I will be driving down to view it up close on Friday. They actually have two, but have confirmed only one (so far) has the MMC POLICE ALCOA markings. It looked pretty good in the pic, too, but the pic is blurry, so reading anything is impossible. seeing is believing. Keep your fingers crossed I found my Holy Grail...and if the other one is good, I'll buy it too because I think I know someone with an 03 MM who may be interested in it. I'll keep ya'll posted....

[vegasmarauder]

Great find! And yes, really any year can have a MMC because there was a TSB on CVPI's that said if there was a rear trans bushing failure or shaft vibration under warranty on a 3.55 geared car then to install the MMC shaft as a replacement.

Thats actually how I got one in my second MM. It had a vibration when under waranty and the service advisor used the TSB to justify the MMC shaft in the MM under the warranty. It was one of the last MMC's in dealer stock on the parts shelf. I think since the cars were new, it slipped by. Plus this dealer did all the PDI and work on the police fleet in Vegas so they had a lot of parts on their shelves.

[babbage]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-56169.html


MMC = Metal Matrix Composite. The Composite is a special blend of Aluminum and Steel that Alcoa manufactured into driveshafts for Ford PI's in 99 and 1/2 of 2000. The MMX shaft made by Alcoa was a BLEND of metals which was 30% STRONGER than aluminum, yet it weighed the same as an all aluminum shaft. This is why those AMMX shafts are so sought after -- this is what I remember from my research about this.

MMC police shaft is about 1/4 lb lighter than the aluminum police shaft, and a few pounds lighter than the longer aluminum shaft. MMC is only slightly lighter than 6061 aluminum. Mild steel is about twice as heavy as the MMC.

My MMC feels feather light, especially after I removed the steel yolk and universals, it's only about 6 lbs.

MMC's elasticity is nearly 1.5 times that of 6061 aluminum, this allows the MMC shaft to absorb more drive-line vibrations. The issue with shafts is that they create ultra high frequency vibrations at high rpms, and they will eventually self-destruct. It also absorbs shaft "twist" much better.

The 53" police MMC shaft's critical speed is 9093 rpm, and the aluminum shaft is 7930 rpms.

I have no idea about the high speed extended run testing of the MMC? It will out run 6061 aluminum in every aspect, and is the best alternative aside from carbon fiber for our cars. Carbon fiber is as good an improvement over the MMC as the MMC is over the 6061, and it brings the rpms up to about 12-13000 rpms at critical speed.

Note: critical speed is a max, if you reach it, your shaft can become a deadly projectile.

For those who would like to tell whether a driveshaft is MMC or not:

MMC - found on most (not all) 1999 and 2000 P71's - has pink and green stripes running around the shaft, and if you look carefully in small black print you will see the letters "MMC"

Aluminum - on all other P71's - markings vary by year but 1999/2000 ones have pink/blue/orange stripes

ust go to a yard and pull one. Don't forget your 19 sided (err 12 sided) 12mm socket.

XW7Z-4602-AA MMC Driveshaft

MMC = found on most (not all) 1999 and 2000 P71's - has pink and green stripes running around the shaft.

Aluminum = on all other P71's - markings vary by year but 1999/2000 ones have pink/blue/orange stripes.

Just a note on MMC: The modulus of elasticity is 14.1 million pounds per inch2. The density is .106 pounds an inch3. Aluminum elasticity is 10 million pounds/inch2 and .098 density.

:D

maximum Critical Speed (16 inch wheels) - Ford internal data.
--------------------------------------
CVPI Amuminum Driveshaft 4.10 = 116mph
CVPI Amuminum Driveshaft 3.55 = 132mph
CVPI Amuminum Driveshaft 3.27 = 145mph
CVPI Amuminum Driveshaft 3.08 = 154mph
CVPI Metal/Matrix Driveshaft 4.10 = 133mph
CVPI Metal/Matrix Driveshaft 3.55 = 154mph
CVPI Metal/Matrix Driveshaft 3.27 = 167mph
CVPI Metal/Matrix Driveshaft 3.08 = 177mph


MMC = found on most (not all) 1999 and 2000 P71's - has pink and green stripes running around the shaft. Mine from a 99 had POLICE and a small MMC printed on the shaft itself from "door to door"

Aluminum = on all other P71's - markings vary by year but 1999/2000 ones have pink/blue/orange stripes.

[92BlackGT]

The issue with shafts is that they create ultra high frequency vibrations at high rpms, and they will eventually self-destruct.


UHF!! holy canoli!!

[mariodawg]

Eureka: I got it! It cleaned up well, with the MMC POLICE ALCOA lettering and associated numbers easy to read. The 3 stripes, on the other hand, had not aged so well. All three bands looked white for the most part, but on one side it was clear that there was some Pink in the first stripe, Green on the second, and only tiny remnants of some remaining Blue pigment on the innermost stripe. The next step will be to shop around for a driveshaft balancing shop, and have them confirm its in good shape. Then it'll be installed. Also waiting on one last P71 Steel Wheel, and then I'll mount new all-season radials and tires. Just in time too; it's supposed to get Wintery later this week.

[larryo340]

I've got one too, and like others have posted the stripes are very faint. Mine needs new u-joints as the front one is wasted, but fortunately there is no damage to the aluminum.

Here's one question I'd like to ask.....I thought I saw somewhere that you would need to use a spacer at the rear flange???
Sorry in advance..I'm not trying to hijack your thread..I thought it is relevant.

PS:
Good luck with the car...it's a beauty. I saw it when Lenny had it.

Here's a crappy cell phone picture showing the lettering:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm288/larryo340/My%20Marauder/32e5a38a4ce1c18dd5f688890bdeff a2_zpscaea6095.jpg

[vegasmarauder]

I have pictures of MMC/MMX shafts and the stripe colors in the Gallery under my username. Pink/Green/Blue stripes are the only MMC/MMX color combination I have seen, both on factory installed and dealer replacement shafts.

The blue color fades the worst to almost nothing, but if you are careful (and you were!) you may still find them.

Best deal I got on them was $30 from Upull yards because they look old and like crap when they come out of the CVPI's.

I still get excited when I find one...I have to always bring my 12MM socket now just in case...

[nusbd]

I pulled one from an 01 P71 at a u-pull it, cost $50, the cruiser had 3.27 gears with limited slip (bought that too, $80), so must have been a dealor install

[vegasmarauder]

The MMX/MMC replacement off the parts shelf was listed in a TSB as a cure for a high speed vibration in the PI's if they left the factory with a non MMX shaft. I have found them in 2001 PI's. When my MM was brand new I brought it in for vibration at speed and the service writer got them to use the TSB on my car even though it was old. Prob since the whole police fleet was purchased and serviced through their dealership. That's how I first found out about the MMX shaft. I had my parts guy friend find an old obsolete one on the shelf at a southern California dealer in late 2003. I drove down and bought it for 10% over cost (still $375).

Anymore, it is the scavenger hunt in the wrecking yards. I now check all 99-01 PI's I run into. It is surprising how many 01's got the MMX as a replacement shaft from the dealer. .