driveshaft - why so many are changed from stock?

[chief455]

I've read tons of threads but seen no common reason for upgrading.
On a street car/street tires, at 400rwhp level, might go to the strip once - otherwise street posted legal driving ;)
any reaon to upgrade? suggestions of brand that fits at decent price?
don't want to find out hard way I should have upgraded, don't want un needed expense either
thanks!

[Bluerauder]

I've read tons of threads but seen no common reason for upgrading.

The simple answer is for Safety in high speed and high RPM applications. For most people the OEM driveshift is perfectly fine. However, somewhere over 120 MPH the OEM driveshaft tends to distort (i.e. bow out) and vibrate due to the high RPMs since it is not balanced to the same standards/tolerance as the Metal Matrix (MMX) or the driveshaft available to the Police Interceptor. The MMX and CVPI shafts were specifically made for the high speed, high RPM purposes. Even so, most of our guys who go to the track frequently run with a driveshaft loop "just in case".

[fastblackmerc]

You will only need to upgrade your driveshaft if you have 4.10 gears and do sustained high speed driving ie. north of 120MPH.

[chief455]

The simple answer is for Safety in high speed and high RPM applications. For most people the OEM driveshift is perfectly fine. However, somewhere over 120 MPH the OEM driveshaft tends to distort (i.e. bow out) and vibrate due to the high RPMs since it is not balanced to the same standards/tolerance as the Metal Matrix (MMX) or the driveshaft available to the Police Interceptor. The MMX and CVPI shafts were specifically made for the high speed, high RPM purposes. Even so, most of our guys who go to the track frequently run with a driveshaft loop "just in case".
safety. 120mph extended = nope. Police interceptor of the 2003-200X? will swap in. could put one in for a 'safe' mod, if low cost swap.

You will only need to upgrade your driveshaft if you have 4.10 gears and do sustained high speed driving ie. north of 120MPH.
4.10 and stall, but sustained high speed = no. I'm not Steve Mqueen or Vin Diesel ;)

[RubberCtyRauder]

The MMX Police shaft was only in like 1999/2000..otherwise they are aluminum like marauder factory.

[RubberCtyRauder]

recent thread about driveshafts..MMX

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=90639

[justbob]

I saw no reason to upgrade mine even with my old 4.30's as I rarely ever went into triples. I'm all about take off and passing, my new trans forced me into a new shaft


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[Zack]

I saw no reason to upgrade mine even with my old 4.30's as I rarely ever went into triples. I'm all about take off and passing, my new trans forced me into a new shaft

Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

You're slipping Bob, Ill give you a free pass on this one.

[tbone]

I like just knowing that if I want to go 140+, I can without issue.

I once got up to 140 with room to go and it vibrated pretty bad with the oem shaft.

Irritating as hell. Reason enough for me.

[lji372]

I like just knowing that if I want to go 140+, I can without issue.

I once got up to 140 with room to go and it vibrated pretty bad with the oem shaft.

Irritating as hell. Reason enough for me.

i've been 135 on stock for short stints. :beatnik:

on private roads of coarse :lol:

[fastblackmerc]

4.10 and stall, but sustained high speed = no. I'm not Steve Mqueen or Vin Diesel ;)

You'll be OK then. I'd recommend a driveshaft hoop, cheap insurance.

I believe this is the only company that makes them.

http://www.metcomotorsports.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MDL2300&cat=114

[tbone]

i've been 135 on stock for short stints. :beatnik:

on private roads of coarse :lol:

N. Central Illinois Rte. 180 south from Rte. 80 to Peoria. Superhighway to nowhere. Nobody ever on it and it's a slight downhill. Best of all you can see the road perfectly for like 3 or 4 miles. I had a special permit. ;)

[lji372]

Central Illinois Rte. 180 south from Rte. 80 to Peoria. Superhighway to nowhere. Nobody ever on it and it's a slight downhill. Best of all you can see the road perfectly for like 3 or 4 miles. I had a special permit. ;)

Nice!!! My favorite kind of roads :D

[jwibbity]

mine vibrated pretty bad at 120, like real bad.....but my u joints were worn out and i had the stocker high speed balanced along with HD u joints, havent been back up to 120 since but i shouldnt have an issue...

[tbone]

Construction of I-180 was completed in 1969.[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_180_(Illinois)#cite _note-scott_20061221-1) The freeway was built primarily to connect Interstate 80 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_80) to a new Jones & Laughlin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jones_and_Laughlin_Steel_Compa ny) steel plant built in 1965 at Hennepin, IL.[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_180_(Illinois)#cite _note-3) However, the steel plant closed soon after I-180 was built, and did not re-open until August 2002. I-180 is one of the least traveled interstates in the nation, serving 2,450 – 4,100 vehicles per day as of 2007.[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_180_(Illinois)#cite _note-t2-4)

You guys should check it out if you're ever in the area.....


:burnout::burnout::burnout:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/I-180_%28IL%29_map.svg/800px-I-180_%28IL%29_map.svg.png (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/I-180_%28IL%29_map.svg)
http://www.wrx900.com/IL%2029%20I-180.jpg

[stevengerard]

I have 4.10s and I have had my car 120+ at gingerman many a times and no vibration, also had it 140+ a few times - no vibration. I do have a drive-shaft loop but have never felt any vibration

[chief455]

You'll be OK then. I'd recommend a driveshaft hoop, cheap insurance.

I believe this is the only company that makes them.

http://www.metcomotorsports.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MDL2300&cat=114
I like this as first mod, thanks. If any bad vibes, I'll know I need the shaft :eek::depress:

[DEFYANT]

I did the upgrade after the 4:10s went in. The DS was noticeable well under the 120 mark. I figured it must be out of balance well before I am feeling it, so the upgrade was in order. Some have had good results with simply balancing the OEM DS for higher speed.