Will my drive shaft hold up?

[Injectedcutty]

Not really, spice and non reasonable. LOL

Whoops, stupid autocorrect!!! Fixed...again.

 

[bracketchev1221]

Be aware of the critical speed and if you use greaseable joints put the fitting so it’s in compression during rotation. I went 10.30’s at 130 with 1.40 60’ times off the transbrake with greased joints without issue.

 

[motorheadmike]

You might have heard me preach this before but do your home work!! Driveshaft critical rpm is a killer. below is a chart from Precision Shaft Technologies. I learned the hard way.


View attachment 114346

There is a reason I have a 3.5" aluminum shaft in the wagon, and a 4" aluminum shafts in the Monte and TBSS. All high RPM, high power, heavy vehicle applications. G-bodies are usually in that 52" range for length.

 

[Turbolq4]

What's the deets on that?

Not dead sure. Dude I had build it is the premier drive shaft guy in the valley and does loads of high end drag setups. I told him all the gritty details and that I would probably make even more power in the future. He said it's heavywall tubing and that it's good to over 1k wheel. Hasn't given me any trouble and it's smooth as glass.

 

[Michael Bennett]

If you used the 2004r transmission you could use the stock 442 driveshaft as is......plus the 2004r has a better ratio spread.

I thought about that, but there is a local trans shop that builds 700r4's with the TCI constant pressure valve body and it really sounds like the way to go. I know how to adjust TV cables just fine but this just seems like a more bulletproof setup. As bonus, I just picked up a never used GForce 700R4 cross member for a good price last night.

 

[64nailhead]

had this built to go between the 80e and 8.8. it's tolerated all the torque (750 crank)my setup has thrown at it.
You can stop staring at my big black shaft now...

That shaft looks similar to ours with the same story. Everyone local running 9's NA has the same place build their shafts.

I thought about that, but there is a local trans shop that builds 700r4's with the TCI constant pressure valve body and it really sounds like the way to go. I know how to adjust TV cables just fine but this just seems like a more bulletproof setup. As bonus, I just picked up a never used GForce 700R4 cross member for a good price last night.

The 700 can be built to take 450 crank without issue, but a 200 can be built take more. The real issue is the ultra deep 1st gear of a 700 which also makes the 1st-2nd jump a big one. For normal street use you probably won't be bothered, but for getting off the line it pretty much sticks IMHO. And, as someone else mentioned, the TH350 to 200-4R swap doesn't require a driveshaft swap.

 

[icr242005]

Learned my lesson the hard way last week. 383, 500HP, all new rear ended, built th350 trans, stock drive shaft Been doing some hits on the back roads with no problem. Bought MT ET Street SS and this is what happened the first time out with new tires. Cost of repairs. $100 new muffler, $100 bucks for exhaust repair, possible new tire $180 bucks, $60 dollars new yoke, 150 bucks for new tail shaft (hopefully trans is good internally) 75 bucks for new D loop, 70 dollar tow , 1 new pair of boxers priceless. I’m lucky that I had no injuries. The price difference between a .125 wall aluminum driveshaft and a steel driveshaft is NOT enough to worry about. Stock driveshafts belong on a all stock car. Knoxville drive line in Knoxville TN are some great guys to deal with. Good luck. BTW make sure u have a rev limiter on ur car cause when sh*t breaks, not enough time to take foot of pedal.

 

[lilbowtie]

I lost the trans, sent the converter in, flex plate, headers, x pipe system, and one damaged tunnel. Later (end of season) found 2 broken teeth on the ring gear and a cracked bearing support - didn't hear it and can't believe it lived.

 

[Patobusta]

Hey guys it seems this thread went far more technical than what I thought it could go...

I have an 81 265cid/th350 monte that was SS cloned.. I'm starting a swap to put a stock ls2/4070e into it, and I was told and 8.5 for the rear was a must so picked up a 3.42 locked one for it. But, I never even thought about the driveshaft!

Car will be cruiser.. occasional burnouts, maybe a few friendly stop light races.. not planning on slicks, power adders, drag strips or similar.

Can I consider my driveshaft to be good enough?? Or should I look for a replacement??

 

[Kra5379]

If you used the 2004r transmission you could use the stock 442 driveshaft as is......plus the 2004r has a better ratio spread.

But the 200 is a garbage transmission to begin with, especially compared to the 700R4, plus im pretty sure that the 200 is only designed/built to handle up to about 250-300HP and low torque