3 1/2 steel or 4" alum driveshaft?

[Brian79]

I am putting in a 8.5 in my 79bu so I need to shorten the shaft. Don't want to cut/rebalance the stock one and then upgrade later. Saw a post about this awhile back but can't find it now.

What year truck has the 3 1/2 steel driveshafts and also the new trucks have 4" alum ones. Which is stronger? I have a friend that has a junk yard so I can get either one for free. Might take a little while for the Alum. but if it is stronger or just as strong then I will go with that.

It will be used for track use only. Car runs mid/low 12's but later going to add 100 shot of NOS so hopefuly mid 11's. I know I could go out and buy new but like most trying to save some $$$$. If neither of these are strong enough then I will spend the $$$$.

 

[Anonymous]

I would go with steel.. But both will work..

 

[Supe]

By the time you buy a used shaft and have it cut, balanced, and shortened, you're almost at what you'd pay for a brand new one from PST.

 

[MalibuKasey]

I did a 3.5" steel from "the driveshaft shop" in salisbury NC...rated @ a critical speed of 10,000 rpm @ 1000HP... Food for thought.

 

[cleetus]

I was told aluminum is street only. PST recommended steel for me, and mine is only 450-475hp.

 

[Anonymous]

By the time you buy a used shaft and have it cut, balanced, and shortened, you're almost at what you'd pay for a brand new one from PST.

PST?

 

[James Bond]

i've got an aluminum one and stick trans.

 

[Malibu355]

You would be fine with a 3 inch, not sure why you want a 3.5 inch.

Supe, have you ever used CT Driveshaft off Griggs Road?

 

[toxicbu]

what track do you go to ? me im useing a s10 drive shaft , i levw @ 6000and have not broke it yet u could call strange thay have cro moly shafts for $200

 

[Supe]

By the time you buy a used shaft and have it cut, balanced, and shortened, you're almost at what you'd pay for a brand new one from PST.

PST?

http://www.pstds.com/



malibu355: Nope, never needed to, no car down here! But coincidentally, I did have my driveshaft done by CT Driveshaft in Milford, CT! :lol: Which after 5 passes needs to be rebalanced, since the tack welds on the balance weights broke and they're now missing :roll: Need to go to a Powerglide anyways, so hey, what's a little more money for a new one ](*,)