Driveshaft wall thickness?

[69427]

Just kicking around if it's possible to "easily" find a lighter aluminum substitute for my present steel driveshaft. IIRC, my present driveshaft is about 10# with the u-joints. If I know the stock driveshaft wall thickness I can do some calculations to find out what diameter and wall thickness I would need in an aluminum part to get the same strength/torque capability. The volume of material would also give me an idea of the relative weights, and if it's worth it (moneywise) to make the change.
So, anyone ever hear what the wall size of those old driveshafts are?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[JeffP1167]

Just kicking around if it's possible to "easily" find a lighter aluminum substitute for my present steel driveshaft. IIRC, my present driveshaft is about 10# with the u-joints. If I know the stock driveshaft wall thickness I can do some calculations to find out what diameter and wall thickness I would need in an aluminum part to get the same strength/torque capability. The volume of material would also give me an idea of the relative weights, and if it's worth it (moneywise) to make the change.
So, anyone ever hear what the wall size of those old driveshafts are?

Thanks,
Mike

I will have aluminum half and drive shafts from my 82 and 90 pretty soon for sale.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

why not titanium or carbon fiber?

 

[vette427sbc]

why not titanium or carbon fiber?

$$$$$$$ Ive never heard of a Ti driveshaft... I dont think it would do too well with shock loads though. Then again, I wouldnt think CF would be much better but those seem to be used quite a bit :huh:

 

[69427]

Just kicking around if it's possible to "easily" find a lighter aluminum substitute for my present steel driveshaft. IIRC, my present driveshaft is about 10# with the u-joints. If I know the stock driveshaft wall thickness I can do some calculations to find out what diameter and wall thickness I would need in an aluminum part to get the same strength/torque capability. The volume of material would also give me an idea of the relative weights, and if it's worth it (moneywise) to make the change.
So, anyone ever hear what the wall size of those old driveshafts are?

Thanks,
Mike

I will have aluminum half and drive shafts from my 82 and 90 pretty soon for sale.

I looked into the possibility of using a C4 driveshaft several years ago, but they're too short.

 

[vette427sbc]

I think I read somewhere that crown vics used an alum driveshaft? Maybe just the interceptors... Dont know what U-joint is used with those though

 

[69427]

I think I read somewhere that crown vics used an alum driveshaft? Maybe just the interceptors... Dont know what U-joint is used with those though

Once the weather warms up again here in the midwest I was going to start scouring the local junkyards for possible donors. I'll take a peek at some non-GM products while I'm at it.

The main reason for my original post was to see if I can lose a couple pounds with an aluminum driveshaft, but also keep the strength/torque capacity similar. Tunnel area is kind of tight in these cars so I can't go too large on tube OD size. Once I get the stock steel shaft capability figured out that will let me make a few calculations to see what diameter/wall thickness combinations will give me a dependable aluminum part.

 

[JeffP1167]

I think I read somewhere that crown vics used an alum driveshaft? Maybe just the interceptors... Dont know what U-joint is used with those though

Once the weather warms up again here in the midwest I was going to start scouring the local junkyards for possible donors. I'll take a peek at some non-GM products while I'm at it.

The main reason for my original post was to see if I can lose a couple pounds with an aluminum driveshaft, but also keep the strength/torque capacity similar. Tunnel area is kind of tight in these cars so I can't go too large on tube OD size. Once I get the stock steel shaft capability figured out that will let me make a few calculations to see what diameter/wall thickness combinations will give me a dependable aluminum part.

why not just find a 82 driveshaft? I'm fairly certain my 82 is an aluminum one but not sure.

 

[JeffP1167]

Is a c4 drive shaft longer or shorter?