I did some checking on here and couldn't find any real definitive answer. How much abuse can an aluminum 1LE drive shaft withstand vs. a stock steel one? Drag strip, 450 hp, 2500 stall, built 700r4 trans., 370 rear gears, street drag radials. Go or blow

 

Neither are really strong enough for dragstrip action. OEM aluminum shafts are actually weak compared to aftermarket aluminum shafts.

I use a 3 x 0.083" steel shaft with 1350 yokes. Before that, I was running a stock steel shaft down into the 11 second range with no issues.

 

I have the factory aluminum shaft and have did lots of high 10 and low 11 second passes.
My car with me in it is 3550lb

 

Thank you guy's. I'm not sure how many pass's will be made, but I have both shafts. I'm sure i'll find the weakest link somewhere in the drivetrain at some point.

 

Add a loop just in case.

 

it should have a loop regardless if it's on a sticky tire, lol.

autos (especially ones with tight converters like yours) are notoriously easier on parts than stick shift. you'd be fine with a 1le shaft in your existing combo.

 

Ran an inland empire aluminum into the high tens then changed over to the spohn steel unit here.

 

So..how was the Sphon part...did it fit? Was it the right size..was it even straight?
sorry I had to....I'm surprised people still buy parts from them.

 

The 3rd gen aluminum shafts were smaller overall, but thicker tubing than the 4th gen / 1LE...
I just got a 3" Aluminum Shaft from Coleman Racing, they make a few sizes, and steel, the aluminum ones were as thick as Denny's (tubing wise) but much quicker to shop...
I ordered mine Friday around 1PM Eastern time, it was made and shipped out that afternoon! Prices are quite a bit better than Denny's and Precision Drive Shaft (which is local to me)...

http://www.colemanracing.com/Drivetrain-C141.aspx

 

The OEM steel shafts are notorious for have balance issues at high speed.

I replaced mine back in 2003 with an Inland Empire aluminum piece and my dashboard finally stopped vibrating.. LOL

I have a steel one now with larger u-joints which was done when I did the T400 swap.

 

Funny you say that since it was to short originally and had to be sent back. End result is nice but was surely a hassle getting it right.you would think with the measurements it would be pretty straight forward. This was about 5 years ago though.