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I just installed a new Inland Empire aluminum drive shaft in my 91 Z. Since I'm running a new decently powerful 383, and switched to 3.73 rear gears, I figured a drive shaft loop made sense. Based on my research, the front is really the critical one, since that can pogo a car, or damage the car worst, or the driver... If the rear fails, the shaft just generally falls out.
So, I got the cheap universal kit from Summit since it came with all the steel and hardware for cheaper than I could buy it otherwise. I've got a decent variety of fabrication tools so I figured I would give it a try on my own. I wanted it to remain somewhat modular, so it could be removed without having to remove the drive shaft. I also didn't want to have to tear out my interior, so I decided to mount it to my also new BMR torque arm relocation brace/trans crossmember.
Here is the current status of where I'm at. I'm getting close to getting it to fit up. Still have a couple additional welds and maybe some minor bending to do to get it to fit right. Its tight in there with a tubular torque arm, and a 3" drive shaft... I also plan to add a couple more triangular gussets to make sure it is ridged enough and doesn't vibrate. I'm curious to hear thoughts on my design, and if anyone has any suggestions from their own experience doing something similar.
Last edited by raptere; Apr 29, 2026 at 10:26 AM.
Reason: Pictures!
Re: Fabricating a Drive Shaft Loop from Universal Kit
Looks nice.
My only thought is that the loop is cantilevered out there a bit. Adding a gusset (as you mentioned) or shark fin down it's back and between the fasteners might stiffen that up a bit. Not sure how much room is left in that area. Bad drawing attached.
Re: Fabricating a Drive Shaft Loop from Universal Kit
Originally Posted by DynoDave43
Looks nice.
My only thought is that the loop is cantilevered out there a bit. Adding a gusset (as you mentioned) or shark fin down it's back and between the fasteners might stiffen that up a bit. Not sure how much room is left in that area. Bad drawing attached.
I agree, I was thinking something similar. I have to see what kind of material I have left sitting around for the gusset and rib (shark fin).
Re: Fabricating a Drive Shaft Loop from Universal Kit
Couple hours more progress tonight. Finished welding a few spots, and added a rib and a gusset. Man, this custom fab stuff takes a lot of time... It looks a bit rough now, but once everything fits, I'll clean it up and re-paint it all.
This is where I'll weld the second gusset, once I make sure the angles work and it all fits right.
