what benefits can i expect to see besides a weight difference if i installed an aluminum drive shaft on my 82Z, and anyone have any recommendations where to purchase one from. thanks

 

less vibration, especially with aftermarket ones.

if on a budget and have moderate power i would look for a used ls1 4th gen aluminum ds, since they have a nice damper at the end versus the thirdgen and lt1 4th gen shafts. those are decent also but u can find 4th gen ls1 ds's for like 125 bucks complete

 

less rotating mass, less harmonic vibration at higher speeds *steel shafts were rated at 118 mph or so*

It wont rust and it hurts less when you drop it on your face

 

100 bucks.

Check this site, near the bottom of the page.

 

Man, I'm sold on that right there alone! haha

 

I've never really understood the dampener. If the shaft is balanced as it should be, why the need (my thirdgen alum shaft is as smooth as silk)? Educate me.

JamesC

 

theyve experimented with *torsenal dampeners* for awhile....they do it with FWD drive axels as well.....some have em and some dont, they dont really help a great deal.

i have a 1LE aluminum driveshaft on mine and its smooth as can be as well. no dampener.

 

My understanding is that the damper is to reduce noise. I have the LS1 shaft and it is soo much better then the stock steel one. No vibration at all. Car rides smooth to the point that I have to keep a better eye on the speedo (and the rear view mirror which I can now use).

RBob.

 

ive seen some for sale but some said like 3" and 4" is this referring to the diameter of the shaft if not what is it? and if i get one from an Ls1 is there a way i can tell that thats where it really came from?