Can anyone Opine the Differances and Benefits between Steel Driveshafts on 3RD Gen. F Bodies and the Aluminum Driveshafts ?
Just Wondering what the Weight and Tensile Strenght of the Two Different Metals would be . As for Performance , would there be any Difference in the Transferance of Horsepower to the Rear Axle between the Two ? Thank You , Meinherr49 .

 

an aluminum driveshaft is lighter, so it robs less power to turn it basically. Removing rotating mass from the driveline effects your engines performance more then just removing weight from the car.
Like using light weight wheels.

Technically speaking, a driveshaft doesn't see tensile force, so that's a non issue. You can look up torsional forces and whatnot, but it's a moot point. Usually breaking your driveshaft is tough to do.

 

For a street car there's nothing wrong with the aluminum driveshaft however the factory aluminum driveshaft isn't very strong. When I got a custom driveshaft built, I was considering an aluminum one. I ended up getting one made from 3" x .083 walled steel with 1350 yokes. I abuse mine a lot more than you ever will.

 

Thanks for the Info Gentlemen . The Reason for asking my Above Questions was to Better Inform myself as to what would be an Exceptable Upgrade to my present Car . I Recently obtained a Aluminum driveshaft from a 1988 Trans Am with the Shaft Balancer Ring . To Prepare to Install it , I was Wondering if a Transmission Shop would Check it's Balance , and if Needed , Correct it ? Any advice on that Question would be Greatly Appreciated by me.

 

It would be a good idea to have a shop check its balance while its out. as long as they dont want an arm and a leg to spin it up on the machine i would go for it.

 

there is a driveshaft shop in my area that balances shafts for about $35-50, can't remember the exact price.
all they do is driveshafts, you may have a shop like that in your area as well.

 

Thanks for the Advice Zepher and " 84 " . Heres a PIC. of the Shaft I just got , and it is in Great Condition . I noticed that you are from Norfolk VA Zepher . I have been there over the Years to see the ' TIDES ' Play some Ball . I am a BIG MET FAN to , by the way . Lastings Milledge , the Next Willie Mays ? He He .