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Aluminum Driveshafts

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Old May 6, 2009 | 01:59 PM
  #1  
transamice's Avatar
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From: Hamilton ON Canada
Car: 87 GTA t-top
Engine: L98 350 w/RMT
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt BW 3.45
Aluminum Driveshafts

Are all the aluminum driveshafts in Firebirds/Camaros the same length between 82-02 manual or auto?
Is the difference in the yokes in lengths, Im reading that from 82-97 its 41.5" and 98-02 is 41".
All I really want is to use an ls1 3" diameter aluminum driveshaft on my 87 GTA with 9 bolt rear end.
Will all driveshafts bolt on the same or is there something I need to change, Im just comfirming this before I make the swap.
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Old May 6, 2009 | 02:34 PM
  #2  
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From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

I can't confirm the length. However, the JG1 shaft, auto or manual, is the same and a direct fit--though with pre-88 cars, there was a problem with the rear U-joint not fitting. I used and recommended CarQuest p/n 3-3130 when that was the case. Many members have swapped in the LS1 shaft, but I've yet to read of a fitment problem.

JamesC
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Old May 6, 2009 | 02:39 PM
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transamice's Avatar
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From: Hamilton ON Canada
Car: 87 GTA t-top
Engine: L98 350 w/RMT
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt BW 3.45
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

My 9 bolt axle is from an 89 so Im hoping all is well and its a smooth install.
Im just preparing myself for any suprises, I have had many in the past getting stuck having to wait for parts.
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Old May 6, 2009 | 02:42 PM
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JamesC's Avatar
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From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

I'd suggest you're good to go.

JamesC
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Old May 8, 2009 | 03:18 PM
  #5  
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From: Calgary, AB, Canada
Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

The older cars with the 4speed manuals or 3 speed autos had short transmissions, and longer driveshafts. I have a 45" long DS.
The newer ones are all similar I believe
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Old May 8, 2009 | 03:44 PM
  #6  
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From: huntsville, al
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 6.8 HSR N2O
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 9" Moser 3.50 True trac
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

82-92 shafts are 41.5" center to center and the 93-02 are 41". I don't know if the CL lengths are true for ALL applications but this is what I measured when attempting to go aluminum after a TKO 600 installation. Checked a lot of 82-02 shafts- steel and aluminum. The differance seems to be that dampening ring they put on the post-93 models. But if the tranny is stock the later one should work just fine since the yoke splines ar the same. Just keep the later yoke with the later shaft and vis-versa. I ended up just having my stock steel re-tubed since I needed +1" length.
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Old May 8, 2009 | 03:53 PM
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Sonix's Avatar
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From: Calgary, AB, Canada
Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

Whoa, be careful.
As I mentioned, 1982-'83 will be the 44 1/2" or so.
84 and on are as you mentioned.
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Old May 8, 2009 | 05:44 PM
  #8  
transamice's Avatar
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From: Hamilton ON Canada
Car: 87 GTA t-top
Engine: L98 350 w/RMT
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt BW 3.45
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

I have an 87 GTA auto 700R4, rear end 9bolt from an 89 GTA.
Im hoping its a direct fit with no hassles.
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Old May 8, 2009 | 06:05 PM
  #9  
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From: Litchfield Park
Car: '91 1LE
Engine: 377 w/Stealthram
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Torsen
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

It will fit just fine.
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Old May 28, 2009 | 07:07 PM
  #10  
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From: Somerset, New Jersey
Car: 95 Z85 S10, 99 Formula
Engine: 4.3 CPI , LS1
Transmission: NV3500, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.42
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

So from reading i'm fairly certain that my new driveshaft will fit.

it's from an 00-02 trans am

i have an 84 Camaro with the 700R4

it will be a driect fit?
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Old May 28, 2009 | 08:15 PM
  #11  
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Car: 1988 IROC Convertible
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

99% chance it will fit
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Old May 28, 2009 | 08:17 PM
  #12  
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From: Somerset, New Jersey
Car: 95 Z85 S10, 99 Formula
Engine: 4.3 CPI , LS1
Transmission: NV3500, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.42
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

This will be my first time doing something like that, do i need any special tools?
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Old May 28, 2009 | 08:53 PM
  #13  
SmokeShow's Avatar
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Car: 1988 IROC Convertible
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

a jack
I think a 7/16 wrench or socket
maybe 3/8's cant remember
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Old May 28, 2009 | 08:57 PM
  #14  
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From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

Originally Posted by Convoy25
This will be my first time doing something like that, do i need any special tools?
No.

JamesC
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Old May 28, 2009 | 09:15 PM
  #15  
transamice's Avatar
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Hamilton ON Canada
Car: 87 GTA t-top
Engine: L98 350 w/RMT
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt BW 3.45
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

I installed my ls1 driveshaft to my 9-bolt, great success.
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Old May 28, 2009 | 09:25 PM
  #16  
Convoy25's Avatar
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From: Somerset, New Jersey
Car: 95 Z85 S10, 99 Formula
Engine: 4.3 CPI , LS1
Transmission: NV3500, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.42
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

awesome

did you do anything to clean/shine it up?

i have some metal polish that shines it up a bit, but im also looking to see if i can get some scratches out
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Old May 28, 2009 | 09:40 PM
  #17  
transamice's Avatar
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Hamilton ON Canada
Car: 87 GTA t-top
Engine: L98 350 w/RMT
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt BW 3.45
Re: Aluminum Driveshafts

Honestly it was in like new condition when I got it, very clean.
I just installed it as is.
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