i just picked up my new driveshaft from the yard yesterday and its rusty, and i want to clean it before i put it into my car

anyways my question is, what is the best method of cleaning these up? could i use a wire brush to possible get the rust off?

its a steel driveshaft

 

yeah steel brush or wire wheel.....then use a rust paint, like rustoleum.

 

can i ask why i should paint it?, iv never heard of them being painted so i figured id ask

 

The only reason to clean it up would be for appearance, which is what paint would help to preserve.. If you don't care how it looks, don't bother even wire brushing it..

For the record, you should only brush it long ways, not around.. Not likely, but you could induce stress marks by going around, which could lead to premature failure.

 

I totally agree with what 85MikeTPI said, use the cleaning brush to clean up, and then use the paint pen to paint, it looks new and perfect after do these, you can do it by yourself.