I was wondering if you can truly use an aluminum driveshaft from a 93+ Z28 or TA? There was a guy on ebay selling one and he said it was brand new from GM and could be used with 82-92 F-body's and 93+ LT1 and LS1 F-body's. I have heard different things about the aluminum driveshafts GM currently uses, something about them being hollow and filled with various materials. The true 1LE alum. driveshafts where solid aluminum and that is why they are so sought after. Could anyone give me some clarification on this topic?

 

I remember reading that you can use an 1LE aluminum DS from an LT1 Z28/TA but not one from the LS1's

 

I searched the boards a few times and looks like I can use a 93+ alum. driveshaft so that is good news. The only thing I am curious about, are they the same quality as the 87-92 1LE driveshafts? Does anyone know?

 

Thirdgen alum shafts were often used in fourthgen cars to solve a vibration problem--so I assume that if a thirdgen shaft will fit a fourthgen car, the reverse is true. However, the thirdgen shaft will not fit all thirdgen cars: It won't fit TH350s 82-83 but will fit overdrive trannies 83 to present. Shafts in 88-92 cars are simple swap-ins, but pre-88 cars will require a different rear U-joint (at least my 85 IROC did). The 1LE shaft (GM 10085375) has a diameter of 2 3/4; the LS1 (GM 12564003) is 3.

JamesC

 

Thanks for the info James, since I have a '88 IROC I should be in good shape. I will keep my eye on ebay for a LSI driveshaft or might break down and just go buy one from GM. 3" diameter alum driveshaft... I like the sound of that!

 

Here is a link I found to a website that guy has on this topic. Check out the price he got his for.

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...up/misc/ls1ds/

 

The 1LE package included the Al DS, it was no better than anyother Al DS available. They are not solid though. They are slightly lighter, but the real advantage is that they absorb vibrations very well and are balanced much better than their steel counterpart.

Prices range from $125- $300 (used) Only ebay buyers pay over $175 though.