driveshaft selection

[Flash68]

I searched and was surprised there was not more talk of this anywhere that I could see. Maybe it's a no brainer and I shouldn't be asking! :_paranoid

Anyway, it seems like I see a lot of guys with less power than me using a 3.5" aluminum driveshaft from Inland or Denny's. Is there a certain level you really should go from steel to aluminum? I have the steel driveshaft that came with my TKO 600 from Keisler. Is there any reason why it's not a good idea to use it? I believe it's a 3". Will fitment issues come into play with 3" exhaust?

Quick specs of my car:

procharged 406 approx 650-700 rwhp
TKO 600
9" rear 3.70 gears
3" exhaust with x-pipe will be run


thanks

[Vegas69]

Pretty sure it's around 600hp you need to go to a 3.5" aluminum. That's what I have, and got it through classic chevy and inland. They recommended it for my application. My exhaust is tucked way up and have no issues with exhaust contacting anything. They did modify it some. All you will need is some stainless 3" pipe and a good welder. A call to Jim at Classic Chevy is a good idea. He is extremely sharp. I like to be well within the rating of all my parts...especially a drive shaft. Reliability is important.

[Rick Dorion]

I bought my last driveshaft from Denny's. Call them. They'll steer you in the right direction and not oversell.

[Flash68]

Thanks guys. I will check out both Inland and Denny's.

[rich-allen]

Im going to run a carbon fiber shaft from PST.

A little more expensive but there tested and guarnteed for high HP applications and they use them in pro stock as well.

http://www.pstds.com/critical_link_drive_shafts.htm

Rich

[parsonsj]

Mark Williams 3" 4130 for me.

Nice stuff.

jp

[Flash68]

Thanks Rich and JP. I will call those guys as well.

[Flash68]

PST and Mark Williams both said I am probably okay with the 3" mild steel that comes with the TKO trans, as long as I have the stronger 1350 yokes/u-joint stuff.

If I don't, PST recommended mild steel (up to 1000hp) and MW recommended I might as well go with 4130 chromoly (what JP has I assume).

Now I just need to figure out what I have on my 9" and go from there.