Quote:
Originally Posted by Formulajones
Is it a short bed or single cab?
My understanding from our local driveline shop is it's the length of the driveshaft needed that determines the material, and if it's a long shaft and made of steel, there is a certain point where a carrier bearing is needed so the shaft can be made in 2 shorter pieces. Really long steel shafts aren't a good idea, They get too heavy and as mentioned critical speed becomes an issue, earlier I mentioned they start whipping if too long and heavy.
Think "jump rope"
Aluminum is lighter and will have a much higher critical speed before that occurs. So in some cases when the factory didn't want to use a carrier bearing to make a 2 piece steel shaft for what ever reason, they would use aluminum, make it one long shaft and done.
|
Critical Speed, as mentioned with an example in my previous posts can not be ignored. A properly designed and fabricated aluminum driveshaft from a quality supplier or a new driveshaft modified for the proper length for the application is the way to go.
There is a point with "AGE" and "Duty Cycle" (where even the best parts fail eventually). Put a driveshaft loop on the vehicle and save your vehicle from
potential sheet metal replacement down the road.