JXB Driveshaft Carrier Upgrade?

[TheBrightSide]

Has anyone on this forum installed and actually driven and reviewed one of these driveshaft carrier upgrades? The company, JXB, makes lots of these for many different vehicle platforms, although it looks like it goes to the factory 2-pc driveshaft, using the factory carrier bearing itself.

I was debating on installing this, rather than potentially going with a 1-pc driveshaft. My factory driveshaft carrier bearing seems fine, although if I could, I would replace it. People are having trouble finding OEM/OE quality carrier bearings though, since I believe the original GM/Chevy ones are discontinued?

Also, I was going to ask, if I swap in a new trans or rear diff, or just another stock driveshaft from a separate, same V8 (same trans, of course) model; would I need to have to install the driveshaft in the same, exact orientation that the original driveshaft was installed? I would assume it doesn't always have to be 100% exact, as some people don't even mark or remember how it was installed or removed. I just wonder if that would potentially cause imbalance, and then noises or whatever else from that imbalance...

[Joe.G]

I have one sitting on the self along with a trans mount insert, At some point I'll install it and it does seem like a quality piece. I don't want to cut apart factory bearing. I am trying to find a quality bearing to use as the ones I come across appear to be junk. I would mark stock shaft at trans, rear and slip yoke in center.

[SS_Dave]

I have one. My main premise in buying it was as a part of tightening up the entire drive train. It is a nice piece but yes, it does use the actual original bearing. What it does is create a more solid hold for that bearing to ride in. Is it worth the money? Debatable, but far cheaper than a one piece drive shaft. And you hear plenty of mixed reviews on that unless you're track only. In general, I'm happy with it. I did have to go to the softer insert they provide because I had some vibration when I first installed. I have to say, though, support is awesome from them. Just be sure when you're installing, that you're allowing everything to settle in straight. Now it's fine and I don't think about it. But I've been doing a lot of other things at the same time.

[TheBrightSide]

Originally Posted by SS_Dave

I have one. My main premise in buying it was as a part of tightening up the entire drive train. It is a nice piece but yes, it does use the actual original bearing. What it does is create a more solid hold for that bearing to ride in. Is it worth the money? Debatable, but far cheaper than a one piece drive shaft. And you hear plenty of mixed reviews on that unless you're track only. In general, I'm happy with it. I did have to go to the softer insert they provide because I had some vibration when I first installed. I have to say, though, support is awesome from them. Just be sure when you're installing, that you're allowing everything to settle in straight. Now it's fine and I don't think about it. But I've been doing a lot of other things at the same time.

Yeah, I was probably going to go with the softer insert as well, instead of the harder one for mainly track driving and drag racing. I planned to have it on my car, and then check it after about 500 miles or so and re-tighten the carrier mounting bolts if necessary. I usually use blue thread locker on the driveshaft carrier mounting bolts; but like you said, they can "settle" and break in.

I haven't have any crazy issues on the stock 2-pc driveshaft, with my manual Camaro. However, it's been a while since I've had a Camaro, and I have yet to drag race this thing seriously. The most I've done, is probably taken it on some light track days.

I remember on some rainy days, there were a handful of times when I'd get wheel hop. Same thing when I'd attempt to burn out on dry surfaces, but it was pretty rare for me. If anything, I'd say having this driveshaft carrier upgade, just probably gives me an overall peace of mind and comfort.

[SS_Dave]

Wheel hop is going to be solved by upgrading/refreshing pieces in the rear cradle. Solid or poly cradle bushings from BMR, upgraded LCA's and toe rods. You can do other stuff too but those handle a lot of wheel hop issues.

Personally, my rear end upgrades currently consist of...

3.91 gears and TruTrac in the diff with new BMR poly diff bushing.
BMR poly cradle bushings
BMR... LCA's, adjustable toe rods, and adjustable end links.
And Pedders coilovers.

[TheBrightSide]

Originally Posted by SS_Dave

Wheel hop is going to be solved by upgrading/refreshing pieces in the rear cradle. Solid or poly cradle bushings from BMR, upgraded LCA's and toe rods. You can do other stuff too but those handle a lot of wheel hop issues.

Personally, my rear end upgrades currently consist of...

3.91 gears and TruTrac in the diff with new BMR poly diff bushing.
BMR poly cradle bushings
BMR... LCA's, adjustable toe rods, and adjustable end links.
And Pedders coilovers.

What’s your mileage like, or gear ratios in general, with the 3.91 final drive gear ratio? I know it’s probably been asked about to death, but I did see a low mileage salvaged SS 1LE manual trans (TR-6060, 5.1?) and was wondering if it would be worse if I paired that trans with the different 1LE gearing, to my factory 3.45 rear diff…

[SS_Dave]

https://gwatneyperformance.com/geari...1-manual-cars/

Scroll through this editorial to see exact differences with the ratios. Andrew Cammer is on this site as well.

1LE I believe has slightly different tranny ratios than SS. This is documenting SS.