5th gen SS driveshaft to ZL1 rear end Swap

[Moto-Mojo]

Originally Posted by BlackBird1

Question: Why did GM put a two piece drive shaft on the Camaro anyway?

I have a Mitsuubishi where the driveshaft center bearing faild luckly I didn't have my foot in it or the drive shaft would have come through the floor.

In the past (I started in driveshafts in 1975) they used two piece shafts when the application was two long for one. Driveshafts - based on tube diameter and operating RPM, can only be so long before critical speed will destroy it. By making a two piece shaft, you obviously shorten the tube of both. Another reason is taking up a large offset angle of the trans and diff. As in, one being higher (from the ground) than the other. The center bearing breaks up the offset.

Why on a relatively short run at almost zero angle on the Camaro? I’d have to say critical speed. There’s not a lot of room for larger dia tube. I’ve not had my out but I have seen one at the shop I used to call on. I’m guessing it’s about 2.5” in dia and about 50” long. To use a 1-piece 2.5” tube at 50”, it would have a critical speed of about 5000 RPM. At 3” dia it would be approximately 6000 RPM.

Maybe just CYA-ing knowing the car might see those RPM’s on a track and they didn’t want anyone on the ragged edge of failure. But that’s just my educated guess.

[Moto-Mojo]

I have seen GM use driveshaft parts and pieces from previous makes and models in what seemed like simply utilizing inventory on hand. But that was more in the past. But I suspect it might still go on.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by NOT A 45

OK now I get it....that should work fine. I'd probably try to find the measurement that puts that slip yoke midway in it's travel. Do they still use the rubber couplings, or does it bolt directly to the flanges?

No rubber couplings on my DSS one, just bolts directly to the trans and diff..

[Moto-Mojo]

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

No rubber couplings on my DSS one, just bolts directly to the trans and diff..

Attachment 1102160

Attachment 1102161

Yeah that’s a ‘Rzeppa’ joint on the front. Did they furnish these to put on the trans and diff?

[Moto-Mojo]

Also, carbon fiber. Nice! I’m looking at getting into that side of the bizz.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by Moto-Mojo

Yeah that’s a ‘Rzeppa’ joint on the front. Did they furnish these to put on the trans and diff?

Attachment 1102167

Yes sir! They DID provide those 2 couplers and all the bolts to make it all complete. No issues to date, or with the install.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by Moto-Mojo

Also, carbon fiber. Nice! I’m looking at getting into that side of the bizz.

Yea, a bit more expensive, but kinda cool if you want/need one. A couple guys on our forum do have the CF one in their builds.

[Moto-Mojo]

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

Yea, a bit more expensive, but kinda cool if you want/need one. A couple guys on our forum do have the CF one in their builds.

I actually have had some experience with one of the biggest CF tube suppliers in the country. There are really cool things you can do to tailor the launch aspects of CF. From stiff to ‘stored up’ energy winds.

They even experimented- to a good degree of success, with Kevlar-infused windings for 4x4 apps where the concern was that rocks, etc. could damage the tube and delaminate it. Obviously it added strength. Pretty cool bragging rights to say your driveline has Kevlar in it.

We were involved in a very early JL Jeep build using an, “Elephant Motor” with some crazy amount of HP spinning all four ridiculously big tires at SEMA a few years back using our CF driveshaft. Hell, maybe I shouldn’t have retired. : /

[rusn63@yahoo.com]

I installed rear and half shafts as far as the drive shaft all that was needed was the bigger yoke for the trans and new bolts. i have a 6 sp. maybe auto are different.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by Moto-Mojo

I actually have had some experience with one of the biggest CF tube suppliers in the country. There are really cool things you can do to tailor the launch aspects of CF. From stiff to ‘stored up’ energy winds.

They even experimented- to a good degree of success, with Kevlar-infused windings for 4x4 apps where the concern was that rocks, etc. could damage the tube and delaminate it. Obviously it added strength. Pretty cool bragging rights to say your driveline has Kevlar in it.

We were involved in a very early JL Jeep build using an, “Elephant Motor” with some crazy amount of HP spinning all four ridiculously big tires at SEMA a few years back using our CF driveshaft. Hell, maybe I shouldn’t have retired. : /

Awesome bro!! Cool stuff indeed...

[CamaroCracka]

Originally Posted by NOT A 45

Been working for and with GM for 39 years, if there wasn't supposed to be a slip joint in that shaft trust me they wouldn't have made it that way! They waste money on nothing. My suggestion is to find some other fool that thinks he is upgrading and trade him for the correct shaft!

I'd be that fool.

OP, I have a ZL1 shaft sitting on the shelf I would be willing to trade and add cash since I am about to do some upgrades to the vert. Might as well add an aluminum DS to list. PM if you are interested.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by CamaroCracka

I'd be that fool.

OP, I have a ZL1 shaft sitting on the shelf I would be willing to trade and add cash since I am about to do some upgrades to the vert. Might as well add an aluminum DS to list. PM if you are interested.

lol, yea I was that fool last year!! And I really love my 1 pc driveshaft, along with the solid cradle mounts!! Tight tight tight!!!