High Performance Driveshafts

In rear wheel drive vehicles, a driveshaft connects the transmission to the rear axle assembly. It rotates with the output shaft of the transmission via a yoke and u joint connection. On the other end of the driveshaft, a u-joint connects to the pinion gear flange. This connection transfers power from the engine and transmission to the rear end. Aluminum high performance driveshafts offer less weight, which results in lower rotating mass and increased acceleration and performance for vehicles like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang as well as many others.

To remove a driveshaft, the vehicle must be first safely and securely raised off of the ground to allow room. For rear wheel drive vehicles, disconnect the driveshaft from the rear axle housing by unbolting the u-joint or flange. Next, slide the driveshaft yoke out from the back of the transmission. Some transmission fluid may drain out, so have a container ready to catch any transmission fluid.

When measuring an assembled driveshaft, the distance is calculated depending on the connections on the driveshaft. If the driveshaft has a u-joint only on both ends, measure from the center of the u-joint on one end of the driveshaft to the center of the u-joint on the opposite end. If the driveshaft has a yoke on one end and a u-joint on the other end, measure from the end of the transmission yoke to the center of the u-joint on the opposite end. If the driveshaft has a flange on both ends, measure from the face of the flange on one end to the face of the flange on the other end. If the driveshaft has a yoke on one end and a flange on the other end, measure from the end of the yoke to the face of the flange.

An advanced driveshaft balancing machine is required to properly balance a driveshaft at a business that handles driveshaft repairs and driveshaft problems. This is done by removing the driveshaft from the vehicle with the transmission slip yoke as well as the u-joints left installed so that the entire assembly is balanced. The person balancing the driveshaft will check the driveshaft tube with a dial indicator to confirm the outside diameter is within specifications throughout the entire length of the tube. The driveshaft assembly is then mounted on the machine and spun at high RPMs. The balancing machine then determines the position of the weight and how much to add to the driveshaft. The weight is then welded onto the driveshaft and rechecked on the machine to confirm precision driveshaft balancing.

In nearly every case, to install a driveshaft, the vehicle needs to be securely and safely high enough off the ground to be able to perform the installation. Most rear-wheel drive vehicle one-piece driveshafts are installed by inserting the front transmission yoke end into the back of the trans first, slightly further in than needed, and then lining up the rear flange or u joint and pulling the driveshaft assembly back to it until it can be bolted to the rear pinion. After confirming the driveshaft is properly secured, the vehicle can be lowered and then taken for a test drive.

A JEGS expert is ready to answer your questions and help you find the performance driveshaft or driveshaft parts that you require for your specific application.