Driveshaft Safety Loops

The driveshaft safety loop purpose is to keep a driveshaft from dropping down from under the vehicle and becoming airborne in the event of a yoke, pinion flange, u-joint, or other related drivetrain component failure during a race. If the front of the driveshaft drops down at high speed, under the right conditions, it could catch on the surface below and catapult the rear of the vehicle upward, creating an accident. If the transmission yoke becomes disengaged from the tail shaft transmission fluid will spray out and could cause traction issues if it reaches the rear tires. A driveshaft loop & crossmember helps prevent this and other possible catastrophes from an airborne driveshaft. The driveshaft loop location ideally should be within six inches of the front driveshaft universal joint to help prevent driveshaft and other vehicle component damage.

To meet NHRA racing rules and requirements, the driveshaft safety loop should be installed in a location no more than 6 inches from the centerline of the front driveshaft universal joint. This will allow the driveshaft loop to properly support the rotating driveshaft in the event of a u-joint failure. If you are participating in other racing organizations, check with their driveshaft loop rules as they could be different.

There are a few different ways that a driveshaft can be damaged. One common cause is due to a u-joint failure, which disconnects the driveshaft from the transmission yoke or pinion flange. This will cause it to fall to the ground (if there isn't a rear driveshaft loop installed) while spinning rapidly. Another possible cause of driveshaft damage is if the transmission yoke or pinion flange fails. This also will cause the driveshaft to disconnect and fall to the ground. The other most common cause of a driveshaft to fail is the driveshaft tubing breaking or being twisted from engine torque that exceeds its strength, coupled with very little tire slip, such as when drag racing tires are used.

A JEGS expert is ready to answer your questions and help you find the NHRA drive shaft loop, universal driveshaft loop, or custom kit (for example, Dodge Ram driveshaft loops) that you need for your street rod, muscle car, or race vehicle.