2 piece driveshaft

[sethulrich]

Ever since I got my 93 240SX, I've been wondering why the car has a 2-piece driveshaft. Because of the rubber coupling, it means it needs a carrier bearing. I can only see that it means more power loss thru the drive train, between the rubber coupling and carrier bearing. Also, I have heard that the rubber coupling makes it difficult to start smoothly at times (and I've found that to be true...sometimes it really shakes when I start) and especially with torque and hp increases due to mods. So, my first question is, does anyone know why the drive shaft is two pieces? Second, is there anyone who makes a one piece drive shaft to replace the stock unit? I have done some searching, and so far have not been able to locate one. I would think with a solid driveshaft, you could eliminate the carrier bearing, which would mean slightly less power loss to the rear wheels, and also eliminating the rubber coupling would mean less power loss to the rear wheels. I don't think it would make a HUGE difference, maybe not even noticeable, except it may be easier to start smoothly. Anyway, I'd be happy for any info about this. Thanks!

[ricebike]

weird... i'm looking @ my FSM for an 89-90 & they have 2 different kinds of a 2 piece driveshaft...

#3S63A-R w/ a rubber coupling you're talking aboutthis is on my 89 5speed...

#3S63A-T w/ a solid 1st tube (i'm guessing for the automatic trannies?-someone confirm that)

both kinds are showing a carrier bearing if it has the rubber coupling or not.

my guess is to isolate the back from the suspension travel & doesn't want a long propeller shaft d/t a low car height...

[Nismo_Freak]

The two peice was designed cause the manual and auto trannies are different lengths. Rather than making two long shafts per car they made it a two peice. This second peice also can be found on other RWD nissans.

[Cyberkreig]

i have been hearing about an aluminum one-piece from enjuku. Also try searching for "carbon-fiber driveshaft" or something similar on the forum. there was a conversation about that some time ago and a company that would custom make you one..

[Nismo_Freak]

carbon driveshafts are very prone to cracking... if you are excessively lowered I do not suggest one. All it takes is to drag it on a hump and it will crack and ultimately fail. Plus the carbon shafts are much more than aluminum units, but are better for racing.

[Cyberkreig]

yeah, i think those customs were like 600 ea. they did warn that they are vournable to 'side impacts'

[sethulrich]

Thanks for the info guys! I looked up enjuku's aluminum driveshaft...that's exactly what I had in mind! Guess I didn't search long enough. I had planned to design an aluminum, 1-piece drive shaft for my senior project (I'm majoring in mechanical engineering at Indiana Institute of Technology, Ft Wayne, IN) but I guess I'll hafta think of something else. I'd really like to design something for the 240.....any ideas?

[Nismo_Freak]

Design and optimize a lightweight tig welded roll cage for chassis stiffness and structural rigidity. An aluminum driveshaft is kinda easy to design.

[SPIRO]

http://www.acpt.com = custom carbon fiber driveshafts. I mailed them and they quoted me a price of $900.00 and 2 weeks to make. I lost interest soon after that. :thumbd