C2 - Driveshaft seems wimpy

[tigernut]

Pulled my driveshaft tonight to replace the rear muncie seal (I know, should have done it when the engine and transmission were out) and the driveshaft is very small in diameter, almost like my Miata's driveshaft.

Guess I was expecting something similar to my 68 Camaro's driveshaft.

I'm amazed these C2 driveshafts can take big block horsepower/torque.

I guess the larger diameter isn't required due to the short length of the driveshaft?

Doug

 

[67HEAVEN]

Pulled my driveshaft tonight to replace the rear muncie seal (I know, should have done it when the engine and transmission were out) and the driveshaft is very small in diameter, almost like my Miata's driveshaft.

Guess I was expecting something similar to my 68 Camaro's driveshaft.

I'm amazed these C2 driveshafts can take big block horsepower/torque.

I guess the larger diameter isn't required due to the short length of the driveshaft?

Doug

In all my years of hard driving and racing, I never had a problem with mine. That was behind a 427/435 4-speed, and in front of various rear gears including 4.56:1.

I only had a newer, heavier design built when forced to by the change to a Richmond 5-speed.

 

[IH2LOSE]

Besides the grip of the tires I think our Half shafts are the weekest links. Johnz has a nice picture of some torn up shafts,Ihope he post's them.

The pictures he has of the half shafts STOPED me from trying a pair of slicks on my 66

 

[74bigblock]

Pulled my driveshaft tonight to replace the rear muncie seal (I know, should have done it when the engine and transmission were out) and the driveshaft is very small in diameter, almost like my Miata's driveshaft.

Doug

Is this a metaphore for something else?

 

[tigernut]

Is this a metaphore for something else?

Hee, not really, but could be I guess.

After reading 67Heaven's comments, I guess size doesn't matter?

 

[Mike McKown]

I can't tell you why but I believe the required diameter of the tube size has something to do with NVH expectations.

 

[Donny Brass]

Yeap, size does not matter unless you are getting traction.

er driveshaft size.... um, nevermind

 

[JohnZ]

Here's a pair of half-shafts that were caught just in time ('67 L-89, stock tires):

And here's a pair that weren't caught in time (540 Merlin and slicks); extensive floorpan and chassis damage from the flailing pieces:

 

[tigernut]

Cool pictures John, thanks for posting.

 

[magicv8]

A larger diameter shaft also makes it hard to drop it between the seat belt anchor bolts. I had a large diameter shaft for a few years, and always had to remove the anchor nuts to get the driveshaft out. That's the reason I converted back to stock.