2007CalSpec

I'm looking for a 1-piece driveshaft before going FI. I think I want a 4" DS. I've narrowed it down to either The Axle Exchange or Shaftmasters. I really like the seamless, high quality look of the Axle Exhange's driveshaft but it's about 200 bucks more. Is it worth the cost over the Shaftmasters? Both come with a new pinion flange. I hate the idea of using an adapter. I heard that some people were able to install a new pinion flange without checking preload and just torquing the nut to 140-150ft/lb.

http://www.axle-exchange.com/index.htm

http://www.shaftmasters.com/mustang-...on-f05088.html

MEK

I have the 4" Shaftmasters and have been very happy with it. As a company, Shaftmasters is very easy to deal with, which is also a plus. Originally, I was going to change out the pinion flange, but I read too many posts of people having major issues due to the flange preload being incorrect? I ended up using the adapter plate, and the piece is made very well and fits good, I am not worried at all. I have yet to read a post where someone had something go wrong due to the adapter? If you do the pinion flange swap, I would take it to a shop where they have the proper tools and experience to install it correctly.

Doogie65

I just bought a PowerHouse 4 inch driveshaft that does use an adapter plate. When installed correctly, these should cause you no reason for concern as there is a ton of this style driveshaft being used in cars with big horsepower that see a lot of track time. This one is very reasonable as they can be picked up during one of the periodic group buys on the S197Forum for $550 shipped.

ODDYSEY

I have a shaftmasters and I love it. I don't think the extra $200 is justified on the first DS listed.

07vbluestang

i have the shaftmasters DS and i had a vibration issue but i didnt know where it was coming from. shaftmasters saw my post and offered to check it for me free of charge. they sent me a shipping label and checked it out for me. ALL FREE!! now that is service!!! the DS was fine!!! they didnt have to do that!!

JimC

Shaftmasters is a great company and great product. I am very happy with my 4" Shaftmasters - and have put a lot of miles on it (about 50,000 with many track passes) with no problems.

Too many people equate >price = > quality. Just because you pay more for something doesn't make it better necessarily.

With Shaftmasters you are dealing with the manufacturer rather than a reseller. And, they just came out with a 3.5" shaft again.

JDWalton

Bad idea, and this is where most go wrong installing gears too. There is no static measurement for torque on that. The spec is all based off the rotating resistnace that is generated by crushing the sleeve. IF you measured what it took to start crushing it, (BIG IF) its more like 400ft/lb before it will start to crush, and after that it is VERY small incriments to get the right amount of rolling resistance on that pinion. In other words, your rolling some loaded dice (not in your favor) with that method.


All that said, and as others of said, the shafts with adapters from reputable companies seem good. I have not heard of any from shaftmasters in my searching that were bad becuase of a adapter plate, and thats what I am going to be sending my power through when I finaly order my shaft.

2010V6Stang

Shaftmasters has the best quality, price, and service, Nuff Said!

2007CalSpec

Thanks for the replies everyone! I think I'll go with Shaftmasters with the adapter plate. Don't want the headache of checking preload. One more thing...I read that some people have clearance issues with a 4" DS on a lowered car if you carry passengers too. I've also read that you can correct this by having an adj. UCA to properly setup the pinion angle. Is this correct? What I want to know is if anyone is still having clearance issues even after correcting the pinion angle? This is important because I have some chubby friends!