DSS Aluminum Driveshaft on Automatic

[CompStang]

First I would like to say, I am getting worried because I am seeing quite a bit of negative comments about DSS. SIGH! Anyway, I was watching STEEDA video on the install. I noticed they used some Hex bolts. I unpacked my driveshaft yesterday and there isn't anything additional to it. IE there isn't a bag of hex bolts) Am I missing anything here? Thanks.

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[Tugger50H]

Following, about ready to order driveshaft for my GT auto

 

[CompStang]

Ok, so there hasn't been any support on this so I guess I will keep it updated as I do this. I will try to take some pictures and post information. I know for some, a driveshaft install is cake. However, when you have never done when, you get paranoid and don't want to break a new car!

First I will say I called DSS yesterday, supposedly got transferred to the technical department and the guy I talked to was more clueless than I. Really irritating actually. So, to avoid confusion I will simply tell you exactly what I now know after exchanging some emails today. Tomorrow will be the actual install

1- The drive shaft for the automatic does not look anything like the one STEEDA used in their video. The portion that connects to the front is what looks completely different. So don't be alarmed. I will post pictures before and during install.
2- The drive shaft comes shipped with the adapter plates installed on both ends. You have to remove them.
3- Hex bolts are not supplied for the portion that connects the front adapter plate. You will have to use the stock bolts. This is already bothering me as I remember only seeing 3 bolts in the video. However, the automatic is completely different than the manual so we shall see.
4- Torque specs are supposedly on the sticker on the drive shaft.

That is all the update i currently have. Will keep you updated come tomorrow.

 

[CompStang]

Here is an attachment I got from DSS today with torque and spacing. I am not sure if this is going to embed or show as attachment. If it is not embeded, can someone please do so as I do not know how? Thanks

 

[CompStang]

OK so unfortunately still no idea how to embed pictures. So the install is pretty straight forward. Why DSS uses hex bolts though is beyond me. Pretty dang irritating with the angles. So the exact tool sizes I don't remember. Use the picture above for torque references. I was using it then realized I was tightening more than specified so ended up with about 90 to 100 lbs on all bolts. No vibrations, just solid running.

OK so in simple terms
Jack the vehicle up and get a couple jack stands under
Remove both end adapters off the new driveshaft
Uninstall driveshaft, front end uses 12 point bolts that you will re use and back is 6 point
With front bolts removed clean them off, also clean the new drive shaft bolts
Each bolt you put in use locktite
Put front adapter plate in and rear adapter plate. Refer to above picture for torque specs
Put new drive shaft in. Make sure lined up with marking.
So the front of drive shaft comes premarked for lining up. I marked the back as well to make sure nothing can go wrong.
It is really this simple to do. I am going to post pics but won't be embedded hence why written like this.

 

[Ryan1112]

Good job getting it installed. Can you tell much of a difference?

 

[BMR Tech]

What was the weight savings?

 

[CompStang]

Shipping weight was 24 pounds. I think it's a 12 lb difference. Can I tell a difference? Hell yes. I have the dreaded put it in drive and wait a second till I get power. A lot of that is gone now for whatever reason. Other than that, not enough goodies to really tell. It revs a little quicker, gets going quicker, to me seems a lot quicker though probably not as much as I think. When I get some free time I'll get the pics up. Tried doing it from the phone but pics are too big lol.

 

[BMR Tech]

Nice. I have seen people state that they are only 1-2 lb savings (multiple people)

I updated the weight saving thread I made because I had people send me weights of them in the 27-28lb range. If you ever have a chance to weigh it accurately, I would like to see what you get. I dont want to have inaccurate info in my weight thread.

 

[CompStang]

Hopefully the pictures work

 

[CompStang]

Nice. I have seen people state that they are only 1-2 lb savings (multiple people)

I updated the weight saving thread I made because I had people send me weights of them in the 27-28lb range. If you ever have a chance to weigh it accurately, I would like to see what you get. I dont want to have inaccurate info in my weight thread.

Not sure it matter but it is DSS automatic driveshaft. There is a big difference, not a pound or 2. That much I guarantee. I never weighed either. Like I said shipping weight is 24. AM has a video of weighing them. A pound or 2 is definitely wrong.

 

[BMR Tech]

RBS550, a member here, who is very thorough with his work has an auto. I think I remember him saying similar.

I am not trying to ruin your thread, was just wondering if you actually weighed it, that's all.

Thanks for the images! Definitely a nice piece it appears.

Enjoy!

BTW, the OEM Auto DS is 29lbs.

 

[CompStang]

RBS550, a member here, who is very thorough with his work has an auto. I think I remember him saying similar.

I am not trying to ruin your thread, was just wondering if you actually weighed it, that's all.

Thanks for the images! Definitely a nice piece it appears.

Enjoy!

BTW, the OEM Auto DS is 29lbs.

I know you mean nothing wrong by it. I just know from pulling off the stock to putting on this one, it is definitely more than a pound or 2 is all. You can definitely feel the difference. If stock auto is 29 I assume and that is all from shipping weight you save 6 lbs.

 

[CompStang]

So I ordered from American Muscle. This is the shipping which shows 24 lbs shipped. Maybe they can weigh one?

 

[Cobra Jet]

Good tech thread for us Auto owners!

So, what's your impressions after the install - any input or updates?

Did you experience any issues w/the stock driveshaft prior to installing the new DSS aluminum one?

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