Would you trust a used Driveshaft?

[Perna00]

I’ve got a 2019 convertible with the 10r80 tranny. I’ve heard quite of people say that the one piece driveshafts are a pretty decent upgrade and I found two that people were selling. One is aluminum and one is carbon fiber. They have both been “used for one or 2000 miles“ or at least they are saying. I know that some of these drive shafts can be problematic and was wondering if it is just a gamble or something that I should run from the idea. They’re asking between $500-$700 so it might be worth it. What are your thoughts and are these a nightmare to install on a convertible. Thanks for any advice.

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[robvas]

I would trust a use one as long as it didn't appear damaged and the U joints are good.

Is it an upgrade? Sure, it's half the weight of the stock one, paired with a lightweight set of wheels you might see a tenth or two in the 1/4 mile

But, is it worth $700 if your current driveshaft isn't wobbly etc? Maybe not.

 

[Cobra Jet]

What are the 2 brands?

The problem with buying a used driveshaft that is already off the vehicle is, you don’t know if the owner is selling it because they experienced vibrations with it that could not be resolved. You can’t “test drive” it; if it were still in the car you could ask to go for a ride to verify if was smooth from X to Z speeds/rpm or if it produced driveline vibes.

There is also no way to tell if it was dropped or if it’s out of round (or not balanced due to manufacturing).

The other thing to think about too:
How far apart is the price used vs. the same brand new? If the delta is a small gap, just buy new - you’ll be getting a warranty with a new DS.

Also make sure that it has the correct ends to mate up to your trans flange and the rear pinion flange. There were different flanges based on model years, the transmission, and rear diff application if manual trans vs automatic…. Then there’s the 6R80 vs the 10R80, I don’t think they use the same trans flange…

I’m not saying a used DS is a POS, but you have to do your due diligence before just plunking down $$$ on any used part. Do your research on here too by reading threads about 1-piece DS’s, because some thought going 1-piece would resolve driveline vibes and depending on brand, they still ended up with driveline vibes…. There are also some brands that are known to be problematic and those have been discussed at length on this site.

 

[ORRadtech]

Curious why you want to "upgrade"?
Also curious why, if these are such an upgrade, they've already been removed with so little use?

 

[Perna00]

What are the 2 brands?

The problem with buying a used driveshaft that is already off the vehicle is, you don’t know if the owner is selling it because they experienced vibrations with it that could not be resolved. You can’t “test drive” it; if it were still in the car you could ask to go for a ride to verify if was smooth from X to Z speeds/rpm or if it produced driveline vibes.

There is also no way to tell if it was dropped or if it’s out of round (or not balanced due to manufacturing).

The other thing to think about too:
How far apart is the price used vs. the same brand new? If the delta is a small gap, just buy new - you’ll be getting a warranty with a new DS.

Also make sure that it has the correct ends to mate up to your trans flange and the rear pinion flange. There were different flanges based on model years, the transmission, and rear diff application if manual trans vs automatic…. Then there’s the 6R80 vs the 10R80, I don’t think they use the same trans flange…

I’m not saying a used DS is a POS, but you have to do your due diligence before just plunking down $$$ on any used part. Do your research on here too by reading threads about 1-piece DS’s, because some thought going 1-piece would resolve driveline vibes and depending on brand, they still ended up with driveline vibes…. There are also some brands that are known to be problematic and those have been discussed at length on this site.

I’ve been reading up on them and the cf one shows rust on the linkages and I don’t trust the guy if it’s only been used a few months. The other one is actually uninstalled in box. Hardware is still new in package. It’s a dss fdsh52-a (fits my 10r80) and seems pretty legit. I can get it for between $500-$600. It says id need to install a lockout kit though.

 

[SCP440]

On some other makes of cars a one piece driveshaft can cause vibration because it is unsupported especially on Automatics. I was having a new one made for a project car aa couple of years ago and I asked about a one piece because it was going to be cheaper and he said he would not guarantee it if fitted to an Automatic.

 

[John S]

Only if you get a warranty to return if there are vibrations. 10R80 contributes to System balancing concerns, more than other transmissions, and sometimes there are high speed harmonic vibrations in one-piece driveshafts that are difficult to resolve.

 

[Johnny Rockit]

If it ain't broke...

 

[cerbomark]

not unless I knew the seller well.

 

[RNM]

I wouldn't trust any driveshaft from DSS.

 

[Perna00]

I wouldn't trust any driveshaft from DSS.

Really? Seams like they are offered the most places.

 

[RNM]

Really? Seams like they are offered the most places.

A quick search on here made me stay away from DSS and made me look into Qa1 instead.

 

[SnowFox]

Some used things are fine to roll the dice on. Personally Driveshaft wouldn't be one of them.

If something is wrong I at least want peace of mind that I have company I can hold accountable (to some degree)

 

[TexasMustangGt]

I bought one and got totally screwed - It was bent and could not be straighted - so jjust remeber Caveat Emptor

 

[icecreamtruckz]

Really? Seams like they are offered the most places.

In the 350 forums I have heard nothing but good for QA1 and a few issues with DSS. This may be nothing more than coincidence. But it makes me think if multiple voodoo cars were able to use QA1 without any vibration or harmonics issues, they should be good on anything else.

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