Broken Drive Shaft

[abdulity]

Hey guys
I just had my drive shaft broken in half today at a time attack event.

I used launch control twice that day at 3k rpm. Cooled the car off then ran it back and on the third run on a 40 second course i shift from first to second hard and the drive shaft breaks i immedietly stop and turn off the car.

The whole time im running on the "Sport" mode for traction and Toyo 888R tires in the rear, and I was braking hard in the long straight and shifting from 2nd to 1st without rev matching is what caused it I believe. The car has 70k kilometers, 2014 track package. I'm probably gonna go with a DSS aluminum ds. Any recommendations and best practices to share and keep in mind when replacing a drive shaft?

 

[me32]

Sorry to hear. Was the pinion angle off?

 

[Tob]

I'd stick with the OEM CF unit.

 

[biminiLX]

CF should be the best choice but they fracture with implant. It likely was hit my something.
Has the shaft ever been out of the car?
-J

 

[SCGallo2]

If switching to an aluminum driveshaft, you should install a safety loop: Free Shipping on all BMR Suspension packages!

Do verify your pinion/driveline angle while the driveshaft is removed. It is easier to measure on the flat transmission output flange and rear pinion flange surfaces.

I would stick with a CF replacement, either OEM or DSS if within your budget. I recently installed a DSS CF driveshaft on my 2008, and it was slightly better rotationally balanced than the DSS aluminum driveshaft it replaced.

 

[biminiLX]

I prefer the CF shaft but a quality aluminum is fine especially if you’re not going for 200+
-J

 

[Bad Company]

I believe the factory Ford carbon fiber driveshaft is one of those discontinued items. Part number

DR3Z-4602-A​

 

[LivingEZ]

CF should be the best choice but they fracture with implant. It likely was hit my something.
Has the shaft ever been out of the car?
-J

Completely agree, CF is extremely strong. However when damaged in any way by some sort of impact they loose thier integrity pretty quick. The impact can be caused from dropping it, hitting it during an install, or even a rock getting thrown in it. If I remember properly Ford even had a TSB stating if the driveshaft even fell it was recommended to replace it.

I believe the factory Ford carbon fiber driveshaft is one of those discontinued items. Part number

DR3Z-4602-A​

That being said I don't beleave they are in production anymore, aftermarket CF would be the best way to go but your budget may not think so. Sorry to see it broke good luck with your repair.