Drive Shaft Loop

[racephotoman]

Looking to buy the Forte Drive shaft loop, but was just wondering if drilling the four rather large holes (around .5") into the chassis, will this weaken the chassis? Any opinion regarding the cxhassis, or the value of adding the DS loop.

Thanks, Walter

[Rootbeer Roadster]

If you have any concerns about weakening the chassis you should get the weld-in version. It's even a few bucks cheaper. I don't have one in my stock 302 build and don't think it is needed for normal street driving. If I upgrade to a higher performance motor or get into racing I'll get the weld-in version for a piece of mind.

[Jacob McCrea]

I have two on my Coupe, one on each u-joint, and I welded both in and re-fabricated them to be easily removable. Perhaps this is overkill, but perhaps not. I decided on two after my girlfriend and I were riding our road bikes and watched a rear u-joint fail on a really tall Chevy 4x4 just after the truck passed us. The back of the driveshaft hit the ground, then the left spring, then the bottom of the bed, then the right spring, then the ground, and so on, with the process repeating itself about 10 times before the driver came to a stop. It was a sight to see! Consider that and then consider where the driveshaft sits in relation to where you sit. I will say, though, that neglect and improper driveline angles were probably part of the problem for this fellow.

In any case, they are a well-made product. But, be careful where you locate them. I am pretty sure that if you locate them on the rear u-joint it will be impossible to remove or install the driveshaft without also unbolting the loop. As for driling the holes, I would not be too concerned. I welded mine in because I did not want to allow a path for water to creep into the main frame tubes, not because I was concerned about strength. I'd suggest that allowing a path for water to get into the tubes, and then causing rust, would be worse for strength than the holes.

[RoKaNo]

I just finished installing the Forte D/S hoop. It is a well made product and I think worth the extra $100 or so for piece of mind. The drive shaft runs right next to you and if you search on the other forum you will find posts showing what happens when a drive shaft comes off. I bought the bolt on version - if I had to do over again, I would get the weld on version (as mentioned make sure you can remove and place the d/s before securing!) because, at least for me, drilling the holes and placing the riv nuts was a huge PITA. My problem is that I do not know how to weld!:rolleyes:
Good luck,
Joe

[Dan Babb]

The holes you drill get filled with bolts, so its not like your turning the frame into swiss cheese. Its worth drilling the holes for a safety item. Do it.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Looking to buy the Forte Drive shaft loop, but was just wondering if drilling the four rather large holes (around .5") into the chassis, will this weaken the chassis?

I did mine and have no concerns.



Any opinion regarding the...value of adding the DS loop.


Take a look at this and I think you'll feel that it can be pretty valuable!

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/Hawgwild06/CobraPics/DriveshaftCarnage-1_sm.jpg

If you have any aspirations of doing any track time you should know that some facilities &/or organizers won't let you on track without it.

Jeff