Quote:
Originally Posted by Rich72C10
hmm, what the benefit of actually going one piece drive shaft (I get you get rid of that carrier bearing)? There has to be a good reason to have a two piece with a LWB, right?
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The concept is to control the driveshaft "critical speed", the point at which it begins to swing like a jump rope. It is affected by length, outside diameter, thickness, material type, mass and rpm. Highest shaft rpm is affected by vehicle top speed, rear axle ratio and tire diameter. Length is affected by wheelbase and driveline configuration.
The driveline is also affected by any unusual or unpredicted system resonances, which can destroy a driveline even at a speed lower than the critical rpm.
From an OE perspective the driveshaft choice (one piece vs two piece) can be manipulated by controlling any one or more of those variables. The trade off is the added cost of the two piece system vs selling a vehicle with a top speed which is lower than desired.
K