Feedback (please) re install of JXB Driveshaft Carrier (Street Bushings). Yes or no?

[White Horse GTCS 2008]

Hi Fellow Enthusiasts,

Here is my GT 2008 California Special, 119000 miles, way over here in Sydney Australia.

In front is the JXB Performance Driveshaft Carrier (Street Bushings).
FRD01AO-S

I very much like the idea of the item ‘tightening up’ my OEM 2-piece drive shaft. Though I don’t see many reviews on sites or YouTube vids re the item.

Can anyone out there share their experience with this item?

Specifically:

1. Worth the install or not?
2. Any install tips/advice to keep in mind.

Best regards,
Adrian

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

G'day mate,
Most of us just toss the heavy non-serviceable OEM steel driveshaft into the skip and replace it with a much lighter one-piece aluminium unit e.g. Ford Performance or Driveshaft Shop. You also get the bonus of 3-4 extra hp (~2-3kW for you Aussie guys ) at the rear wheels due to reduced drivetrain loss.

 

[White Horse GTCS 2008]

Much appreciated DDB,

Understand. I may go down that path (picking up a couple more horses always has appeal), though as phase 1, I’m interested to see if the JXB tightens the 2 piece up.

I appreciate your input

 

[08TorchRedShelbyGT500]

G'day mate,
Most of us just toss the heavy non-serviceable OEM steel driveshaft into the skip and replace it with a much lighter one-piece aluminium unit e.g. Ford Performance or Driveshaft Shop. You also get the bonus of 3-4 extra hp (~2-3kW for you Aussie guys ) at the rear wheels due to reduced drivetrain loss.

Very noticeable upgrade on these cars. Not cheap for those on a strict budget but the drive line response is quite noticeable and you have a much more bullet proof driveline. I have one in my car.

I know its AI so take it for what its worth but it has a few good points for those that absorb info.



Also the U-joints are a lot stronger. 1350's are another nice bullet proof feature of the FP one piece.



*** One thing most people don't install just due to Cost and rarity of failure is a front driveshaft loop. I have one on my car. Once you experience a major front u-joint failure, it's one of those things you always think about with your next car. I was riding in a 1970 SS 454 Chevelle (late 1970's) when the front U-joint failed at about 50 MPH. It was an (unsettling) experience to say the least, but we were ok. It could have been worse. I have never driven a car without one since.

 

[White Horse GTCS 2008]

Very much appreciated O8Torch.

I will keep you posted.

Best,
Adrian

 

[JC SSP]

https://www.s197forum.com/threads/driveshaft.153232/page-2#post-2583313

 

[GriffX]

I made 4 modifications of the OEM rubber stiffness, from very lose to very stiff. Very lose lead to a intense drone resonance at 115-120 kmh. I could only drive faster or slower. The very stiff lead to no noticeable high speed noise, but a rumble from start, especially on high torque. And the tires brake lose very easy, that means that force peaks usually dampened in the bushing was going to the tire. Probably not so good.
The less stiff set-up lead to no noise from start but very broad resonance from 100-140 kmh. The car had less noise at 150 than at 120kmh. The last mod, I made the rubber less stiff and lowered the U-joint angle (the main source of the vibrations) from 2.8 to 2.3 degree. Now the noise from the driveshaft around 110 kmh is not noticeable anymore.
i would install the joint, measure the U-joint angle, adjust it with shims.

 

[GlassTop09]

Hi Fellow Enthusiasts,

Here is my GT 2008 California Special, 119000 miles, way over here in Sydney Australia.

In front is the JXB Performance Driveshaft Carrier (Street Bushings).
FRD01AO-S

I very much like the idea of the item ‘tightening up’ my OEM 2-piece drive shaft. Though I don’t see many reviews on sites or YouTube vids re the item.

Can anyone out there share their experience with this item?

Specifically:

1. Worth the install or not?
2. Any install tips/advice to keep in mind.

Best regards,
Adrian

View attachment 117845

Hello OP,

To answer your original request, go here:

https://www.s197forum.com/threads/driveshaft-balancing-the-ford-way.141875/page-3 on.......

You will find in this thread where a couple of us actually installed & tested this part..........I wrote up my findings & the other adjustments I needed to make to remedy some small vibration issues I noted that were not necessarily the part's fault but simple understanding\resolution of driveline design concerning a typical 2-piece driveshaft that is using a std U-joint on 1 end of shaft section vs a CV joint on the other end of same section that will not cancel out each other (an uncommon usage that is why Ford used such a loose center carrier assembly to overcome this..........also is what makes this 2-piece driveshaft vulnerable to CV joint damage\breakage when put under continuously high stresses like drag racing.....) w\o reshimming the front U-joint off trans to center CV joint driveshaft section to put the U-joint within 1* operating angle to arrest this small vibration flutter.

I can report since installing this part I haven't experienced any issues w\ my 2-piece DS & have been beating on it for the past 2 yrs doing my own WOT tuning simulating 1\4 mi runs w\o fail so this part is a viable alternative IMHO................

But it's your money & your car in the end so it's your decision to make...................this is why I've posted this so now you have all of the info so you can make the best choice for yourself & your needs.

Hope this helps.............

 

[White Horse GTCS 2008]

All of this experience based information helps a great deal.

I should mentioned up front, my GT 2008 California Special is auto, not manual. So I think the Ford Performance 1 piece aluminium DS is not suitable. Though I seem to recall the Steeda option may work.

I tend to be conservative and like to tighten up oem items prior to departing to alternatives (having said that, I already have the Steeda torque box brace on, Steeda strut mount brace on, Steeda G-Trac brace and have replaced front oem strut mounts and front lower control arms with Ford Performance alternatives. All have worked a treat.

Anyway, I will go back through the comments above (thank you VERY MUCH DDB, 08Torch, JC SSP, GriffX, GlassTop09). Your commenatary already has assisted a lot. I intend to share it with my mechanic and we will be better informed.

By the way, I already have the BMR (red ) rear tunnel brace and loop on my 2-piece DS and it looks a treat.

Best,
Adrian