Driveshaft: Any advantage to one vs. two piece?

[Crazy_pilot]

I took my SVX for it's first good 6MT propelled highway drive today and came to the conclusion that my driveshaft is pooched. I actually have two, but they both had stiff spots in the u-joints. I installed the one that felt the least stiff, but seems to be little help.

I may install my other one as a stop-gap measure, but I'm looking into a new driveshaft. Can anyone see a reason why a one-piece with the center CV joint would be preferable to the 2-piece with a center u-joint (Or vice-versa)? I searched back to 2007 but found little by way of comparison other than one member saying the 2-piece was smoother at high speeds. There's next to no price difference ($6).

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot

I took my SVX for it's first good 6MT propelled highway drive today and came to the conclusion that my driveshaft is pooched. I actually have two, but they both had stiff spots in the u-joints. I installed the one that felt the least stiff, but seems to be little help.

I may install my other one as a stop-gap measure, but I'm looking into a new driveshaft. Can anyone see a reason why a one-piece with the center CV joint would be preferable to the 2-piece with a center u-joint (Or vice-versa)? I searched back to 2007 but found little by way of comparison other than one member saying the 2-piece was smoother at high speeds. There's next to no price difference ($6).

How much is a new one anyway? I would go with the one piece CV type, just because you've got a 6mt already, so there's nothing to be gained in going with the 2-piece. If a 5-speed were a possible eventuality, then it might be a different story, because the 2-piece can be lengthened by a driveshaft shop. I have also heard that the CV type are noticeably smoother at high speeds.

[Crazy_pilot]

Subaruparts.com shows them both at ~$500. Which is a fun kick in the balls, but consequences of not fixing it could be much worse.

I know that the joints are technically replaceable with enough persuasion. I changed the ones in my old 240SX myself and the exact same replacement units are called for in the SVX. On a $500 beater that was an acceptable repair, but it's not something I'll be doing to the SVX. The old joints were removed by torching them in half, which could cause substantial heating of the yokes and possible softening or embrittlement. The driveshaft also never balanced properly afterward, which is a common complaint I've seen among those who've replaced this kind of joint.

[michael]

IIRC, someone had a "1 piece" driveshaft made. It was painted bright green if that jars any memories. Might be worth it to follow up on 500 bones is quite pricey.

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by michael

IIRC, someone had a "1 piece" driveshaft made. It was painted bright green if that jars any memories. Might be worth it to follow up on 500 bones is quite pricey.

Gamesy: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=55063

[1986nate]

Just have the U joints replaced by a driveshaft shop. YT used to have them replaced when he had them lengthened for 5 spds just about everytime.