How much is enough...

[Zandoz]

How much clearance between the driveshaft at the extremes of it's arc, and the driveshaft tunnel and safety loop is necessary? I'm trying to figure out some way to minimize the driveshaft tunnel intrusion on seating.

 

[2old2fast]

Can't see where you'd need more than an inch....
dave

 

[PotvinGuy]

If you know the extremes of shaft movement, I'd do 1/4". Less room for it to bang around if it breaks, and more cockpit room for you.

 

[Zandoz]

If you know the extremes of shaft movement, I'd do 1/4". Less room for it to bang around if it breaks, and more cockpit room for you.

I know the limit based on the bump stop, but I can't account for any chassis flex, or movement on the transmission end due to rubber mount flex.

 

[fordsbyjay]

IDK about yours but my driveshaft is only about 12" long. If it moves more than an inch or two at the rearend that is because it came apart. Behind the transmission it will be fixed so you can get real tight there if need be. Closer to the rearend should be under the seat so you can allow more room. n

 

[RPM]

You will need a LOT of horsepower and be able to hook it up to worry about breaking a ujoint or the driveshaft. You won't need a driveshaft loop

 

[PotvinGuy]

You will need a LOT of horsepower and be able to hook it up to worry about breaking a ujoint or the driveshaft. You won't need a driveshaft loop

What RPM says. I've put 20 years on my bucket without a driveshaft problem. Loops are for racers.

 

[Zandoz]

IDK about yours but my driveshaft is only about 12" long. If it moves more than an inch or two at the rearend that is because it came apart. Behind the transmission it will be fixed so you can get real tight there if need be. Closer to the rearend should be under the seat so you can allow more room. n

Universal to universal my driveshaft will be around 14". At the rear, the driveshaft will be above the seat base when the air suspension is at it's lowest. At normal drive height the rear universal will be less than an inch below the seat base. The tunnel will definitely have to be above the seat at the rear...I'm trying to figure out what the minimum I can get by with.

 

[Zandoz]

You will need a LOT of horsepower and be able to hook it up to worry about breaking a ujoint or the driveshaft. You won't need a driveshaft loop

What RPM says. I've put 20 years on my bucket without a driveshaft problem. Loops are for racers.

Really, the driveshaft breaking is the least of the reason for the loop. The main reason is to facilitate a crossmember at a location where it would foul the drive shaft if not for the loop for the drive shaft to pass through. For $65 welded, I did not think a custom crossmember could be done for a competitive price.