Driveshaft Safety Loop

[Mychael101]

What are the install requirements per the NHRA rulebook? Sorry, I've never had to worry about one and I'll be ordering a universal one today. I just want to make sure I have it installed correctly, so I can pass a tech inspection.

[bobs94formula]

No more than 6" back from the front uni joint on the drive shaft.

[Mychael101]

Thank you sir. I was hoping I wouldn't have to buy a rulebook.

[Andrew]

Do you have an aluminum driveshaft?

[Super Coupe]

Do you have an aluminum driveshaft?

I do. Is there a different rule for those?

[MadMax404m]

I know this is an old version but most of the "common" rules have not changed over the past few years.

This is not an official rule book and I think it was done in the early 00's but it's as close to one as I have found.

http://www.geocities.com/boosted_eine/nhrarulebook.html

[bobs94formula]

Here is the rule. Taken from this site http://home.fuse.net/fastmonte/DSSL4Gbodies.htm

This is the only site I could find where it specifically stated within 6" of the front u joint. Most of them just stated the time at which it was mandatory. :shrug:


2.4 DRIVELINE

On any car in which the driver sits over or in back of the rearend center section, a suitable protective shield of .120-inch (3 mm) minimum thickness steel plate must be installed for those units with universal joints securely mounted to the rearend center section and the bellhousing adapter. Where possible, couplers are recommended in place of U-joints. For straight couplers, the minimum requirement is .063-inch (1.6 mm) aluminum which must contain an inspection cover for removal and inspection of the coupler, securely mounted to the rearend center section and the bellhousing adapter, or as noted in Class Requirements. In place of a crossmember, in the vicinity of the front universal joint, all cars in competition using open driveshafts, must have a retainer loop 360-degrees of enclosure, 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) minimum thickness and 2-inches (5.1 cm) wide, or 7/8-inch (22.2 mm) x .065-inch (1.65 mm) welded steel tubing, securely mounted and located within 6-inches (15.2 cm) of the front universal joint for support of the driveshaft in event of U-joint failure. Recommended the loop be round rather than oblong to minimize loading on loop. Open drivelines passing any part of the driver's body must be completely enclosed in 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) minimum thickness steel plate, securely mounted to the frame or frame structure.

[Andrew]

I do. Is there a different rule for those?

No, but some designs have more clearance than others. I have a carbon driveshaft with the same diameter as the aluminum, and had to buy a different one than the lakewood driveshaft loop for enough clearance.

[Mychael101]

I thoght i was gonna get a lakewood but I think its going to be a UPR universal.

[bobs94formula]

I am going to buy the round tube and make my own. ;)

[BigShoe]

I am going to buy the round tube and make my own. ;)

thats what i did.