[68steve]

i'm installing a driveshaft loop next week and so i looked it up in the nhra rules and it doesn't say how far back from the u-joint to bolt it up. could someone help me out and tell me how far back they put there's and passed tech. thanks in advance!

[RLG34750]

there is no spec with regard to location.......

[stang93mustang]

Originally Posted by RLG34750

there is no spec with regard to location.......

For the most part, I've always seen them about in the middle of the driveshaft. I've also where they are just past the tail shaft of the trans and a second towards the middle/ end of the shaft.

I guess you want to keep in mind that if the shaft was to break, you don't want the front end of the driveshaft to hit the ground first causing the car to catapult!

[shinerstang]

I thought I read that it had to be within 6" of the yoke.......

[stang93mustang]

Originally Posted by shinerstang

I thought I read that it had to be within 6" of the yoke.......

Reggie..... Break out the ole rules book!!

[RLG34750]

Originally Posted by stang93mustang

Reggie..... Break out the ole rules book!!

straight from the rule book......

all my research say maximum within 6" C/L of the yoke

i know mine is more .....

but i have never had a problem passing tech......



The NHRA requires all cars that run 13.99 or faster to have a drive shaft safety loop that meets general regulation number 2:4.



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.

[shinerstang]

Sorry, I meant u-joint. But it should be within 6" of the u-joint in the rule book. I know this because I had to install one on the '01 before the V6 Challenge last year. We are very strict with the rules, so we go by the NHRA bible to avoid any confusion.....

[68steve]

thanks on all the reply's. I'm putting it in car tommorrow and 6" from the u-joint it is

[68steve]

Okay went to install the loop ,it's a lakewood universal. So it,s a bolt in deal , made the marks to drill it in,took the seats out then i noticed the problem. Of course the seat pans are there so they can,t be bolted in. Did every body weld there,s in I've got globalwest subframe connectors can i just make another bracket to wrap around the connectors to the loop. Would that still pass tech.

[RLG34750]

i would think as long as it is within 6" of the center line of the yoke and is secure you should be ok......

the rule only states sucurely mounted......

[68steve]

okay,thanks RLG34750 we'll get r done.