I was under my 92 Trans Am convertible swapping out plugs and noticed my drive shaft is aluminum! I did some research and found out that GM to avoid CAFE gas guzzling fee they put aluminum drive shafts and drums in the rear to save weight. Great vids. Torsion bars and panhard bar install next!
To be clear, a factory driveshaft/ujoint should fit perfect. I bought this one with the incorrect one installed by its prior owner. I installed a Spicer 5-3147X ujoint. It's for a factory LS1 Camaro/Firebird. This is a GREAT way place to drop some weight on your third gen! What do to next........... Let me know what you think in the comments. I'm listening!
Third gens are great. Plenty of parts easy to work on. I have three 86 IROC, 86 TA WS6 and a 92 RS. Also got tons of parts from going the u pull junk yards over the years.
I've got the 4th gen LS1 shaft and 10 bolt in my 3rd gen Firebird and it made a huge difference in the way it drives and brakes. I believe its a 1344 yoke on the the driveshaft for the the u-joint size. I like how you're approaching the mods and repairs on this car. The simplest things can sometimes make biggest differences. Looking forward to you fixing that exhaust lol.
Interesting, I haven't read that it might be a 1344 Yoke on the driveshaft. I know the smaller 1310 and larger 1350 are common sizes, but that ones a first to me. The driveshaft definitely improved acceleration, and was pretty apparent on this car at this power level. The exhaust fix is coming! lol. I'm a little worried about snapping manifold studs off.
@@Greenlightfilming In all the ones I've ever done I've never broken a manifold bolt. At least on a SBC. I have stripped the head off one though and that was a nightmare for sure.
a lot of the newer gm u joints use a internal nylon retaining clip. it needs to be melted out with a torch. instead of hammering, i use an on the car ball joint press to press the u joints in and out. i find it work easier for me.
Interesting, I hadn't heard that before but it sounds like it's probable. If it's nylon, I'd also be inclined to melt it out, especially if it's older. I can't see one coming out in one piece if it's been in there for a long time.
As soon as you snap off a bolt in the head, immediately pull the engine and replace with a LSX. Its the only proper fix. Every one knows that. And that music, BRUTAL. Cheers.
Lol that's immediately where my head goes with the car. That would be a huge problem if I cant get it out easy. Hate to make a car undriveable because theres a few exhaust leaks lol. They sound awful though
No bolt is a good upgrade, especially if you had an open differential or a busted 10 bolt. I know parts availability is slightly worse with the 9 bolt stuff.
The goop you are referring to that's on the U-joints of the factory drive shaft is a type of glue they put on it from the factory to help keep the U-joints in place. Don't quote me on that I could be mistaken but I'm pretty sure that's what it is. All I do know for a fact it is them U-joints are hard to get out when that glues in there. On a different note great video always have like your content one of the best f-body platform TH-cam channels out there. keep em coming
That's what I have read as well. Never dealt with it personally, and by the sounds of it that's lucky. I guess you need to heat it up pretty well to loosen the goop. Appreciate the kind words and support bud. It's fun making the videos. Glad people enjoy them.
Good call, I actually didn't consider doing that. Seems smarter looking back. Luckily there was enough grease in each trunion that the needles were nice and tight in there. Went really well.
On a lot of the gm cars and trucks they inject a plastic to hold it in acting like the c clip on most u joints. They are a pain sometimes and if you get them to hot the explode haha super fun
id work on that exhaust , as you know from last video , i replaced mine with a magnaflow 8 inche tips but it sounds good to me , i notice you like a deeper sound on your bird as well as the other car , but I'm an old guy living a dream !!! ......thanks for the time you take to up load these video's , ......after that work on the rust , none on mine but ive been thinking of undercoating anyway ....i live in west texas and dont ever see any snow , makes me feel bad to see your cars and truck covered in snow .......as i flip my steak in bbq pitt he said , wearing a tee shirt and 79 degrees here ......evil grin .....laters ....Marcus in west Texas
If by some strange turn of events we end up moving again someday, I've already advocated moving to TX. This snow stuff is bullshit and I hate it from start to finish. I haven't decided what to do with the exhaust yet. It all needs to be replaced, so that sort if forces my hand here lol. Just hate to make a problem worse by snapping off manifold bolts.
Yes, it should fit your car fine if you find a factory LS1 driveshaft. If you can get a factory aluminum third gen driveshaft, they are a little stronger. Either way is good.
Had to install an aluminum drive shaft on mine during the dyno session... Stock one exploded and tore the floor up at 6500rpm in 4th. Luckily a buddy had an aftermarket shaft sitting around but it wasn't cheap! I'd be pumped if that was the extent of rust on my car when I got it!
I replaced the floors from firewall to the rear seat and the left trans frame rail a few years ago... Typical Canadian car, we get what we get up here. I have to go back in and fix the floor since the drive shaft decided to explode on the dyno.
The floors on this car are ok for the most part. I got lucky considering theres rust on the car in other areas. I've heard of driveshafts tearing cars up when they go. Sorry to hear that man, tough break.
Spicer 5-3147X. It's the factory replacement joint for an LS1 Camaro/Firebird. This SHOULD BE a direct drop in part. The shaft I bought was modified by the previous owner. Changing joints shouldn't be necessary when it's all stock.
I swapped the aluminum drive shaft from my 2002 z28 into my '89 Camaro before trading in the '02. why does your IROC sound like it has a big mother thumper cam in it? Also Wisconsin rules !
It a all add up just like using the right oil in the motor Tran a rear end I did a five speed swap on a truck with a 4 speed so steel to a aluminum drive shaft and you could tell the Trans am is the car that keeps on giving found a freez plug pissing coolant o joy found a list of things I bought the the stuff and doing slowly each day have a great day man
@@Greenlightfilming there one thing I can tell you I've have been asked almost as much as I drive my T/A to sell my T/A and I don't know why just last night I was offered 1'G over what I paid for it there make this tuff
I believe all you need to do is have the correct CV joint in the differential side of the driveshaft. The Yoke would be the same regardless of the rear end. I'd imagine you can order an AL driveshaft from somewhere like Hawks for a 9 bolt car.
Definitely tackle the exhaust get rid of all that crappy work done along with adding some 3 1/2 inch tips,it's what I have on my 87 Roc N it looks kick a$$
@@Greenlightfilming yea I watched the video and heard you saying adding the rear end from a LS and get the disc brakes too and I was thinking a LS swap front brakes would be awesome for you
@@Greenlightfilming it’s funny how it’s always like that with our cars lol but keep up the great work, I truly enjoyed the Z06 vid and it has me looking them up I found 1 here in Cali for $29k with 88k miles
That's right in line with everything I've seen. I paid a little less than that for mine with 83k miles. It's near impossible to find a good deal out there on a C6Z
@@Greenlightfilming another one is the notchback hatch. They're ugly but save a ton of weight because of that back glass. I'm more into comfort in my iroc. Its a solid cruiser that handles great.
@@Greenlightfilming hows the underneath of it rust wise My car the floor fell out I live in Ontario Canada and it's had 4 prof paint jobs and a new floor welded in 2000 2005 ish It's tarred over and no more driving in snow and salt Salt wrecks the underside It's horrible I heard you say snow Imagine me
I have a 88 gta trans am Pontiac firebird since new in 2000 ish I was flooring it hard racing a red porche and 3rd gear it started vibrating bad so I let off And the dealer said they sent the steel one to get rebuilt and balanced cost 1000 bucks and didn't fix it And slowly over the next few years I started replacing stuff And in 2014 I got a local on kiji in Canada 175 cdn Aluminum 2002 160k from a guy who had it in a 3rd gen who got a diff rear end and it wouldn't fit I have a 9 bolt and the aluminum driveshaft bolted in to my factory 9 bolt The guy who sold it to you was dumb It fits my car it on right now I felt the gain but by fluke I was out driving on highway and zero vibrating up to 240 kms I was dumb founded I fixed the car that the dealership couldn't fix myself with a used 2002 aluminum drive shaft Just a fyi tho They ten bolt and 9 bolts are identical
He was probably incorrect about the driveshaft ujoint being different. Whatever he put on was wrong. That being said, the 9 bolt is very much so different than the 10 bolt.
@@Greenlightfilming just the internal stuff it's better Lsd 3.45. And 7.75 ring All I know is that it bolted on my car zero issues Maybe the other guy who sold it to me had a 9 bolt like me The only diff between them that I ever can see from underneath is 10 bolt diff cover vs 9 bolt They have a while website in Australia 9 bolt.com where you can get all the info and parts My diff cover rubber plug seal was leaking and I got a new one mailed to me 3 weeks 24 bucks cdn
I had a 1986 Camaro Sports coupe with the J65 option , 10 Bolt 2:73 Posi. 4 Yrs before I bought the car, I was walking through a junk yard and looked through a pile of rear ends and in that pile was 2 Camaro/Firebird 9 bolts, one was 2:77 and one was a 3:45, both were 4 wheel disc. On the way leaving the junk yard I sprayed aluminum paint on the 3:45 so I could find it in the future. After getting the 86 Sports Coupe, putting a flow master Muffler and a full L69 aircleaner, the car would not get out of it's own way. I bought the 3:45 9bolt and it was a direct bolt in, drive shaft and all. After that the car would scratch rubber in 2nd(700r4). My point is , all the drive shafts from the 82-92 Camaro will bolt up to all the rear ends 82-92. The only differences is the lengths 82/83 auto no over drive is longer. The Dana 44 rear axle might be a different story.
@@benkalinowski5834 I have a '88 Firebird Formula 350 with a 3.27 9 bolt and aluminum drive shaft. The Borg Warner/Dana rubber diff cover plug are the same ones that Jeep uses. I bought mine at NAPA.
I’m subbed dude. I’ve only had 1 Iroc and we still ride decades later.
I love this IROC. Best body looking version imho. I grew up on the model/style.
trying to watch these in order.
I was under my 92 Trans Am convertible swapping out plugs and noticed my drive shaft is aluminum! I did some research and found out that GM to avoid CAFE gas guzzling fee they put aluminum drive shafts and drums in the rear to save weight. Great vids. Torsion bars and panhard bar install next!
To be clear, a factory driveshaft/ujoint should fit perfect. I bought this one with the incorrect one installed by its prior owner. I installed a Spicer 5-3147X ujoint. It's for a factory LS1 Camaro/Firebird.
This is a GREAT way place to drop some weight on your third gen! What do to next........... Let me know what you think in the comments. I'm listening!
Exhaust next sir.
I may have missed it in a previous video but what is the rear gear in that.... I have a 86 so I'm loving the build keep it coming
Exhaust and a rear end with shorter gears, like a 373 or 410
The 3rd gen and 4th gen ls1 driveshaft use the same u joint part number
@@jonmcclane7433 I've gotta line on a third gen 10 bolt. 3.23 gear, g80, disc brakes.
Third gens are great. Plenty of parts easy to work on. I have three 86 IROC, 86 TA WS6 and a 92 RS. Also got tons of parts from going the u pull junk yards over the years.
Hands down the best DIY channel for third gens out there.
Thanks man, appreciate it! Fun making the videos after working on them.
I've got the 4th gen LS1 shaft and 10 bolt in my 3rd gen Firebird and it made a huge difference in the way it drives and brakes. I believe its a 1344 yoke on the the driveshaft for the the u-joint size. I like how you're approaching the mods and repairs on this car. The simplest things can sometimes make biggest differences. Looking forward to you fixing that exhaust lol.
Interesting, I haven't read that it might be a 1344 Yoke on the driveshaft. I know the smaller 1310 and larger 1350 are common sizes, but that ones a first to me. The driveshaft definitely improved acceleration, and was pretty apparent on this car at this power level.
The exhaust fix is coming! lol. I'm a little worried about snapping manifold studs off.
@@Greenlightfilming In all the ones I've ever done I've never broken a manifold bolt. At least on a SBC. I have stripped the head off one though and that was a nightmare for sure.
Great video! Just the kind of upgrade I want to make in my Plain Jane 84 Camaro. Thanks and please keep them coming!
a lot of the newer gm u joints use a internal nylon retaining clip. it needs to be melted out with a torch. instead of hammering, i use an on the car ball joint press to press the u joints in and out. i find it work easier for me.
Interesting, I hadn't heard that before but it sounds like it's probable. If it's nylon, I'd also be inclined to melt it out, especially if it's older. I can't see one coming out in one piece if it's been in there for a long time.
As soon as you snap off a bolt in the head, immediately pull the engine and replace with a LSX. Its the only proper fix. Every one knows that. And that music, BRUTAL. Cheers.
Lol that's immediately where my head goes with the car. That would be a huge problem if I cant get it out easy. Hate to make a car undriveable because theres a few exhaust leaks lol. They sound awful though
i bought gta to part out,it had a nice 9 bolt 3.27 rear and an aluminum driveshaft.....both went into my 86 t/a when i popped my 10 bolt
No bolt is a good upgrade, especially if you had an open differential or a busted 10 bolt. I know parts availability is slightly worse with the 9 bolt stuff.
The goop you are referring to that's on the U-joints of the factory drive shaft is a type of glue they put on it from the factory to help keep the U-joints in place. Don't quote me on that I could be mistaken but I'm pretty sure that's what it is. All I do know for a fact it is them U-joints are hard to get out when that glues in there. On a different note great video always have like your content one of the best f-body platform TH-cam channels out there. keep em coming
That's what I have read as well. Never dealt with it personally, and by the sounds of it that's lucky. I guess you need to heat it up pretty well to loosen the goop.
Appreciate the kind words and support bud. It's fun making the videos. Glad people enjoy them.
I theorize the 'goop' also dampens vibration it seems like plastic rather than a steel c clip.
definatly feels great doing this swap
Yep! Nice and easy too. Well, it should be if everything was stock haha
Nice job,keep up the videos, you are on your way to a nice ride.
I'm hoping so. One step at a time! It'll get there.
I love yor videos, and they have really helped me working on my 91 corvette.
Sweet! Glad its been helping out. A lot of the information should cross over to your Vette too. Good luck wrenching on it!
I like yours F-Body movies :) maybe next project will be T/A GTA named Vette killer 😂🤣😂
I'd do a GTA for sure! They are sweet cars. Good idea
You can use the vise as a press also. The needles in the joint can fall out if you hammer. In my experience.
Good call, I actually didn't consider doing that. Seems smarter looking back.
Luckily there was enough grease in each trunion that the needles were nice and tight in there. Went really well.
Nice, good work, good work. Looking forward to the next video.
Sweet, thanks man. I've got parts on order for the WS6. The Iroc-Z will get some hand me downs.
The vib also maybe a bent rim check those too.
Good deal.. id like to see some exhaust work done to this car to really make it sound good haha
That's getting to be what's on the short list for this car. It's the biggest annoyance now lol
On a lot of the gm cars and trucks they inject a plastic to hold it in acting like the c clip on most u joints. They are a pain sometimes and if you get them to hot the explode haha super fun
Oh I bet that gets exciting Haha. I've heard it's a PITA to do it on factory ones.
I got a 02 driveshaft n a aluminum underdrive crank pulley n it made a small noticeable difference
Love your videos, sir. It makes me miss my old black 86 IROC Z. I just started following you on Instagram too. Happy Holidays
Theres still time to pick another one up... They are climbing in price every year it seems like.
My wife would never let me. I got two Cars now. I live through you, now. Ha
id work on that exhaust , as you know from last video , i replaced mine with a magnaflow 8 inche tips but it sounds good to me , i notice you like a deeper sound on your bird as well as the other car , but I'm an old guy living a dream !!! ......thanks for the time you take to up load these video's , ......after that work on the rust , none on mine but ive been thinking of undercoating anyway ....i live in west texas and dont ever see any snow , makes me feel bad to see your cars and truck covered in snow .......as i flip my steak in bbq pitt he said , wearing a tee shirt and 79 degrees here ......evil grin .....laters
....Marcus in west Texas
If by some strange turn of events we end up moving again someday, I've already advocated moving to TX. This snow stuff is bullshit and I hate it from start to finish.
I haven't decided what to do with the exhaust yet. It all needs to be replaced, so that sort if forces my hand here lol. Just hate to make a problem worse by snapping off manifold bolts.
Man i really enjoy watching your videos i have learned lot so far . Say i got a 92 Z28 TPI with a 700r4 would the same drive shaft work on it .
Yes, it should fit your car fine if you find a factory LS1 driveshaft. If you can get a factory aluminum third gen driveshaft, they are a little stronger. Either way is good.
@@Greenlightfilming Cool !! Thanks for the info.
Had to install an aluminum drive shaft on mine during the dyno session... Stock one exploded and tore the floor up at 6500rpm in 4th. Luckily a buddy had an aftermarket shaft sitting around but it wasn't cheap!
I'd be pumped if that was the extent of rust on my car when I got it!
lol I suppose that's true! rust is all relative. This car is pretty nice compared to some of the classics that people are restoring.
I replaced the floors from firewall to the rear seat and the left trans frame rail a few years ago... Typical Canadian car, we get what we get up here. I have to go back in and fix the floor since the drive shaft decided to explode on the dyno.
The floors on this car are ok for the most part. I got lucky considering theres rust on the car in other areas. I've heard of driveshafts tearing cars up when they go. Sorry to hear that man, tough break.
i added the umi torque arm and trans mount,it has an integrated driveshaft loop
The aluminum was the 2nd upgrade i did on my tbi 305
I love watching your videos I got a black iroc z28 1986
Twins. This is also an '86! Thanks for checking them out, glad you enjoy them.
What u joint did you have to put on the aluminum to make it fit?
Spicer 5-3147X. It's the factory replacement joint for an LS1 Camaro/Firebird. This SHOULD BE a direct drop in part. The shaft I bought was modified by the previous owner. Changing joints shouldn't be necessary when it's all stock.
I swapped the aluminum drive shaft from my 2002 z28 into my '89 Camaro before trading in the '02.
why does your IROC sound like it has a big mother thumper cam in it?
Also Wisconsin rules !
It a all add up just like using the right oil in the motor Tran a rear end I did a five speed swap on a truck with a 4 speed so steel to a aluminum drive shaft and you could tell the Trans am is the car that keeps on giving found a freez plug pissing coolant o joy found a list of things I bought the the stuff and doing slowly each day have a great day man
It's all cumulative for sure. Each little step in the right direction makes for a solid car. Thanks for the input, appreciate it!
@@Greenlightfilming there one thing I can tell you I've have been asked almost as much as I drive my T/A to sell my T/A and I don't know why just last night I was offered 1'G over what I paid for it there make this tuff
I would love to get an alluminum shaft but I have a 9 bolt maybe hawks can help me out
I believe all you need to do is have the correct CV joint in the differential side of the driveshaft. The Yoke would be the same regardless of the rear end. I'd imagine you can order an AL driveshaft from somewhere like Hawks for a 9 bolt car.
That’s a big help actually think you. Got a 1987, g92 g80 5 speed iroc all number matching your Chanel is the absolute best
What year camaro was the aluminum Wil a 02 work?
98-02 should work
@@Greenlightfilming but it has to be the v8 ls motor the 3.8 v6 one might not be aluminum
Definitely tackle the exhaust get rid of all that crappy work done along with adding some 3 1/2 inch tips,it's what I have on my 87 Roc N it looks kick a$$
I'm thinking that'll be one of the next items. Need to figure out how to do it without snapping manifold bolts lol
@@Greenlightfilming seen a few videos where they spray some PB blaster then heat em up with a torch prior to loosening them up might b worth a try
I've seen that too. Guys swear by candle wax too which is something I've never tried. Apparently its really good at wicking into the threads
Will you be doing a LS1 front brakes swap onto your 3rd gen?
I would consider doing that, yes! The car needs bigger front brakes and rear discs.
@@Greenlightfilming yea I watched the video and heard you saying adding the rear end from a LS and get the disc brakes too and I was thinking a LS swap front brakes would be awesome for you
Agreed. If I can find all of that stuff locally I'd do it for sure. I seem to live in a void of fbody partouts lol.
@@Greenlightfilming it’s funny how it’s always like that with our cars lol but keep up the great work, I truly enjoyed the Z06 vid and it has me looking them up I found 1 here in Cali for $29k with 88k miles
That's right in line with everything I've seen. I paid a little less than that for mine with 83k miles. It's near impossible to find a good deal out there on a C6Z
A tubular k member is great weight savings.
Agreed. If I found a good deal on a used one for the car I'd pick it up in a heartbeat
@@Greenlightfilming another one is the notchback hatch. They're ugly but save a ton of weight because of that back glass. I'm more into comfort in my iroc. Its a solid cruiser that handles great.
Nice car man
Thanks bud
I can't believe your driving it in the salt roads! ESHH
They didnt salt the roads yet. I think I was clear about that.
some none 1Le 80,s pontiac ws6 trans am and formula have aluminum drive shaft,
You are right!
My stock steel drive shaft I bent it racing that porche
I threw it away after
Cars sitting in my driveway
I'll probably end up selling or tossing my stock steel one. If not itll go with the car if/when I sell it.
@@Greenlightfilming maybe it's worth keeping for parts
@@Greenlightfilming hows the underneath of it rust wise
My car the floor fell out
I live in Ontario Canada and it's had 4 prof paint jobs and a new floor welded in 2000 2005 ish
It's tarred over and no more driving in snow and salt
Salt wrecks the underside
It's horrible
I heard you say snow
Imagine me
We will all look back at this comment when the channel is at 100k subs
Someday! Lol
88 IROC-Z Convertible (over 400 RWHP) for sale, Southern California.
GLWS
I have a 88 gta trans am Pontiac firebird since new in 2000 ish I was flooring it hard racing a red porche and 3rd gear it started vibrating bad so I let off
And the dealer said they sent the steel one to get rebuilt and balanced cost 1000 bucks and didn't fix it
And slowly over the next few years I started replacing stuff
And in 2014 I got a local on kiji in Canada 175 cdn
Aluminum 2002 160k from a guy who had it in a 3rd gen who got a diff rear end and it wouldn't fit
I have a 9 bolt and the aluminum driveshaft bolted in to my factory 9 bolt
The guy who sold it to you was dumb
It fits my car it on right now
I felt the gain but by fluke I was out driving on highway and zero vibrating up to 240 kms I was dumb founded
I fixed the car that the dealership couldn't fix myself with a used 2002 aluminum drive shaft
Just a fyi tho
They ten bolt and 9 bolts are identical
He was probably incorrect about the driveshaft ujoint being different. Whatever he put on was wrong.
That being said, the 9 bolt is very much so different than the 10 bolt.
@@Greenlightfilming just the internal stuff it's better
Lsd 3.45.
And 7.75 ring
All I know is that it bolted on my car zero issues
Maybe the other guy who sold it to me had a 9 bolt like me
The only diff between them that I ever can see from underneath is 10 bolt diff cover vs 9 bolt
They have a while website in Australia 9 bolt.com where you can get all the info and parts
My diff cover rubber plug seal was leaking and I got a new one mailed to me 3 weeks 24 bucks cdn
I had a 1986 Camaro Sports coupe with the J65 option , 10 Bolt 2:73 Posi. 4 Yrs before I bought the car, I was walking through a junk yard and looked through a pile of rear ends and in that pile was 2 Camaro/Firebird 9 bolts, one was 2:77 and one was a 3:45, both were 4 wheel disc. On the way leaving the junk yard I sprayed aluminum paint on the 3:45 so I could find it in the future. After getting the 86 Sports Coupe, putting a flow master Muffler and a full L69 aircleaner, the car would not get out of it's own way. I bought the 3:45 9bolt and it was a direct bolt in, drive shaft and all. After that the car would scratch rubber in 2nd(700r4). My point is , all the drive shafts from the 82-92 Camaro will bolt up to all the rear ends 82-92. The only differences is the lengths 82/83 auto no over drive is longer. The Dana 44 rear axle might be a different story.
@@benkalinowski5834 I have a '88 Firebird Formula 350 with a 3.27 9 bolt and aluminum drive shaft. The Borg Warner/Dana rubber diff cover plug are the same ones that Jeep uses. I bought mine at NAPA.
9 bolt hard to find parts and cost along more to rebuild
Please don't break! LMAO
You found the easter egg lol
I want one :- )
Go get one!
Should be a gm 3r size
I ended up getting a Spicer 5-3147X. That's what two different parts stores recommended. Figured they can't be wrong.
@@Greenlightfilming Just wanted to add for those who don't know and future reference. 😎
"chrome dont get you home"
I've heard this before! lol
Just do a cat back
I may go that route