Need help with drive shaft looop

[LitemUp]

I need help with Moe's drive shaft loop. Does the loop go towards the front or the rear of the truck?

 

[Black1]

I thought the purpose of the loop was to keep the front of the drive-shaft from hitting the ground upon "failure" (Failure meaning: KILLING YOU, or someone else by catching the ground and launching upwards, or Pole Vaulting ) :dontknow: So, I would think you want it up FRONT.

 

[nycstev]

Im surprised that loop doesnt come with a diagram

 

[Black1]

You know... Keeping THIS from happening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9DVlnX0jIc

 

[azpyroguy]

I need help with Moe's drive shaft loop. Does the loop go towards the front or the rear of the truck?

According to the NHRA (the actual rule):

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.

What does that say in lamens terms:

The driveshaft loop is required to meet the NHRA safety rules if the car is running 13.99 and faster on slicks or 13.00 and faster on street tires. The rules require that the loop is mounted within 6 inches of the front U-joint on the driveshaft for support of the driveshaft in the event of a U-joint failure. The loop must enclose the driveshaft in a full 360 degrees and must be either 1/4-inch thick and 2-inches wide or 7/8-inch x 0.065-inch welded steel tubing.

 

[Prof]

It goes to the front.

Here is a pic of mine...loop is in upper left hand corner...you will note that due to a clearance issue with my mid pipe I needed to angle the loop back a little to keep it from hitting the pipe.

 

[nycstev]

You know... Keeping THIS from happening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9DVlnX0jIc

He should have genuflected after that one

 

[Black1]

He should have genuflected after that one

INDEED.

 

[Prof]

This vehicle should have come with a loop. Inserting a drive shaft into the track under heavy acceleration is not a desirable experience.

More should consider adding it.

 

[sleeper]

If I ever get more power or start racing it I'll get one.