Originally Posted by SoCal94

If the driveshaft was scaping on anything, there will be obvious scratches that go in circles right around it. The problem is, when that happens, the shaft is a lot weaker at that point. Generally if that happens you should be planning to replace it.

I've been running the Ford aluminum driveshaft on our '94 since '99 or so, with no problems. So, it was the install or the construction of the shaft that was the problem - not the fact that it was aluminum.

Good luck!

SoCal94

Originally Posted by My05

Thanks for the recommendations. I contacted one lawyer late last night by email and I'm waiting to hear back from them. I also contacted the pre-paid legal service and asked them if I should have a lawyer looking at my situation at this point, they responded and said "you already have 3 overseeing it".

What they told me was that so far what I have been doing has been the correct path and that it will only help once B.A.R. finishes their report and we get confirmation that the shop owner will not pay. I was also told by them that once B.A.R. presents their findings to the shop owner they typically have 30 days to pay, (that they have to be given time to pay) and after that we begin the civil suit.

I'm going to confirm this process when I hear back fro mthe outside attorney and begin to get a feel for their suggestions as well. I've been following the advice from them so far because my main concern is protecting myself as well, but I will double check this with an outside attorney.

Thank you again for helping me make sure I'm covering myself the best way possible.

Also, from my theoretical questions to my insurance, "if" an aftermarket part was the cause of the damage it would not be covered. As it is, I don't want to file claim against my insurance if it's the fault of someone else, and I certainly don't want any suspicions of insurance fraud on my part.

Thanks everyone.

Originally Posted by rmays06

WOW man this is absolutly scary. I just got an Alum D/S installed no problems, vibrations or noises, but scary non the less.
I hope the best for you man and I hope you get what you have coming rightfully to you. I would IMO have a lawyer thou.
Keep us informed.

Originally Posted by Francis

Hey My05 - any news? We're pulling for ya I wonder if it's possible to sue this guy for wreckless endangerment or something for putting you and your daughter at risk. Maybe you can do that to force the guy into a settlement.

General question about driveshafts though: Why don't we see more carbon fibre driveshafts being used? Seems a lot of the import guys are using them now.

It seems ideal (other than the price).
1) We want to reduce rotational mass - this is why we prefer lighter driveshafts.
2) We want a stronger driveshaft - So we avoid driveshaft destruction after putting all those power enhancing mods up front.

So it seems like carbon fiber is a better choice here, because it's stronger than aluminum, for its mass.

But the reason I bring it up here is that I've been told it's a lot safer too. A carbon fiber driveshaft, under failure, will splinter into a million pieces instead of smacking around into your passenger compartment.

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by My05

Thanks for checking, things should get interesting shortly, I'm getting ready to file the lawsuit and doing all of the due diligence upfront... But you can bet I"ll be updating things as they unfold.....