As your vehicle racks up mileage, parts like the U-joints, couplers, and carrier bearings may wear out and affect the driveshaft’s structural integrity. The driveshaft may even snap under extreme circumstances and cut power from the wheels, rendering your vehicle undrivable.
Driving with a bad driveshaft also increases the risk of road accidents and may damage other parts of your vehicle’s drivetrain system. So it’s important to get a heavy-duty replacement as soon as it begins to show signs of trouble.
Need high-quality replacement driveshafts for your vehicle? Check out TrueDrive® driveshafts. Designed with longevity and consumer safety in mind, TrueDrive® parts promise an uncompromised fit, finish, and level of quality. TrueDrive® is the true choice for aftermarket suspension and ride control, keeping your vehicle strong and steady on the road so you can drive with confidence, no matter where the road takes you.
6 Best Driveshaft Brands
Your vehicle’s driveshaft plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth riding experience, so you shouldn’t cut back on quality when it comes to finding a replacement. To help you pick out the best driveshaft for your ride, we’ve rounded up the top brands on the market today:
- TrueDrive®️
- A1 Cardone
- Crown
- DSS
- RT Off-Road
- Dorman
TrueDrive®️
TrueDrive stays true to its promise of providing excellent handling and ride control with its top-of-the-line aftermarket parts. All products are engineered by industry experts, ensuring drivers will get only the best car parts for their vehicle. Its driveshafts come with rubber bushings, which help reduce shock and vibration between parts for a smoother riding experience.
Key Features:
- Products meet ISO 9001 or ISO/TS 16949 standards
- Direct fit
- Made with forged steel
- Non-adjustable
- 1-year warranty
Our Score: 10/10
A1 Cardone
A1 Cardone has been in the aftermarket industry since 1970. It’s known for producing new and remanufactured car parts for a wide range of makes and models. With decades of industry experience, A1 Cardone is no stranger to producing durable driveshafts.
Key Features:
- Built to match OE form, fit, and function
- Units are 100% dynamically balanced at 3200 RPMs
- Ensures vibration-free operation and increased joint life
- All slip yokes are lubricated to prevent premature wear
Our Score: 9/10
Crown
From axle and body parts to steering and suspension components, Crown Automotive is best known for providing quality replacement parts for various makes and models. Crown offers a wide selection of metal and steel driveshafts for both automatic and manual transmissions.
Key Features:
- Suitable for a wide range of Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler models
- Driveshafts are available in aluminum and steel variants
Our Score: 8/10
DSS
The Driveshaft Shop’s domestic and imported driveshafts are manufactured to offer unbeatable reliability. Each driveshaft is dynamically balanced at over 9,000 RPMs to provide drivers with a more comfortable riding experience. Products are designed for various makes and models, guaranteeing an easy installation and a snug fit.
Key Features:
- 1-year warranty
- Direct-fit, no modifications required
- Driveshafts come in aluminum, steel, chromoly, and carbon fiber variants
Our Score: 9/10
RT Off-Road
RT Off-Road is Crown Automotive’s exclusive line of accessories and performance parts for Jeep vehicles. Its selection of heavy-duty driveshafts comes with a yoke slip eliminator, helping drivers convert their transfer case to a fixed-style yoke.
Key Features:
- Driveshafts are sold as part of a slip yoke eliminator and shaft kit
- Compatible with vintage Jeep models
Our Score: 9/10
Dorman
Dorman’s driveshaft line is made with all-new shafts, yokes, and universal joints to ensure optimum product quality. Multi-piece driveshafts are also available for vehicles with longer driveshafts.
Key Features:
- Pre-assembled and balanced for easy installation
- Driveshafts are manufactured according to OE specifications
- Serviceable construction
Our Score: 9/10
Our Recommendation
We recommend getting TrueDrive®️ driveshafts because of their unparalleled quality. TrueDrive®️ offers OE-grade driveshaft replacements at unbeatable prices, so you can get your vehicle back on the road while keeping your repair costs low. All products also come with a guaranteed fit for hassle-free installation.
What Is a Driveshaft?
Driveshafts help the wheels move by transmitting torque from the transmission to the differential. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles have one driveshaft that sits between the transmission and rear differential, while most all-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles have driveshafts connected to both their front and rear differentials.
When Should You Replace a Driveshaft?
There are several telltale signs that point to a failing driveshaft. If you notice your vehicle exhibiting some of the symptoms below, it’s best to have it checked by a licensed mechanic right away.
- Excessive vehicle vibration
- Clunking and squeaking noises
- Unstable U-joint
What to Consider When Looking for a Driveshaft Replacement
With the wide range of replacement parts available in the market today, choosing the best driveshaft for your vehicle can be overwhelming. To help you out, here are some of the factors you should consider while shopping for a new driveshaft:
Application
Compatibility with your vehicle’s year, make, and model is always important when shopping for replacement parts. At the same time, you should also check whether you’re driving a RWD, FWD, or AWD vehicle because your drivetrain type determines the number of driveshafts you need. These specifications will help you find replacements that guarantee quick and easy installation.
Quality
Choose a brand you trust when looking for a driveshaft replacement for your vehicle. Because the driveshaft plays a critical role in the overall operation of your vehicle, it’s important to choose a replacement that’s engineered tough and built to last.
Cost
Driveshaft replacements can cost anywhere between $100 and $2,000, depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model as well as the product’s brand. Other factors that may affect the price include length, diameter, condition (new or remanufactured), quantity, and recommended use (performance or OE replacement).
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
What country are the Crown drive lines built?
Hi Carol,
The majority of Crown’s products are manufactured in China.