Drivetrain · Buyer's Guide
Driveshafts
The driveshaft is the long spinning tube that carries power from the transmission to the rear axle. The stock two-piece steel shaft is heavy and has a carrier bearing that can develop vibration. A one-piece aluminum or carbon fiber driveshaft is lighter (reducing rotational mass for quicker acceleration) and eliminates the carrier bearing.
Recommended Picks
A starting point for your build, sorted by budget.
All Driveshafts (2)
View as grid10. DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Kits (Manual Only)
- When needed: Build exceeds ~450–500 ft-lbs torque.
- South Bend Stage 2: Great street/strip balance. ~$650–$900.
- McLeod RST Twin Disc: For high-HP builds. ~$1,500–$2,200.
- Stock clutch: Handles stock power fine but will slip under boosted or cam'd builds.
Driveshafts
- Stock driveshaft: Rated to approximately 600 HP before failure risk.
- Aluminum or carbon fiber one-piece driveshaft reduces rotational mass (improved acceleration).
- DSS Performance: Popular for Challenger one-piece aluminum shafts.
Differentials
- Factory rear differential handles most street builds.
- Limited-slip differential (LSD) upgrades significantly improve traction and launch consistency.
- Moser Engineering, Eaton TrueTrac: Popular LSD options.
Torque Converters (Automatic Only)
- Stock converter slips at high power under WOT.
- Circle D Specialties: Top-rated for the TorqueFlite 8HP70/90 automatic.
- Stall speed matched to cam profile or supercharger power band.