Driveshaft question

[matt grz]

I’m wondering if driving too fast would “weaken” a driveshaft.  

 

I’m reading more about these aluminum driveshafts on our trucks after seeing GM offers a steel version, and I’ve noticed several posts stating the aluminum drive shafts will blow apart if driving too fast.

 

I’m wondering if it is possible to “weaken” the drive shaft by driving too fast, or is it safe to assume that if the driveshaft didn’t blow out by driving too fast then it is as strong as it always has been?

 

2020 GMC Sierra elevation 5.3 10 speed.  Thanks.

[Transient]

It is my understanding GM came out with the steel drive shaft for those who offroad their trucks.  Smaller exterior diameter means it's less likely to take a hit.  Stronger metal material means it's less likely to be damaged if it takes a hit.  There's a discount on it right now until the end of the year at accessories.chevrolet.com. 

[silveradosid]

speed is not what kills the driveshaft, it is the amount of torque required to maintain the speed. higher hp engine and stomping on it could exceed the torque limit of the shaft. i had a steel shaft in my 2014 and distorted it pulling a really heavy boat on a boat launch, the boat exceeded the towing capacity of my truck and the amount of torque it took to pull it killed the shaft. a good example is at the truck pulls. you won't see an aluminum shafts in any of the trucks, but they also destroy steel shafts and that has nothing to do with speed, its all torque