I was thinking the other day about how the drive shafts on our trucks were prone to failure because of the lack of grease fittings and their close proximity to the exhaust. The grease in the u-joints get cooked from the heat of the exhaust pipe being so close to them causing them to fail. I was thinking that it might be a good idea to wrap the exhaust with exhaust insulation. It would greatly reduce radiant heat being emitted from the exhaust pipe and extend the life of the drive shaft. I would still grease the fittings at ever oil change interval anyways. So what do you think am I on to something or am I nuts and wasting my time and yours.

 

I had long thought about a heat shield as well as a deflector plate bolted to the side of the transmission so that if the propshaft does break it bounces off of the deflector instead of taking out the trans.
I have also thought of a restraint to keep the propshaft in place if it breaks.

 

Spike, I think my idea is better. It prevents the drive shaft from failing all together. Your idea saves the transmission after the drive shaft has already failed. In all seriousness if we use both of our ideas we might not have to ditch our trucks and get a Jaguar X-type.

 

BUT your idea only protects the grease from heat and the a/c water, it will still wear out over time.
And you can never prevent a complete failure of a mechanical part, ever.
You can lube it, preventably repair it but its still going to fail at some point under a condition that you never thought of.
If it is mechanical it will fail, auto repair 101.
I do like your idea.

 

It's the cat not the pipe that cooks the drive shaft fitting... And a plate is a idea i have been thinking of myself. They make a cat wrap that does what you are talking about... I am having my manifolds cermamic coated to reduce my temps under the hood considerably...as well as will help down the exhaust lines..

 

Exhaust wrap will seriously contribute to rusting out of your exhaust. Don't ask me how I know.

 

x2 on that one....ask any biker...

 

Just lube all 4 zerks and both slip joints at every oil change and you will be fine.