Hey guys,

Starting on a longtail build for this season. Looking into some of my own ideas for it, but wanted to get others opinions and advice on what type of steel to go with and where it is bought.

I plan on using a flange bearing setup on my motor with 2-3 bushings inside the driveshaft housing.

I have two questions...what do you guys typically use for the driveshaft? Obviously 3/4" stainless, but where do you order a 72" section from? Mcmaster-Carr only carries 60" sections. Also, I'm debating between 304 and 316 SS.

My next question is...What do you typically use for the driveshaft housing and does it have to be DOM steel? I assume DOM works best because of the tighter tolerances.

I am mainly concerned with where you guys buy these things. I refuse to buy an unbalanced SS rod stock for the drive shaft...I want a balanced SS shaft that won't cause me any problems down the road. Thanks for any help. And any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and what do you guys typically do for seal housings? or do you just put them straight into the shaft housing?

Thanks for the help bud. As far as the driveshaft goes...you said you use SS rod stock. Does it matter if it is not specifically driveshaft material? Some companies sell it as SS driveshafts while others sell it as rod stock. The price difference is significant and I'm just worried if I don't get specific driveshaft material then the bearings/bushings may be more prone to wear out and there may be more vibration. I'm thinking about doing a little less than 5ft of DOM for the housing and a 6ft shaft. Also, how thick is the wall on the housing? I want it thick enough to be sure the weld doesn't make it through. Thanks again for the help.

use schedule 80 for housing. for my drive shaft I used 3/4 hardened rod 72 in. so far it has held up great minimal vibration same as any other. for a cav plate order one from BH2O they are worth it. but otherwise you are def. on right track. good luck. I also used bearings from BH2O just because with the comparing cost it was cheaper than buying all separate and building own housing.

Arlan at BH20 will hook you up with everything you need. He is less expensive than buying and machining. I have built 6 LT and he will hook you up.

SS shaft isnt necessary if you arent running in salt water, I used centerless ground rod stock from discountsteel.com. It is made for shaft use and comes pretty straight and round