Speed Engineering recently released their driveshaft safety loops for 1999-2018 GM trucks (Silverado/Sierra). These loops are made in the USA and are spec'd to fit both 2WD and 4WD applications. A driveshaft safety loop is required per the NHRA rule-book on any vehicle using slicks and running 13.99 or faster in the 1/4 mile or 11.49 or faster on any tire. Beyond the NHRA rule requirement, running a driveshaft safety loop is a good idea especially if you're still using the OE GM driveshaft. The OE 99-18 GM truck driveshafts have been known to fail, especially at higher speeds. The addition of a safety loop could very well save your transmission and under-body from catastrophic damage in the event of a driveshaft failure.
We have them available in satin black or red for $99.99, check them out here!
Here are some unboxing photos, the driveshaft safety loop comes well protected and wrapped in multiple layers of foam padding to protect the powder coated finish. Be ready to spend some time unwrapping the safety loop because Speed Engineering shrink wraps the entire piece. In addition to the driveshaft safety loop, you will receive hardware and nut tabs to secure the loop to the frame.
The first step is to remove your driveshaft and temporarily secure the driveshaft safety loop in place so that it can be positioned equally side to side and centered around the driveshaft.
With the driveshaft safety loop temporarily held in place, reinstall your driveshaft so that you can position the safety loop accordingly. The NHRA rule-book requires that the safety loop is positioned no more than 6 inches from the front u-joint. So be sure to double check your positioning/measurements before drilling. Keep in mind the front u-joint will slide towards the transmission slightly at ride height if your are taking your measurements with the rear axle at full droop.
Once you've got the safety loop positioned, you can drill two 3/8" holes in the bottom lip of the frame using the slotted mounting tabs as a guide. The driveshaft safety loop mounting tabs allow for roughly 1/4" of adjustment. Once your holes are drilled, place the nut tabs inside the lower channel of the frame and center them over the holes you have drilled. These nut tabs will allow you to tighten the safety loop hardware with out the need to hold the nuts as you tighten.
These last four photos will give you an idea of the final positioning of the driveshaft safety loop, driveshaft clearance, and ground clearance. Our truck is lowered roughly 5"/6.5" and has a custom 4" aluminum driveshaft, and there is still plenty of clearance around the shaft and to the ground at ride height. Overall we are very happy with Speed Engineering's new driveshaft safety loop, especially at the price of $99.99 and only weighing approximately 5 pounds. The install can be completed in under an hour depending on tools and experience.