Strange Workshop Universal DIY Oval Driveshaft Hoop / Loop Kit – Live Axle Applications

Additional vertical clearance for live-axle suspension movement.

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, our Strange Workshop oval DIY driveshaft hoops are designed for applications where additional vertical clearance is required to accommodate driveshaft movement through the suspension travel of a live rear axle.

Available in 4" and 5" oval hoops, these universal kits can be purchased individually or combined with round or oval hoops to create a Front + Rear kit.

A popular configuration is a round front hoop paired with an oval rear hoop, although you can select either shape and size at both positions to suit your particular installation.

Designed for DIY Installation

Each kit is supplied with a pre-formed steel hoop and mounting legs ready to be adapted to your application.

The supplied 350mm legs can be cut, shaped and folded to suit your installation, allowing you to position the hoop correctly and create suitable mounting points. Cutting and welding are required.

We've already taken care of forming the hoops, so you can concentrate on getting the installation right.

Choosing Round or Oval Hoops

Our round and oval DIY driveshaft hoops can be purchased individually or combined into a Front + Rear kit, with your choice of hoop shape and size at each position.

For vehicles with a live rear axle, an oval rear hoop can provide additional vertical clearance to accommodate driveshaft movement as the suspension travels. The front of the driveshaft generally remains in a more consistent position, so a standard round hoop is usually sufficient.

However, every vehicle and installation is different, so you're welcome to select round or oval hoops for either position to suit your requirements.

Choosing the Correct Hoop Size

When selecting your driveshaft hoop size, start by measuring the outside diameter of your driveshaft. As a general guide, allow approximately 12–13mm (½") clearance around the driveshaft, while also considering the movement of the driveline.

Don't forget the yokes, universal joints, flanges and other driveline components!

Some vehicles have relatively small-diameter driveshafts but much larger components at either end. For example, some Holden driveshafts are approximately 2.5" in diameter, but the larger tripod joint assembly can require a 5" hoop to provide adequate clearance for installation/removal.

• The outside diameter of your driveshaft.
• The diameter of any yokes, universal joints, flanges or other components that the hoop needs to clear.
• The available space around the driveshaft, including suspension and driveline movement.
• Any additional clearance required for installation.

Our tip: Measure the largest component the hoop needs to accommodate, not just the driveshaft itself. Selecting the correct size before ordering can save considerable time and frustration during installation.

Oval Hoop Dimensions & Driveshaft Travel

Our oval DIY driveshaft hoops provide additional vertical clearance for applications where the driveshaft moves through the suspension travel.

• 4" Oval: Internal width [TBC] × internal height [TBC]
• 5" Oval: Internal width [TBC] × internal height [TBC]

For live-axle applications, check the maximum upward and downward movement of the driveshaft through the suspension's full range of travel, including bump and droop.

Make sure the selected hoop provides sufficient clearance throughout that movement while meeting applicable LVV requirements.

Need something taller? We may be able to manufacture extended-height oval hoops for applications requiring additional driveshaft travel. These would be made to order at an additional cost. Get in touch with your required dimensions and we'll see what we can do.

What's Included

• Strange Workshop DIY Installation Guide
• Pre-formed driveshaft hoop/loop in your selected size and shape – minimum 5mm thick
• 350mm × 5mm steel mounting legs with laser-cut M10 holes
• LVV-compliant 3mm doubler plates with laser-cut M10 holes
• M10 × 25mm 8.8 tensile zinc-plated bolts
• M10 reusable serrated zinc-plated locking nuts

(YES! Deeez nuts comply with applicable LVV fastener requirements.)

DIY Installation Guide

Our DIY Guide includes practical information we've learned from manufacturing and installing driveshaft hoops over the years. It's designed to help you fabricate a driveshaft hoop solution that meets applicable New Zealand LVV requirements.

It covers positioning, common checks before drilling, preparing mounting areas, checking driveshaft clearances, and other practical tips that can make installation and certification easier.

Strange Workshop Driveshaft Hoops

Strange Workshop driveshaft hoops have been designed and manufactured in New Zealand since 2012 and are now produced by Whittle Works.

Fitment & Certification

Designed and manufactured to meet or exceed applicable New Zealand LVV requirements when correctly adapted and installed.

These are universal DIY kits and require fabrication and fitting to suit the individual vehicle. The installer is responsible for ensuring correct positioning, mounting, clearances and compliance with applicable certification requirements.

Final fitment and certification remain dependent on the individual vehicle and installation.