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Replace the Weakest Link in Your Nissan Skyline GT-R Driveline with a 1000HP Level 5 Front Right Axle
The DSS RA8011X5-V2 is a 1000HP-rated Level 5 front right axle for the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R across the R32, R33, and R34 generations. The factory front axles use a 27-spline center bar that is widely recognized as the first driveline component to fail under high-power builds. This DSS Level 5 unit replaces that bar with a 36-spline aerospace-grade billet shaft rated to handle up to 1000HP with no vehicle modifications required. This is the right-side (passenger side) axle, sold individually.
The inner CV splines directly into the differential on the male side, and a billet bolt-on inner mounts to the drive flange on the outer end. The outer CV is manufactured from DSS proprietary high-strength material and retains the OEM ABS ring for full ABS compatibility. The result is a direct bolt-on upgrade that works equally well for street driving and drag racing, backed by a 1-year DSS warranty.
Key Features
- 36-spline aerospace-grade billet center bar replaces the factory 27-spline unit that fails under power
- Rated to 1000HP for street and drag racing without vehicle modifications
- Billet inner CV splines into differential on the male side for direct OEM-style engagement
- Billet bolt-on inner mount attaches to the factory drive flange with no custom fabrication
- Outer CV manufactured from DSS proprietary high-strength material with OEM ABS ring retained
- Fits all three GT-R generations: R32 (1989-1994), R33 (1993-1998), and R34 (1999-2002)
- Right-side (passenger side) axle, sold as a single unit
- Direct bolt-on installation, no driveline modifications required
- 1-year Driveshaft Shop limited warranty
Vehicle Fitment
| Year Range | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1989-1994 | Nissan | Skyline GT-R (R32) |
| 1993-1998 | Nissan | Skyline GT-R (R33) |
| 1999-2002 | Nissan | Skyline GT-R (R34) |
Specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Driveshaft Shop (DSS) |
| Part Number | RA8011X5-V2 |
| SKU | DSS510029 |
| Previous Part Number | RA8011L5 |
| Axle Type | Level 5 Front Right Axle V2 |
| Spline Count (Center Bar) | 36-Spline (upgraded from OEM 27-Spline) |
| Center Bar Material | Aerospace-Grade Billet Steel |
| HP Rating | 1000HP |
| Side | Right (Passenger Side) |
| ABS Compatibility | Yes (OEM ABS ring retained) |
| Installation | Direct bolt-on, no modifications required |
| Application | Street and Drag Racing |
| Warranty | 1-Year DSS Limited |
| UPC | N/A |
What's Included
- 1x Driveshaft Shop Level 5 Front Right Axle (right/passenger side) for Nissan Skyline GT-R
About Driveshaft Shop
Driveshaft Shop (DSS) has been engineering high-performance driveline components since the early 1990s and is one of the most respected axle and driveshaft manufacturers in the performance industry. Their Level 5 system is an industry standard for drag racing applications and has been proven on some of the highest-horsepower builds in the world. DSS manufactures all components in-house using proprietary materials and processes, and backs every product with a limited warranty.
Related Parts on Our Site
- DSS RA8012X5 Level 5 Rear Axle Left (1989-2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32/R33/R34) - Matching rear left axle upgrade for the same platform
- DSS RA8013X5 Level 5 Rear Axle Right (1989-2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32/R33/R34) - Matching rear right axle upgrade for the same platform
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RA8011X5-V2?The DSS RA8011X5-V2 is a Driveshaft Shop Level 5 front right axle for the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R across R32, R33, and R34 generations. It replaces the factory 27-spline center bar with a 36-spline aerospace-grade billet unit rated to 1000HP, sold individually as the right-side axle (SKU DSS510029).
What is the difference between the RA8011X5-V2 and the original RA8011L5?The V2 is the updated revision of the older RA8011L5. DSS revised the design to improve strength and long-term reliability. If you are replacing an older DSS Level 5 axle with the RA8011L5 part number, this V2 unit is the correct current replacement. Fitment and mounting are identical.
Does this Level 5 axle fit the R32, R33, and R34 GT-R?Yes. The DSS Level 5 front right axle fits all three GT-R generations: R32 (1989-1994), R33 (1993-1998), and R34 (1999-2002). All three generations share compatible front axle mounting geometry. Contact us to confirm fitment for non-standard or heavily modified suspension configurations.
Is this a left or right axle?This is the right-side (passenger side) front axle. If you need the left-side axle for your Skyline GT-R, that is a separate part number. Contact us if you need to pair both sides or want a complete front axle set.
Why do Nissan Skyline GT-R front axles fail under high power?The factory Skyline GT-R front axles use a 27-spline center bar that is undersized for high-horsepower applications. As engine output increases beyond roughly 450 to 500HP, the center bar becomes the weakest point in the driveline and is prone to twisting or snapping under hard acceleration. The DSS Level 5 system addresses this by upgrading to a 36-spline aerospace-grade billet bar capable of handling up to 1000HP.
Will this axle retain full ABS functionality on the Skyline GT-R?Yes. The outer CV retains the OEM ABS ring, so the factory ABS system remains fully functional after installation. No additional ABS modifications are required for any R32, R33, or R34 GT-R.
Does installation require modifications to the vehicle?No. This is a direct bolt-on replacement designed to install without any welding, machining, or custom fabrication. The inner CV splines directly into the differential and the bolt-on inner mount attaches to the factory drive flange. A standard axle replacement procedure is all that is needed.
Can this axle be used on a street-driven GT-R?Yes. The DSS Level 5 axle is designed for both street and drag racing use. It is fully compatible with daily driving and does not require any special setup or maintenance beyond what a standard axle would need. Many high-power Skyline GT-R builds use Level 5 axles as a permanent street upgrade.
What warranty does this axle carry?Driveshaft Shop provides a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. Retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims. The warranty applies to the axle as a component and does not cover failures resulting from abuse, improper installation, or use beyond the rated HP limit.
Installation Instructions
- Raise and support the vehicle safely on jack stands. Remove the front right wheel.
- Disconnect the front right ABS sensor connector and secure it out of the way.
- Remove the axle nut and any retaining clips on the outer CV joint.
- Disconnect the lower control arm or hub carrier fasteners as needed to access the outer CV joint.
- Remove the factory right front axle from the vehicle by pulling outward from the hub and disconnecting from the differential.
- Clean the differential output flange and hub bore to remove rust, debris, and old grease.
- Slide the DSS Level 5 inner spline into the differential output on the male side until fully seated.
- Attach the bolt-on inner mount to the drive flange and torque fasteners to the manufacturer specification.
- Insert the outer CV into the hub and reinstall the axle nut. Torque to the factory specification for your model year.
- Reconnect the ABS sensor, reinstall the wheel, and torque lug nuts to spec.
- Lower the vehicle and road-test at moderate power before full-power use, checking for smooth operation and no vibration.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and phthalates, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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