Driveshaft geometry??

[Sam_Fear]

How much clearance should be between the tailshaft and the slipyolk?

What's the max driveshaft angle I could have? It looks like I can get close to zero degrees at ride height, but whats 'safe'? 3 Degrees or less?

Is pinion angle normally -2 degrees?


My understanding, from what I've read so far, is I should try for a zero degree angle on both ends of the driveshaft and another -2 degrees at the pinion.

Oh, this is a GM 4link.

 

[Rev Tex Devlle]

http://www.tekatlarge.com/Automobiles/Driveline.html

try this see if it helps ya

 

[Sam_Fear]

Thanks Rev. That's about the same as the info I'd been reading. I did see it suggests keeping withing 3 degrees.

Still not clear on the pinion angle though. Since it's for a street cruiser I should just keep the pinion and tailshaft parallel? (no 2 degree offset)

 

[fuzz]

IMO...If there is "0" angle of the U joints at the tailshaft and the pinion, in other words the driveshaft is straight, you may get some harmonic vibration at highway speeds. If your driveshaft is at a 3 degree angle downward at the tailshaft you want to set your pinion angle at 3 degrees negative, driveshaft pointing upwards toward the transmission. You want the angles oposite of each other. Angles of less than 8 degrees won't cause any problems. More than 8 degrees will cause premature u joint failure, [they won't last as long]. In your street cruiser pinion angles aren't that critical as long as they aren't exagerated, more than 8 degrees. Race cars are much more critical due to the high stress and traction considerations...

 

[coronetrt]

u need some angle.,big trucks use3-9 degres. if u set it up on 0 the joints will not last long. the angle should be close to same on both ends. 3 degrees is a minimul in my
experience. BT

 

[HOT40ROD]

You ask about the clearance between the tailsaft and slip yolk.

How I would do it was. With the seal in the back of the tailshaft (Use the one without the dust cover} I would slip the yolk all the way in and mark it. Then I would make a mark the yolk 3/4 the length. The 3/4 mark is were I would want the yolk to be when the driveshaft is installed

I have always done it that way and never had a problem.

 

[Sam_Fear]

You ask about the clearance between the tailsaft and slip yolk.

How I would do it was. With the seal in the back of the tailshaft (Use the one without the dust cover} I would slip the yolk all the way in and mark it. Then I would make a mark the yolk 3/4 the length. The 3/4 mark is were I would want the yolk to be when the driveshaft is installed

I have always done it that way and never had a problem.

Thanks for the answer. I figured it was around an inch, but assuming can often gets a guy in trouble later.