Fragged U-joint: How Dangerous?

[Jerry Clayton]

Lowell

If you build a drive shaft with Spicer spl 1350 joints you will gain tremendous increase in strengh
First they have no grease fittings--the greasable u joints are not as strong as the non greasable ones
Second they are much bigger and stonger


Third--the SPF cars I have seen (including the ones pictured in these driveshaft threads) have an excessive drive shaft angle that is unnecessary --with the irs this is a constant misalignment whereas with an live axle the rear would fluatate. So you have an shaft that is always seeing an eccessive amount of wear and tear leading to possible premature failure--your drive line angle can be corrected dramatilly by shimming the tailshaft of your trans by 1/2 to 3/4 inch higher which probably will only change the engine level front to rear by less than ONE degree!!!

Correct the drive shaft angle and the failure possiblity goes down--change to higher strengh/quality components and you will virtually eliminate it.

Note--with a ONE FOOT long driveshaft the force at the end of a flailing about shaft will equal your torque/rpm numbers on your dyno sheet--of course the rpm will be reduced if you are in one of the lower gears/increased if your in an overdrive gear.

There are 4130 and carbon fibre parts available from drag racing or sprint car racing that can be adapted to your car.

Next time your at the train station stop in

Jerry