max driveshaft angle

Andy J.

Andy J.

Doin’ it LIVE
Joined
Nov 5, 2005
Location
Winston
Is the max angle for a cv joint about 30 degrees? How do these super-flex buggies deal with driveshaft angles? Most of them run limit straps, which I will do, but I'm trying to get the most out of my setup. In my current design configuration, I'm using a flipped front axle as a rear. At full bump, there's about a 6 in height difference between the xcase output and axle centerline. Using 16" air shocks, that's potentially 22" height difference on a 30" long driveshaft (flange to flange) which is 47 degrees. Dropping the xcase below the frame rails 2" and using 14" shocks gets me to 34 degrees. I really don't want to extend the wheelbase any further either. I could decrease my ride height a couple inches, but I would not be too happy with the breakover angle. I should also mention that there is a 8 degree angle between the flanges in the lateral direction (looking from the top).

What's the best I can expect from a drive shaft that won't cost one million bucks?
 
I needed about what you listed on my buggy as well. I think my max angle was about 42 degrees. I run 1350 joints with tom woods offset joints, did just a little grinding on the yokes, and have never had an issue. Anything much over 40 typically required PTO components.
 
Looks like I should have done some reading before starting this thread. Lots of good info on the Tom Woods interwebz page
 
If you run your limit strap directly over the diff, you can limit your driveshaft angle without severely limiting wheel travel.
 
This is true for a standard center-diff rear axle, but I'm running an offset-diff steering axle so it would actually limit my wheel travel quite a bit. FWIW, I went back and changed my design so that now my driveshaft maxes out at about 31 degrees.
 
Be careful with the offset joints you WIll get driveline vibes from them...
 
My t-case output angle is 27-28* at ride height. I used a Tom Wood cv with a Toyota yoke. My driveshaft comes apart before full droop, and then the angle is around 40*. I'll be adding a center limiting strap, to limit overall droop, but still let it flex completely. Offset joints do cause vibes, I would advise to steer clear of them, Tom Wood CV's are good to some ridiculous angles, mine is bind free at 40*, but I wouldn't drive prolonged or fast at that angle. Drop your case or look into doing a 2 piece shaft, a durable carrier bearing won't be super cheap either...
 
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