New production frt CV shafts may be possible!

[lebowski]

So I contacted Sean at http://www.rcvperformance.com/ his reply:

"Hello Walter,

In short, Yes we would be very interested. We don't have any minimum order size to manufacture CV joints however the lot size obviously effects the cost. Do you have some samples or drawings so we can quote? Are the problems more along the line of simply wear or are there breakage issues due to overload. We manufacture everything we sell in Northern Illinois and warrant everything with a lifetime warranty against breakage.

Best Regards!"

He said he will visit this thread and enter into a discussion regarding the possibility of this. He will likely require some tech info, so hopefully someone here may have the frt axle shaft specifications he may need to figure things out.

Anyone have some spec sheets on the joints, axleshafts, splines etc they could post?

Please post up here if you are interested in this front driveline option so we can gauge the demand for it. Thanks guys.

[Gordon Maney]

Are you imagining joints like the WWII trucks, or a more contemporary design?

[lebowski]

I was thinking a new modern style birfield type joint to replace the older style M37 joint.

[Gordon Maney]

What do you dislike about the Trachta joint?

I just did some web searching on Birfield and discover kits are sold, called Birfield Eliminators, to replace the allegedly breakage-prone Birfield joints with cross and roller joints.

Perhaps a joint like the WWII joint would be better? I admit I don't know if the Rzeppa joint is stronger.

[lebowski]

Yes, the Birfield Eliminator kits were available for the Toyota mini truck front axles awhile ago. These kits are not as strong as high grade Birfield kits such as:
http://www.longfieldsuperaxles.com/
Check this chart for strength:
http://www.longfieldsuperaxles.com/graph.html
Most hardcore users go with the Longfields as they have an excellent reputation and are reasonably priced. The Longfields have a MUCH better track record than the Birfield Eliminator kit (basically beefed up Dana 44 size components for the Toyota mini-truck solid front axle).

I was thinking for M-series applications that are re-powered either V8 or diesel, or just something stronger than stock. Some threads regarding this for those who haven't followed:
http://www.powerwagonadvertiser.com/...ead.php?t=9870
http://www.powerwagonadvertiser.com/...ad.php?p=73316

[MasterYota]

The birfield joint is commonly found Toyota Truck/SUV and Land Cruiser solid front axles. I've seen many of them over the years, and in my opinion they are vastly superior to ujoints. They have smoother operation, last longer, and are stronger than ujoints.

The weak link in the birfield is when it is turned to its maximum operating angle. The large caged ball bearings are forced to operate near the edge of the bell shaped cup (end of the stub shaft). The outer lip in the weakest portion of the bell, and that is where the failures occur. All the joint components then come loose inside the knuckle and wreak havoc in such a confined space.

The whole trick to making a birfield survive is setting the steering stops appropriately so that they are not forced to operate near the edge of the bell. Birfield eliminator kits commonly replace the birf with ujoints similar to those found on Dana 44 axles. While uj's will operate at a higher angle, (which shortens thier lifespan) there is no gain in strength IMO. If your looking for the ultimate in Birfield strengh, check out http://www.longfieldsuperaxles.com/ . They even make birf's for the venerable Dana 60. This is the way to go. Its not cheap, but it is forever... IMO :)