Double Cardan Vs. Cv Drive Shaft

n8tmi · 04-15-2009, 08:11 PM

WHICH DRIVE SHAFT IS STRONGER FOR THE REAR OF 97' TJ? DOUBLE CARDAN STYLE OR A CV STYLE? TRYING TO DECIDE ON SYE STYLE. HACK AND TAP OR OTHER.

**JeepRocks86** · 04-15-2009, 08:16 PM

Isn't it the same thing?
I would stay away from a hack and tap. Some may say that it's fine, but I just don't like the idea.

Personally I have the older JB supershort kit.

CaleTJ99 · 04-15-2009, 08:42 PM

Front drive shaft out of an xj, cheap, take it to a driveline shop, $80 for the shaft and to have it cut, your good to go.

**mike_dippert** · 04-15-2009, 08:54 PM

constant velocity (CV) joint

works like this

a double cardan uses U-joints instead of that weird ball thingy those toyota ppl are so fond of (front axle)

TJ311 · 04-15-2009, 09:16 PM

They're basically the same thing. I think ONLY Double Cardan shafts are made for Jeeps. But I seriously wonder why a true CV shaft (ball type) isn't used or preferred in 4x4 applications. Serviceability maybe? Cost? I know it's not power reasons because I've seen some of those shafts handle 800HP or more. It just seems like they could handle some extreme angles.

Any thoughts on that?

Jeepster83 · 04-15-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dippert

constant velocity (CV) joint

works like this

a double cardan uses U-joints instead of that weird ball thingy those toyota ppl are so fond of (front axle)

those are actually some very strong axles and can operate at some very steep angles. theres a company building axle shafts for TJ's now but i dont remember the name of the company.

a lot of people call the double Cardan drive shaft a CV shaft so when you bring up this subject most people will say they are the same. when you get to specifics they arent the same at all. dippert gave a perfect example of a cv shaft.

IMO id go with the SYE and double Cardan drive shaft. the hack and tap just seems like too much work for an inferior setup. i believe the new input shaft you get with the SYE kit is stronger than the stock one so the hack and tap job isnt as strong.

**ChiliPalmer** · 04-15-2009, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeepster83

those are actually some very strong axles and can operate at some very steep angles. theres a company building axle shafts for TJ's now but i dont remember the name of the company.

http://www.longfieldsuperaxles.com/

**mrblaine** · 04-16-2009, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ311

They're basically the same thing. I think ONLY Double Cardan shafts are made for Jeeps. But I seriously wonder why a true CV shaft (ball type) isn't used or preferred in 4x4 applications. Serviceability maybe? Cost? I know it's not power reasons because I've seen some of those shafts handle 800HP or more. It just seems like they could handle some extreme angles.

Any thoughts on that?

They can be built to handle the angles, but their typical failure is they can't handle the higher RPM's the driveshaft needs to turn. The driveshaft turns an average of 4 times faster than the wheels do. That's a big increase in surface feet per minute that the bearings get subjected to.

n8tmi · 04-16-2009, 06:45 AM

Thanks So Much For The Input.

Jeepster83 · 04-16-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiliPalmer

http://www.longfieldsuperaxles.com/

thats the company. once i can afford a set of these ill be putting them on my axle.

**mike_dippert** · 04-16-2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeepster83

thats the company. once i can afford a set of these ill be putting them on my axle.

FYI, once you upgrade the Ujoints on the front axle (by switching to longfields), the R&P become the next weakest link.

Jeepster83 · 04-16-2009, 10:26 PM

Superior ring and pinion will be part of my front axle upgrades

billymac4511 · 09-30-2009, 07:38 AM

I know this thread is a few months old, but I've been recently dealing with similar issues. I found a great writeup on pirate4x4.com

It explains not only how to do your universals, but also offers a disgustingly in-depth explanation so when you're done reading it, not only is your brain made of driveshaft goo, but you can replace/repair a driveshaft and/or joint while you are drunk, asleep and have your eyes closed. It will also teach you how to match up angles correctly and explain what Glidecote, Phasing and a Trunnion all are.

The four-part writeup is found here.

PeteYJTJ · 09-30-2009, 08:09 AM

I'm not a JK guy, but don't JKs have CV joint (ball type) rear driveshafts, rather than ujoints? I thought I saw that somewhere.

Pete

**Unlimited04** · 09-30-2009, 08:10 AM

read this: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/what-cv-shaft-why-do-i-want-one-854790/