Building Bulletproof Axles (1 Viewer)

[nukegoat]

And an easy question on front axle setup.


Can't imagine there's enough travel to warrant a DC shaft on the front, or rear, but don't know for certain.

If a standard shaft were the choice, is it a safe assumption that the output flange of the diff is perpendicular to the ground?

Translated, can one set the front caster of a standard drive shaft oriented drivelined front axle, BEFORE measuring transfer case output flange angle, safely assuming it's at 90 degrees to level ground?

Depends on driveshaft length, how much clearance you need and how your suspension cycles.
Shorter driveshafts are better with CVs since the capacity to tolerate suspension travel is improved (normally).
Clearance - low pinion diffs tend to keep the pinion out of the rocks when used with a DC output on the t-case. So that's a win, but less critical for a HP setup.
Link arrangement - Some link setups will keep the caster changes to a minimum as they cycle. Some will rotate the pinion through the range of motion. Depends on whether this matters. It certainly does a bit with a FT setup, but PT may not care as much since you don't notice vibes really on the trail.


You can't really assume that the output of the t-case is parallel (or that the flange is perpendicular) to the ground - sometimes they are raked back a few degrees for one reason or another. You really need to measure that and that setup the front axle accordingly.

 

[maxamillion2345]

With part time I wouldnt worry about it. You can get awesome travel out of yota cvs too just fyi

 

[nukegoat]

On the other hand, a big plus for single-cardan arrangements is the ability to have the pinion offset transversely without introducing vibrations. Matters more for the rear, of course, but something to consider.

 

[Delancy]

Good point on rotating pinion up for some additional protection.

Went to great lengths and expense to lessen the tranny/TC combo ~18" for the sake of rear driveshaft, uncertain the implications to the front.

Have a double, double cardan shaft to cannibalize, so not a big deal for either to be set up for at the diff.

One purpose in considering is attempting to set up the front and rear axles, before the suspension, for the purpose of time.

Still have to determine axle width, which is proving more difficult that I expected.

 

[maxamillion2345]

Doesn't matter if caster forces you to not match the tcase angle, unless you cut and turn. Just my thoughts...

 

[Delancy]

Not a C&T scenario, but a press in and weld...

Picked up when planning to redo the 80, then rolled it. They're fu width do have to cut down....just not sure to what what yet.

I was hoping to set up the axles before incapacitating the vehicle, but don't see why possible for that to be done.

 

[maxamillion2345]

Need to know where to point pinion at ride height... Then follow with caster. Depending on links it can rotate the pinion through travel or keep it the same.

I think you need to know where its going to sit before setting that all up. Just my opinion

 

[nukegoat]

Need to know where to point pinion at ride height... Then follow with caster. Depending on links it can rotate the pinion through travel or keep it the same.

I think you need to know where its going to sit before setting that all up. Just my opinion

Agreed. Don't lock it in yet

 

[sleeoffroad]

Don't put the cart before the horses. Wait until you have it mocked up

 

[Delancy]

Don't put the cart before the horses.

You mean the horses aren't SUPPOSED to PUSH the cart?

Well, I'll be....

Wait until you have it mocked up

How busy's the shop and how far out of the box do you and the boys think?

Have a spot November of 2015, but don't think I can wait for this, until then, since I got nuthin' to wheel....

 

[Delancy]

How do track width, wheelbase, clearance, and tire size effect one another?

If the only current known variable is 102" wheel base, is there an equation ( beyond the golden ratio ) that can be played with to determine track width?

 

[Delancy]

How does wheelbase effect ground clearance, or vice versa?

On my 80:

112" WB
20" ground clearance
17" center of axle to ground
75" track width

Was far from perfect, regardless the suspension issues, but didn't drag much.

Don't know how a shorter wheelbase effects desired clearance, (break over angle)...

 

[maxamillion2345]

Well IDK if theres a perfect wheel base or width etc..

But 102 is a little short. Id try to stretch that out.

As far as width, wide is stable but also depends on your rig, preferences, and terrain. Wide is a pain in trees. But Id rather be too wide than narrow.

Just my .02. Not sure if it helps or its anything you didn't think of already.

 

[sleeoffroad]

You mean the horses aren't SUPPOSED to PUSH the cart?

Well, I'll be....



How busy's the shop and how far out of the box do you and the boys think?

Have a spot November of 2015, but don't think I can wait for this, until then, since I got nuthin' to wheel....

Call me Monday and tell me your crazy idea

 

[Delancy]

Call me Monday and tell me your crazy idea

Will do..... but don't talk me out of it this time. Haha.

 

[Tapage]

20" ground clearance
17" center of axle to ground

how much it was from right under your rear 3rd .. ?

 

[Delancy]

how much it was from right under your rear 3rd .. ?

Dunno, but I'll measure.

20" was to the bottom of the cross member, which isn't really a ground clearance dimension, I realize.

 

[scottryana]

So what was the outcome of the phone call?

 

[Delancy]

So what was the outcome of the phone call?

No service in the dungeon held captive today, so emailed....

 

[Delancy]

So what was the outcome of the phone call?

More respect for how business savvy Christo maintains.....which marks a dead end for project potential at Slee.

I've said it countless thousands of times

"What I'm capable of is entirely different than what I'm capable of profiting at."