Do you guys recommend The stock C-V joints/shafts or aftermarket?

[spressomon]

I received my pair of RCV Performance cv shafts last week and finally had time to try to swap one into the SpressoWagon this afternoon. No instructions whatsoever were included and no response after repeated calls and messages to RCV. My only real question up until today's install issue was the bolt torque that should be applied to the 6-allen type bolts that retain the inner cup and spline assembly (they ship them so that you have to bolt the end cap spline assembly to the CV shaft assembly); and whether I should use Loctite due to no included washers, flat or otherwise, under the bolt heads. For the record I lightly 242'd them and tightened them to about 70ft lbs.

But the install is not going so smoothly. The RCV shaft acts like it is too short as it stops short about 1" from seating into the needle bearing and extending past the hub flange for circlip engagement. Its been a day so I just decided to start up again on the process tomorrow morning when I'm fresh.

Although they certainly look robust I'm a little disappointed RCV did not adhere to the similar outer double seal found on the OEM Toyota shafts. Maybe incidental but OTOH the OEM redundant seals really do work well/effectively keeping the needle and hub bearings free of water, dirt and outside contaminants under the harshest of conditions. Maybe a non-issue but...

 

[spressomon]

I determined the outer splined portion of the RCV shaft is not sufficiently relieved so that it can be inserted fully into the splined hub.

Here's a comparison between the RCV and OEM. The cv shaft is the same diameter as the bottom of the spline diameter on the OEM unit. Whereas the RCV splined section tapers up to the shaft enough to prevent pass through the hub splines.

Photo: RCV on top, OEM on the bottom.

Now if I could just get them to respond.

 

[OregonLC]

I determined the outer splined portion of the RCV shaft is not sufficiently relieved so that it can be inserted fully into the splined hub.

Here's a comparison between the RCV and OEM. The cv shaft is the same diameter as the bottom of the spline diameter on the OEM unit. Whereas the RCV splined section tapers up to the shaft enough to prevent pass through the hub splines.

Photo: RCV on top, OEM on the bottom.

Now if I could just get them to respond.

Wonder how they got their beta set to work?

 

[spressomon]

Wonder how they got their beta set to work?

This is the beta set. I sent them one of my old OEM units 13-months ago for patterning. They just have to relieve approximately 1" or so behind the taper to allow full insertion. But without bi-directional communication its kinda difficult...

 

[OregonLC]

This is the beta set. I sent them one of my old OEM units 13-months ago for patterning. They just have to relieve approximately 1" or so behind the taper to allow full insertion. But without bi-directional communication its kinda difficult...

Oh, I guess I was assuming they had tested them and you were the first customer. Didn't understand they never been installed on any vehicle before. If that's the case, they'll get it figured out.

 

[spressomon]

Shawn from RCV Performance just contacted me and we had a good discussion about what needs to be changed. They're going to get right on it and ship ASAP.

More to follow!

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Sweet! Nice to see some progress!

 

[spressomon]

Well...a frustrating update to this RCV Performance CV process/project. After over 2-months of not seeing the UPS driver (and going on 18-months of my involvement for the project) trying to deliver the supposed correctly machined CV shaft assemblies for my 100 I've left numerous voice messages for Sean Carlini at RCV Performance over the same period that, along with e-mails to him, have gone unanswered: No communicae whatsoever.

To add insult to injury they've, long ago, charged my AMEX card for these CV shafts. Now I have to get AMEX involved.

I'll tell ya: This industry (the aftermarket off-road world in general) is chock full of these types of players. Its hard to believe most in this industry operate on the same modus operandi and continue to survive if not thrive.

I certainly wish I could have written something more positive...but RCV just won't help.

 

[spressomon]

Ok...after my last post ^^^ Sean called me to discuss this project. He will credit my AMEX for charges but keep this CV project in the prototype process. No ETA but Sean told me he'd get back to me with another project timeline.

He sounded optimistic when we discussed the viability of retaining the OEM style dual outer hub seal into their CV shaft; I hope so.

I'll post updates as I get them...

 

[2000UZJ]

Ok...after my last post ^^^ Sean called me to discuss this project. He will credit my AMEX for charges but keep this CV project in the prototype process. No ETA but Sean told me he'd get back to me with another project timeline.

He sounded optimistic when we discussed the viability of retaining the OEM style dual outer hub seal into their CV shaft; I hope so.

I'll post updates as I get them...

Looks like Sean saw your post somehow and figured he better get this figured out before he ruins his potential business with any 100 owners. Something like that should never have happened. How hard can it be? a 5 minute phone call

 

[OGBeno]

Looks like Sean saw your post somehow and figured he better get this figured out before he ruins his potential business with any 100 owners. Something like that should never have happened. How hard can it be? a 5 minute phone call

I agree. It can't be serendipity that he called at just the right time.

 

[AimCOtaco]

If anybody will line up to by $1k CV shafts it will be the 100 guys... RCV should be paying close attention. The Tacoma crowd usually just change out Autozoners frequently to save cash and carry a cheap spare... The contrast between TTORA Tacoma folks and the 100 folks on 'Mud is a real kick for me.. except when I'm buying parts for the 100 then I cry a little and go back to the Tacoma.

 

[spressomon]

If anybody will line up to by $1k CV shafts it will be the 100 guys... RCV should be paying close attention. The Tacoma crowd usually just change out Autozoners frequently to save cash and carry a cheap spare... The contrast between TTORA Tacoma folks and the 100 folks on 'Mud is a real kick for me.. except when I'm buying parts for the 100 then I cry a little and go back to the Tacoma.

I've tried the lifetime warranty NAPA CV units for my 100 with miserable results. That reminds me: I need to take the pieces back to NAPA for refund.

Looked at my buddy James' '06 4R and his CV angle is much more relaxed, at similar lift, than the 100's. The 4R looks like it starts with flat to negative CV shaft angle at stock height.

 

[AimCOtaco]

I've tried the lifetime warranty NAPA CV units for my 100 with miserable results. That reminds me: I need to take the pieces back to NAPA for refund.

Don't get me wrong, I think the RCV's would be a great addition to the market. For anyone who wheels the 100 enough to regularly break or wear out more than a set or two of OEM CV's the RCV's would be the economic way to go.... If only they fit. I hope RCV gets it soon.

I also really like the Idea of a future long arm/ long axle long travel kit for the 100. That front end could sure use the travel.. several vendors might build the arms but not too many could supply the custom CV axle.

 

[spressomon]

Guess what? Nope. Sean didn't do anything he said he would. As of this afternoon no AMEX credit and no ETA/project timeline. Maybe he's just stuck in 'opposite day'...everyday Or possibly 15-days isn't enough time for Sean to get either promise fulfilled


And the saga continues.

 

[OGBeno]

Sorry to hear this Dan. I know you have a lot invested in this.

Let us know if we can help.

 

[spressomon]

Sorry to hear this Dan. I know you have a lot invested in this.

Let us know if we can help.

Thanks Onur. Nothing ventured nothing gained. I expected something between 'not much' and 'nothing' given their track record to date. AMEX will take care of his/their ineptitude; filed the claim this afternoon.

 

[OGBeno]

Thanks Onur. Nothing ventured nothing gained. I expected something between 'not much' and 'nothing' given their track record to date. AMEX will take care of his/their ineptitude; filed the claim this afternoon.

Damn man. Well, I guess at a certain point you have to cut losses and move on to another situation.

I still think this is a viable project but I do think that it will be way beyond most "users" of the 100 series in the long run. Albeit for a certain few.

 

[anthonycds]

I have been hoping to hear better news and I'm sorry to learn about this Spresso.

According to their Facebook page, it looks like they've recently started work on a '96 4Runner, and anything 100 related is on the back burner.
Might I add, they also appear to answer all of their fan's questions on their FB page.

Hope they make it right with you.

 

[spressomon]

I have been hoping to hear better news and I'm sorry to learn about this Spresso.

According to their Facebook page, it looks like they've recently started work on a '96 4Runner, and anything 100 related is on the back burner.
Might I add, they also appear to answer all of their fan's questions on their FB page.

Hope they make it right with you.

Thanks for the intel. But I/a customer shouldn't have to consult with a vendor via Facebook to get them to honor the commitments and promises they made to me or other customers (I've heard similar stories about RCV Performance's pathetic customer service).

Not to mention failing to make the credit back to my credit card and/or provide a properly manufactured pair of CV shafts. And this process started in October of 2009! You may or may not remember but they came HERE to US on the MUD 100-Forum asking for a CV shaft assembly to be used for modeling purposes .