lt1fire
SILVER Star
Why did toyota decide to go with birfs instead of the tradtitional u-joints??? what are the actual advantages/disavantages of them??
Why birfs???
- Thread starter lt1fire
- Start date
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All the universals I've seen are outside the axle housing. Tojo thought that all spinning bits should be protected. I like that. One less thing to get distroyed on the rocks.
My understanding is that a birf in a closed knuckle lasts longer than an exposed double cardan joint.
I don't know if it was part of Toyota's reasoning, but it's easy to replace a birfield--not easy to replace u-joints and double cardan knuckle joints.
And, they're cool.
I don't know if it was part of Toyota's reasoning, but it's easy to replace a birfield--not easy to replace u-joints and double cardan knuckle joints.
And, they're cool.
Very good stuff.
Enclosed birf means no grit, mud, water in the joint for longer life in harsh conditions. The downside is the required maintenance and greater cost to make the truck.
Exposed joints like everyone else except Range Rover use are cheaper to make and there's no maintenance. They simply last a while in harsh environments, then break and need replacement.
DougM
Exposed joints like everyone else except Range Rover use are cheaper to make and there's no maintenance. They simply last a while in harsh environments, then break and need replacement.
DougM
The birfield, being a CV joint, has little to no vibration when turning compared to a U-joint, so the drivetrain is much smoother while in 4 wheel drive and you can use 4 wheel drive at higher speeds with less issues.
