new front propsahft

Don W.

Don W.

Stab it and steer it
Re: new front propsahft

six_wheeler said:
OK, call me dumb, but I'm gonna ask what might be a dumb question. So here goes... just what was GM's wisdom in using a CV-joint for the diff end of the shaft instead of a "conventional" cross joint in the first place?
OK, make that two dumb Qs. Why two back-to-back joints on the TC end?

Shady
Click to expand...

The basic reason for a CV joint is that the angle between the flange center line and the shaft center line can be different at each end. In a "normal" drive-line like our rears the angle between the shaft and transfer case and the shaft and pinion are identical, or at least very close. As the suspension moves the angles may change but, hopefully they remain the same at each end. If they don't then the shaft will vibrate almost as if it was out of balance and even at that frequency. Why the heck GM used that goofy joint on the front of the front shaft is still beyond me.

Interesting that no one ever, that I've seen anyway, complained about a Gilber vibrating even though he uses only one joint at each end. This shaft uses a single joint at one end and a CV on the other. My thinking here is that the angles are so small it may not matter. Oh well. My concern with this kind of shaft is that inside the CV joint is something that keeps it aligned. Once that wears or breaks things can go to heck real quick.
 
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qbnkiller

qbnkiller

Conflaguration Specialist
Re: new front propsahft

Thats correct. With the CV joint, any driveline fluctuations will be absorbed better than with a solid axle (one that has only 1 u-joint on either side). This is an option that I spoke about to the driveline shop. While they could build me a front propshaft that was like that, they couldn't guarantee that I wouldn't get any driveline vibrations. For the majority of the truck owners out here, we figured that using this double-u-joint would give added strength over the CV design, yet be able to take quite a bit of abuse. I have asked this before, and I thought that the picture that Sy2932 had up was of the Gilbert. Now Don W. says that the Gilbert has only one U-joint on each end. Which is it? It doesn't matter to me. Once people see this setup, strength has been added to the common weak point. And the inside U-joint would be no more difficult to replace than the outside U-joint. You would need to remove the spring clips and the U-joint comes out.
 
SY2932

SY2932

Administrator
Re: new front propsahft

qbnkiller said:
I have asked this before, and I thought that the picture that Sy2932 had up was of the Gilbert. Now Don W. says that the Gilbert has only one U-joint on each end. Which is it?
Click to expand...

It IS a Gilbert and I have had it on my truck for well over four years now:
11_9_MEGA_propshaft.sized.jpg

"11.9# MEGA propshaft. Contact Bruce Gilbert @ Gilbert Driveline in NH 603-623-3061. $318.60 shipped in 10/01."

Upon receiving it, I removed my Chiver's propshaft safety loop and sold it. The front differential is going to break before that propshaft does...
 
qbnkiller

qbnkiller

Conflaguration Specialist
Re: new front propsahft

Hey Mike...looking at the last picture you put up here, the prop shaft on the scale has only 1U-joint on either end. Looking at the third picture in you first post, it shows the TC end with 2 U-joints. I have the unit with 2 U-joints. I can have the propshaft made with 1 U-joint (stronger) but may have driveline vibrations if the joints aren't lined up within a couple degrees. This is why I went with the two-U-joints.

As for the GP...I have an agreement with the driveline shop now, and can get this price all day now. All I need to know is if you'd like it with 1 U-joint on either end, or two.

Alex
 
S

six_wheeler

New member
Re: new front propsahft

Well surprise surprise! The mechanic said that he scoured Jeddah yesterday and found a BRAND NEW propshaft for my truck, and the guy wanted Sr1,200 for it (that's about $320). We talked to some lathework technicians and they said they'd modify my original one for Sr650, but will not guarantee it will be vibe-free. I told him to get the new one, but I'll have to see it to believe it! (The other guy did say it was for a Typhoon, even though we didn't tell him we wanted it for a Ty. I'll let you all know what goes down.)

Shady
 
SY2932

SY2932

Administrator
Re: new front propsahft

qbnkiller said:
Hey Mike...looking at the last picture you put up here, the prop shaft on the scale has only 1U-joint on either end. Looking at the third picture in you first post, it shows the TC end with 2 U-joints
Alex
Click to expand...

The third pic showing the overall length is my old STOCK propshaft. Hence all the ferric oxide. My Gilbert still looks practically brand new but, my truck is garage kept and gets driven less than 3K a year.
 
qbnkiller

qbnkiller

Conflaguration Specialist
Re: new front propsahft

OK...will contact them about making an IDENTICAL unit to the one in the pic above (on the scale).

-Alex
 
Flyin Ryan

Flyin Ryan

hated cuz he drives fords
Re: new front propsahft

Maybe my pics can help determine how many u-joints the gilbert has for you?

DSC05662.sized.jpg



DSC05661.sized.jpg
 
qbnkiller

qbnkiller

Conflaguration Specialist
Re: new front propsahft

^^ there's a propshaft in that picture?

Looks like one joint on each end, and the overall length measurement is 26.25" end to end.

Again, in speaking with the driveline shop, we sat down and went over the dynamics of our drivelines. In their best estimation, the shaft like I have (with 2 joints on one end) will be MUCH smoother for our trucks, while being far more rigid than the stock unit. The concern, not to sound like a broken record, is the possibility of vibration from the shaft. These are all balanced before they leave there, it's just that even a slight misalignment will probably cause vibrations at certain speeds. Now, if we were to take the 1000HP SyTy as an example. Our trucks use a 65% rear /35% front power split. So you would have (theoretically) 350HP going to the front through this propshaft. I don't, and neither does the driveline shop, see a problem whatsoever with that. They use these same props on mud-runners and sand draggers (50%/50% split through their TC's) at over 1000HP. So if you had a 600HP or 700HP SyTy, that would be 245HP to the front. As I said, if you want me to get it with 1 joint, no problem. I just think that for those of us under 1000HP, this would be a Cadillac-smooth upgrade without the possibility of driveline vibrations. But I can get it either way....you tell me what you want and that is what you will get. And with mine, you will not have to replace the hub on your front diff..it will just bolt right up.

As for the driveshaft safety loop, I dont know. I haven't gotten to installing one in mine. Should be the same answer as someone using the Gilbert shaft.
 
qbnkiller

qbnkiller

Conflaguration Specialist
Re: new front propsahft

For those of you that would like a single-jointed propshaft, it will cost $250 plus shipping. A little cheaper, if that's what you want. Again, all I need to know is how you want it.

-Alex
 
qbnkiller

qbnkiller

Conflaguration Specialist
Re: new front propsahft

...your shaft is on order. should be sent out Monday. I will PM you the Tracking #.

Thanks!

Alex Esnaola
Typhoon #1600
 
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qbnkiller

qbnkiller

Conflaguration Specialist
Re: new front propsahft

WOW! I can't believe the traffic I've had through my emails/PM's on the prop shafts! Thanks to those of you who have purchased! For those of you with the custom-length aluminum units - enjoy! If you have requests, let me know. My builder can make anything we need. I am also working an angle on having CUSTOM 1350 flanges for our trucks so we can use the real beefy u-joints, for those 1K-HP+ trucks.

I know it's in my profile, but PM me, email (AEsnaola@chartermi.net) or AIM (Typhoon1600) for more info or if you have any Q's
 
juicehead9

juicehead9

93 Typhoon # 0973
Re: new front propsahft

How are the propshafts working out for you guys that ordered them from qbnkiller? Smooth, strong? Does anyone have any bad vibs from the Gilbert? I'II need one soon the TY is out of service right no do to propshaft bad. Sitting in the garage, kinda of good thought saving alot on gas driving the Honda!
 
QUICK STORM

QUICK STORM

B.A.M.F. BMW Tech
Re: new front propsahft

juicehead9 said:
How are the propshafts working out for you guys that ordered them from qbnkiller? Smooth, strong? Does anyone have any bad vibs from the Gilbert? I'II need one soon the TY is out of service right no do to propshaft bad. Sitting in the garage, kinda of good thought saving alot on gas driving the Honda!
Click to expand...

i have his shaft but its sitting in the box still, i will post when i install it
 
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