Driveline Option (cheap, sorta)

[Mechanicalbob]

Well I have been asked by a few people here about how to beef up u-joints and drivelines. After some time thinking and looking at options in my favorites folder I came up with a strong driveline option (I think:-P ). So I decided to share my idea with all. It may have been thought of before I am not sure anyway on to the driveline idea. It uses parts from the Clod, McMaster Carr/or Small Parts Inc., and you. On to the pictures and how to put it together


You will need 2-3 per drive line


You will need 2 of these per drive line


You will need 2 of these. There are a few options to be had with these, Stainless, plain steel, derlin, and aluminum. I am sure there a few other options out there too.






To put it all together:
One drive line


Step 1

Take the Clod axles and cut the pinned end off.

Step 2

Take one shaft and chuck it in a drill or a lathe if you are lucky to have one and turn down the shaft a little bit leaving the splines inplace. Turn them just enough for the bevel joint to slide smoothly over the shaft.

Step3

Cut/grind one end of the bevel joints so that they are flush with the internal splines.

Step 4

Slide two bevel joints on a Clod shaft so the splines are inline with each other. Braze them in a few spots to hold them together. Slide out the shaft and finnish brazing the two bevel joints together. If you want at this point you could add a third bevel joint, just do the same as above. After the brazing is done chuck the joints up in your choice if power tool. smooth the outside of the joint and take off the hex if you would like.

Step 5

Take the other Clod axle shaft the has just the pinned end cut off and slide it into one end of the bevel joint. Braze the shaft to the Bevel's. This is your fixed end of your drive line.

Step 6

Put a little greese on the turned shaft and slide it in to the other end of the bevel joint. Make sure that it can slide smoothly. Now take the driveline and measure what distance you need from your tanny and pinion. Cut the shafts to size and remember to take into acoount the space of the U-Joints. You can either use the set screw with the u-joints or braze them in place.

I dont have the parts here to put one together so if someone wants to put one together please post up pictures of your results. I think that this would make a great driveline.

Links to the parts.

Clod parts:

http://rc4wdstore.com/index.php?cPath=38

U-joints:

http://www.smallparts.com/products/descriptions/ujx.cfm

http://www.curtisuniversal.com/index.htm

http://www.mcmaster.com/ page 1121

Enjoy
Steve