Thomas writes:
> I think that the two ends should be alligned the same on
> the shaft so that a lines drawn though the center of the yokes would be
> paralell. Correct?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yes, although you may be 180 degrees out for balance, the correct alignment
for any single piece driveshaft with non constant-velocity type joints is
with the yokes in-line, not ANY other way. There is a definite reason for
this and its not because of balance. It has to do with the relative speed
difference between the input and output of the angled shaft (not the output
shaft). When two u-joints are used together, they cancel this speed
difference out. When correctly set up your input yolk will have the same
angle as your output yolk, i.e. if the input shaft centerline is at ten deg
up than the centerline of the output shaft will be ten deg down (parallel
with each other). The angle of the drive shaft itself ( although there is a
limit as to how much of an angle is acceptable ) is not a factor. As the
rotational speed and load of this shaft is increased input/output alignment
becomes more critical -
Hope that helps - and wasnt too winded.
Barry Schwartz
Bschwartz@encad.com (work)
Bschwart@pacbell.net (home)
(San Diego)
70' Spitfire (under-going major surgery) , 72'-V6 Spitfire (daily driver)
70'GT6+
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