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Never Break A CV Joint Again
MICHAEL HAYES EXPLAINS WHAT YOU CAN DO TO ENSURE YOUR CVS ARE STRONGER THAN EVER AND UP TO THE TASK.
With the introduction of the Rzeppa-type CV joint to common 4WD vehicles a new era in off-road traction began.
The CV joint allows smooth application of power while the steering wheel is turned, which maximises traction between the tyre and the ground. There is no oscillation felt through the steering wheel, and the resulting smoothness is easy on driveline components. Engine torque is spread over six bearings, rather than the two bearing cups of a U-joint, thereby distributing force over a larger surface area and making the CV joint intrinsically stronger. The design of the CV joint allows it to always assume a position that makes equal angles with the input and output shafts. So, when the joint is operating at an angle, the shaft speeds remain constant; hence the term constant-velocity joint.
Figure 1 : Michael Hayes holding a couple of 4x4 CV joints
With the growing trend of running larger tyres and more horsepower straight from factory, upgrades to your axle's CVs and driveline are more critical than ever. Thanks to pioneers in the development of stronger CVs such as Longfield, we can all enjoy competition-grade CVs in both our touring and play vehicles. The advancements in CNC machining and the implementation of specialised hardening processes combined with the more widespread use of high-end chromoly steels now allow a much more economical option to those cheap Chinese replacements.
The Longfield CVs that are now manufactured by TrailGear are 100% chromoly, CNC machined and precision polished, and the CV housing is made out of forged 4340 chromoly steel. The axle shafts and internals are also made out of 4340 chromoly steel, and the internal components are then dual heat-treated for increased strength.
The Longfield 30-spline CV
can allow up to 40 degrees of turning radius and have a consistent breaking point of more than 12,000Nm of torque, which is approximately twice the strength of a Nissan GU Patrol's CV.
RCV Performance is the original manufacturer of Longfield Brand CV joints and axles that the off-road community has come to rely on for strength, reliability. RCV's use of 300M internal components separates them from the competition, a feature that results in some of the strongest axles on the planet. RCV also manufactures IFS CV axles designed to overcome the limitations of stock IFS axle shafts. Ultimate IFS CV axles provide increased range of articulation for vehicles modified with a lift kit or long-travel suspension, and provide strength that original equipment axle shafts just can't match, and in some applications can actually exceed the strength of the solid-axle equivalent!
Of course
with any CV or axle combination, wear in the joint will decrease strength, so any steps to limit this will help preserve the strength of your axles. In solid-axle vehicles sometimes the use of a part-time 4WD kit can help, while in IFS vehicles diff drop kits or spacer kits such as those from Superior Engineering help to reduce the running angles of your CVs - less angle equals less wear in the CVs.
It's also the case that once you upgrade your axles, the next weak link is your locking hubs or the hub gears inside. Toyotas will benefit from chromoly inner and outer hub gears or drive flanges such as those from TrailGear. Nissan Patrol locking hubs have strong internals, but the outer casings are incredibly fragile even with modest power. Superior Engineering has developed billet 4140 free-wheeling hub casings for the ultimate in strength and reliability, which come with a lifetime warranty. A simple 10-minute job on each to swap your internals to the new billet housings and fit them back onto your vehicle.
The use of chromoly CVs and axles
will give you the confidence and peace of mind to explore any track or getaway destination you may find yourself dreaming of.