I am confused again..... Take a look

[junior3382]

Not that is it at all hard for that to happen...LOL....

Here is the issue.

From what I understand, the biggest advantage to swaping out an IFS system for a straight axle is to remove the vonurability of the constant velocity (CV) joints right?

In my research, I have noticed something. I was under the understanding in the inner hubs of the front axle was a common universal joint, seemingly stronger then the CV's.

Below is a picture of a 1 ton axle from an old Dodge rebuild I found on the net a few days ago. The circled areas are how I thought they always are....






Now I have been doing some intense searching for the smaller straight axles to do a swap in my mid size. Either using a Dana from a Jeep Cherokee or such....



Below is one I found from an S10 rebuild, and where the confusion lies...






Circled is the point in question. When wheelin' hard, I have found that U-joints are simple and fast to replace in the woods, and yes I have had to do it....LOL...., however, if the live axle still utilizes the constant velocity style drive line, then other then the articulation benifits, and the removal of the lower control arms that always get in the way, what is the benifit of running this setup? Wouldn't it still be just as unable to spin 35's as my current IFS lifted? Just as breakable? And of course... more expensive then U-joints to replace.

Granted this is probably not worded the way I intend, or how I am trying to figure out in my head, so I figure I will hear from 75K30 about everything that is wrong with my perceptions....LOL... and that is fine, (just kidding 75, you know I appreciate all you offer), I just thought they were all setup with u-joints, not CV's....

Any opinions or insight on this?

[mudseeker]

from what i have found, it seems jeeps used the cv shafts in their solid axles. the good news you can convert them.

[87c10slammer]

does that s10 have 4 wheel steer or am i just smokin crack

[junior3382]

That is great news mud, actually makes me feel better.... but the question still exists.. would those CV axles be able to spin 35's with more ease then the ones I have equipped already? If not, why would they use them?

As you can tell, I am much more familiar with IFS systems then solid axle systems, and this was just a kink in my small level of intelligence tonight..... LOL....

[junior3382]

Originally Posted by 87c10slammer

does that s10 have 4 wheel steer or am i just smokin crack

That is the front end..... swapped out of a jeep. Not the rear. Look closer, you can see the oil pan in the picture.

[87c10slammer]

yyeah but all 4 tires are turned. right

[junior3382]

OMG, I see what you mean. Here is another pic of the same truck, perhaps it is a perception, or point of view thing... or you may be right.... But if you look staigh back, I do not see steering knuckles on the axle in the rear

[junior3382]

And if you picture moving the picture the point of view of the one I originally posted, would put those wheels at that angle right? Or am I not seeing it?

[75K30]

The soild axle offers a bit more of an advantage than just eliminating the multiple CV's.
Forced articulation, and greater travel, less complexity, stronger steering, toe control during recovery, are all adiitional benifits of a straigh axle over IFS.

The CV joint is not necessarily the weak link when they are straight, just like the ones pictured above. They become vulnerable when they are forced to work at compound angles like in an IFS system.
A solid axle will only work the joint at a single angle, and the joint is not affected by the suspension travel as it moves up and down, like an IFS system would offer.
CV's are actually pretty strong for thier size.
A few aftermarket companies make these CV style joints for larger Dana 60 axles and some smaller Toyota stuff.


These bad boys are darn strong.
I just ordered a set. At $2000.00 per pair, they better last a while, lol.

[87c10slammer]

nah i think it has 4 wheel steer. that back tire is turned way to much to be just a point of veiw.. if the front tire was turned and they took the picture in a straight line with thte tire then you shouldnt see the back tire at all so i think it may have 4 wheel steer. i know they do it on custom porpose built rigs but i havent seen it on a pickup before