Drive line angle questions

[Richard]

Originally Posted by samert111

I always understood that the trans output shaft centerline and pinion centerlines should be parallel to one another but not necessarily inline with one another to improve ujoint wear. The centerline to centerline difference to create a max 3° driveshaft angle.

3 degrees references the operating angle of the ujoint, not a component. The components create the operating angle. Operating angle is what is important. Understand, it is not like the ujoint explodes if that number is exceeded. It is said the life of joint is decreased if above 3 degrees. I have had two previous 4x4's and my current one. Past two and current had and will exceed that 3 degree theshold. Never had a problem with ujoint life or excessive vibrations. My current build will have about a 15 degree driveshaft angle at ride height and 25+ degrees at full droop. It will give me about 5 degrees operating angle on the joints in the double cardan cv at ride height. Will live a long service life. The operating angles constantly change while driving with any suspension. Need to get them close at ride height. IMO many people over think this.