Who has the driveline know how? Please!

[Deleted User]

Ok here we go seen this discussed in many forums all over the place no definite direction is given for a two piece driveshaft. Regarding angularity and pinion angle.

I have heard many want to treat a Hudson 2 piece as 2 separate shafts basically ignore the front shaft as in put it in straight with no up or down angle then treat second half separately. Somehow in my thick skull this idea gets stuck.

It is my understanding that no U joint should be ran straight as in no angle so not having any angle on front joint just does not add up to me.

So far I understand that the transmission yoke has its own angle. That the front driveshaft has its own angle and the relationship between the 2 is known as the working angle of the joint. This working angle should be minimal to avoid vibration So lets say 1-2 degrees. Following this through to the pinion and second shaft should the working angle at all U joints and at the pinion be identical to the front joint? That would be the real question I see discussion on setting pinion a little lower which does create a different working angle. This is normally done to handle the leaf spring compression under instant load but equalizes at cruising speed. So any definitive explanation of a 2 piece driveline would be helpful.

[Deleted User]

I have had a lot of time to search today as I am ill otherwise I would be in the shop where life is all fun so not to be a PIA but I think this link could help anyone looking at this topic.

http://www.vibratesoftware.com/html_help/html/Diagnosis/Propshaft/Propshaft_Angles.htm

Ol racer

Excellent Link on Driveline Angle and more... Nothing I can add except I try to utilize a 1 piece driveshaft where ever possible...

rambos_ride

thats a great link to save for sure!

here's another forum thread on 2pc driveshafts.

http://www.classiccar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4089&highlight=driveshaft

SuperDave

Add to the equasion that the Step down engine is off center in the car(to the right). Gets even more complex..

[Deleted User]

Excellent link on driveline geometry. Many tidbits I did not know, and could be the answer to some strange noises/vibrations I've been having in the '49.



The lateral alignment of the 2-piece Hudson prop shafts - not up to par according to the information given. Both types of Hudson stepdown rearends offset the rear driveshaft and use equal length axles (the pinion is not in the center of the rearend, the ring gear is). The Dana seems more offset than the older Spicer unit - I haven't confirmed that but just notice my rear shaft is at more of a lateral angle than before.



I have much learning to do on this matter.



Mark

[Deleted User]

Vibration solved! dropped center hanger .25" brought everything back into good running angles. Still enough room for rear axle to drop to bottom of spring sag did that to see if rear shaft would hit bottom of crossmember, still clear .125"