ShutterBug

He has a stock shaft, they are both CV joints. And most aftermarket will have a double-cardan style CV joint at the transfer case. With either of these arrangements, I think, you want the pinion angle to only be 1 degree lower than straight.

Like this:

14Sport

So that's for any constant velocity joint like the rzeppa too, not just double cardans?

I'll never get this driveshaft thing understood.

kjeeper10

The stock Rzeppa can run at almost any angle. The issue being the boot at the TC stresses and will eventually tear.

14Sport

But what is the proper pinion angle with a rzeppa?



The top one looks like you have a much more flexible joint at the trans so you angle the pinion to let that joint take the misalignment. The bottom one looks like both joints are the same so you split the angle between the two. With two rzeppas the bottom one makes sense to me. But if I understand correctly it's the top one?

ShutterBug

From what I understand (I am no expert), since the RZerppa is a CV joint, it can operate at any angle.

It's the same reason RCV axle shafts don't bind the same way that a standard U-Joint axle will.

Hoopskier

I would agree with Shutterbug. I did some reading about angles and some shop experience. The Rzeppa is a CV joint, just like those found on FWD cars. There are limits to the angle but much more than the standard u-joint. The Rzeppa is mainly limited by the boot shape. Ideally both joints should point directly toward each other.

Even if you get the pinion angle ideal with the driveshaft, the angle will be off at the transfer case; again limited by the boot shape of the Rzeppa joint. Then could go on to debate that the springs will bow due to the tilt of the spring perches.

I think in my case, it won't be an issue. I haven't had a chance to get it out much. Its not my DD and doing a few other things. With the length of the unlimited, and my minimal lift, it won't be a concern.

jeepfan30

I just ordered a set from Northridge. These will pair nicely with my 2"x.281" DOM front lower EVO arms!

14Sport

Thanks, guys. The science just doesn't make sense to me. The double cardan by its very nature splits the DS angle in half among its two joints. Problem solved. The rzeppa doesn't. So why force the entire angle on one joint? And if you do, why install a second rzeppa rather than a much cheaper, perfectly good, tried and true option of a single cardan? Why have two rzeppas. Double cardan drive shafts don't have 2 double cardans. And the factory is dealing with a smaller angle than a lifted Jeep.

The questions are rhetorical. Not looking for any answers. These are just the things that make me go hmmmm.

Appreciate the help but I'll stick with sparky stuff.

kjeeper10

AEV tried it, TF now has a dual Rzeppa driveshaft but if you look the housings are different to allow a steeper angle.
Actually here, this is a stock joint rebuilt with TF's kit

JayswranglerX

Not to mention with a double cardan if you're off an ass hair on your pinion angle they vibrate