Front CV joint
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Junior User
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Front CV joint
I have a 1978 f150 with a 400, 4-speed, np205 transfer case, and a high pinion Dana 44. My front driveshaft doesn't have a CV joint on it and my transfer case front output doesn't have a CV joint style yoke on it. Is this common or is it something the previous owner did? I don't have any binding issues but I'm about to install a 4 inch suspension lift. Thanks for the help.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 656
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From: Salisbury, PA
It is called a Double Cardan joint. They work better than a single ujoint for constant rotational velocity. IT seems like some trucks have them and some don't but then again it is hard to say if things were aftermarket. When I got my 79 F250 with a C6 and 44 front it had a double Cardan joint on it. I picked up a parts truck that seemed bone stock with a T18 and D60 front and even though the driveshaft was quite a bit shorter it only had a single universal joint. If it doesnt have one I wouldnt sweat it. I wonder how much one would smooth the ride out in 4wd at speed?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
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I call the cardan unit a cv joint as well...even the dshaft shop I just brought a couple shafts to called them cv joints...so it's an interchangeable term IMO. Regardless, the CV joint makes for a waaaaay smoother rotation, and alot easier to just throw in and not have to worry about any vibrations. However, you're looking at about $110 per CV to be rebuilt, as opposed to a $10 U-Joint.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2010
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Its all about the angles, if there is a CV then the other joint needs 0% of pinion angle. If there is no CV then the pinion angles of each end need to match, thus canceling each other out ( the whole drive shaft works as a CV)
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Waterloo IL
My truck doesn't have the double carden/CV on the front shaft either. I never noticed any vibrations or anything like that. Never noticed anything when driving for 40 miles in the snow or when driving home in Fwd with the driveshaft thrown out. lol.
My dads 1979 F-250 full time DOES have the double carden/CV so maybe the full time has something to do with it. Does anyone know what criteria determine if the truck got one or not? My dad thought I was better off not having one because he said keeping the center greased was a pain. I haven't seen a reason for ME to have one so I'm happy with out it.
My dads 1979 F-250 full time DOES have the double carden/CV so maybe the full time has something to do with it. Does anyone know what criteria determine if the truck got one or not? My dad thought I was better off not having one because he said keeping the center greased was a pain. I haven't seen a reason for ME to have one so I'm happy with out it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
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I can't seem to find a rhyme or reason as to what got them and why. I've had trucks and Broncos with 205's that have the front CV joint and I've had them without...same with 203 equipped rigs. But who knows what coulda been done in the last 30 years. I really don't think greasing the center is that big of a deal at all...a ton easier than greasing wheel bearings. As for you being happy with the Ujoint style...I have been too, and I really don't see a point to swapping for one style or the other, even though I prefer the CV...they just seem to last longer to me and they also seem to 'enhance' smoothness, if that makes sense.
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