Drive shafts

[Fahad Muhammad]

hey everyone....i am confused why majority of the teams prefer universal joint for coupling half shafts though it can introduce severe vibrations in the shaft after 15deg..i am looking for a Thompson coupling what are your inputs on it?...though it a bit expensive..:P

[Francis Gagné]

Usually, with a well designed suspension and powertrain package, the shaft angles in operation should be way less than the maximum operating range of a CV Joint. (CV joints are more popular than universal joint).

[dazz]

I don't recall ever seeing a team use universal joints on their half shafts, no doubt it's been done in FSAE at some stage though. Most teams I know of use TRIPOD joints. Forget that though. Definately go for four Thompson couplings, I'm pretty sure you'll have to design and build them yourself and you HAVE to post up pictures of them installed on the car! I can't wait to see it. http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif