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Originally Posted by mpward
What is the difference between inside and outside snap rings. can either style be used? which is better and why
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The Universal joint design is determined by the manufacturer and the particular application.
The Spicer U-Joint ( the best IMO) has both styles. The snap ring location is determined by the application. The outside snap ring fits into a groove in the yoke. The inside snap ring fits in a groove on the bearing cap. The latter design is cheaper to make and less heavy duty than the outside snap ring design. There are exceptions to this.
The outside design U-Joint allows for a larger bearing cap and bearings resulting in a heavier duty joint.
The Key to U-Joint design is the application such as speed of rotation, angular offset and other factors from the transmission to the differential.
The inside location is more compact and lighter and the drive shaft is less prone to driveline "sling" at high rpms.
The angular offset is very important and should be kept at under six and one half degrees maximum with only one and one half degrees at either end on a two joint application to prevent drive line whip and premature wear and vibration.
bob
11-26-2004, 02:55 PM
