front drive shaft angle

[Cold Chuck]

Esteemed folks,

 

I need to know what is the maximum operating angle of the front drive shaft before it falls out of the sockets on EA82 with MT 5 speed dual range. I am considering installing subaru eA82 drivetrain and engine into a small buggy for trail riding (no extreme rock climbing and speed limited to 30 mph). I have angle protractor tool.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks a bunch fo your assistance.

 

Stay warm.

[GeneralDisorder]

There is no max operating angle. That is to say that it's not a linear drop-off for the operating angle vs. speed graph. As the angle gets larger, the safe operating speed drops off. Also the forces at work trying to tear the axle apart increase as the angle increases - a failure ALWAYS occurs at a given angle AND speed - consider the boundery condition - 0 MPH and max angle allowed by the joint - it will never fail because it isn't turning. Similarly the opposite end of the spectrum - 0 degree's of angle: it will still fail if spun fast enough. Centrifugal forces will tear it apart. Not that either of these examples are real life by any stretch - but they serve to illustrate the point. Which is merely that the question asked is unvalid - it does not have an answer.

 

As to the aformentioned graph - one surely could be produced but perhaps no one ever has and likely no one ever will. Experience and rule's of thumb's must govern here in all likelyhood.

 

GD

[Cold Chuck]

GD,

 

I realize that scenario but perhaps I wasnt clear before, I am asking for general rule of thumb based on experience on what worked and what didn't

 

For instance, it was said before that you can lift a GL up to 2-3 inches before you have to lower the transmission down in order to preserve the lifespan of the CV joints during typical street/light trail driving.

 

Perhaps I should be asking for recommendation on what brand or make CV joints that I should consider in place of existing Subaru axle shafts. We could weld on parts together to make things work better or last longer at steeper angle.

 

I take any of you and other member's word at my own risk and make best decision.

[GeneralDisorder]

The longer you make the axles, the less angle they will run at for a given drop (obviously). Thus any length you can give to the axles and control arms, etc will be a good thing.

 

As for "more than stock"..... 2" would be the most I would add to the drop without changing the transmission location. The Outback's are getting close to that anyway and you can use their axles if you swap over to a 5 lug (in the front). Rear's aren't as big of a problem as they aren't under compound angles from the steering knuckles. Though they can be over-extended as well.

 

As for brands - if you are considering running 100% stock axles then you should get them from the dealer. They have an excelent quality reman axle program through SOA.

 

I run EMPI axles mostly and have had good luck with them although the boots do eventually need replacement - I'm going to look into silicone or urethane boots to replace the rubber next time I have to do some.

 

GD