Drive Shaft Adapter plate or Re-drilling output flange

[antoni]

Just a couple questions regarding drive shafts and their attachment, firstly can I use a front double cardan or CV style hilux driveshaft as my rear driveshaft on my suzuki 4wd? The reason i would like to do this is that a double cardan joint operates more effectively at higher angles due to being constant velocity, the front and rear shafts use the same slip joint and tube diameter so I would imagine are of a similar strength and I will tilt the pinion up at the diff end so the regular U joint is at near 0^o .

Secondly and I will admit I am just investigating options at this stage but can I manufacture an adapter plate to go between the driveshaft and transfercase output flange as the bolt patterns are different. The adapter would have a correctly machined center locating spigot and spigot hole on the other side to ensure correct alignment and be at least as thick as the original flange with the bolt holes offset 45^o and i will use appropriate grade fastners.

[Rob]

Hi

It would be possible to use either the Cardin or CV style drive shaft as the rear drive shaft on your 4x4 Suzuki, a drive shaft loop would need to be fitted. You could also manufacture a suitable adapter plate as you have suggested. Once you know which system you will use have a talk with your local LVV certifier.

Regards

Rob