1310 vs 1330 vs 1350 vs 1410 U-Joint: Size, Strength, and Interchangeability Compared
These four numbers are the standard SAE industry series codes for single cardan U joints and they only describe two physical measurements bearing cap diameter and overall cap to cap width Going up the series 1310 1330 1350 1410 means the joint gets physically bigger and stronger but the series alternate which…
How to Measure a Driveshaft (Including Length, Angle, and Slip Yoke Position)
Measuring a driveshaft for ordering a replacement or custom shaft means capturing two things length measured from the correct reference point for your shaft’s end type and installation angle If you’re ordering a fully custom shaft you’ll also need to record a short list of additional specs U joint series spline count…
What Is a Carrier Bearing? Function, Parts, and Failure Signs
This article is about the mechanical driveline part not bearing in the navigation sense a compass heading which is an unrelated use of the same word
How to Measure a U-Joint
Identifying a U joint’s size means measuring two numbers bearing cap diameter and overall width and knowing which of those two numbers to read depends on how the retaining clips are set up
1310 vs. 1350 U-Joint: What’s the Difference?
A 1310 and a 1350 U joint differ in two measurements the 1350 has a larger bearing cap 1 188 vs 1310’s 1 062 and a wider overall body 3 625 vs 3 219 That size difference translates into meaningfully more strength the 1350 is the de facto standard for 1 ton…
1-Piece vs. 2-Piece Driveshaft: What’s Actually Different, and Which Do You Need?
A 1 piece driveshaft is a single continuous tube running from the transmission or transfer case straight to the rear differential A 2 piece driveshaft splits that same run into two shorter tube sections joined in the middle by a center support carrier bearing bolted to the frame The split isn’t a…
Aluminum vs. Steel Driveshaft: Which Material Actually Fits Your Application?
The real trade off between an aluminum and a steel driveshaft is rotational mass versus structural strength not which one is better Aluminum shafts are lighter which lowers rotational mass and can improve throttle response and critical speed performance Steel shafts are heavier but tougher better at absorbing impact cheaper to buy…
What Is a Slip Yoke? Structure, Function, and Failure Signs
A slip yoke is the splined sliding connection between a driveshaft and the transmission or transfer case output shaft It does two jobs at once it transmits rotational torque from the transmission to the driveshaft and it slides in and out to absorb the length change that happens every time the suspension…
Can You Swap U-Joints for a Larger Size?
You can’t press a larger U joint into an existing yoke and bearing cap the cap diameters and widths won’t match But you can upgrade to a larger series as long as you change the matching yoke or the whole driveshaft along with it
How to Change a Carrier Bearing
Replacing a carrier bearing center support bearing means pulling the driveshaft separating its two sections at the bearing pressing the old bearing off and pressing the new one on in the correct orientation with the original alignment marks preserved
How Many U-Joints Does a Truck Have?
Somewhere between 2 and 7 or more depending on the truck’s drivetrain configuration mainly whether it’s 2WD or 4WD and how long the wheelbase is
Driveline vs. Driveshaft vs. Propeller Shaft: What’s the Difference?
A driveshaft is one specific part a driveline is the whole system that part belongs to The driveshaft is the rotating shaft that carries torque from the transmission or transfer case back to the differential The driveline is everything downstream of the transmission that gets power to the wheels the driveshaft its…