universal joint

DRIVELINE INSTALLATION
J3311-1-DSSP
AUGUST 2008
Supersedes
J3311-1-HVTSS, Dated
February 2005

Safety Precautions
General Safety Information
To prevent injury to yourself and /or damage to the equipment:
• Read carefully all owners manuals, service manuals,
and/or other instructions.
• Always follow proper procedures and use proper
tools and safety equipment.
• Be sure to receive proper training.
• Never work alone while under a vehicle or while re-pairing
or maintaining equipment.
• Always use proper components in applications for
which they are approved.
• Be sure to assemble components properly.
• Never use worn-out or damaged components.
• Always block any raised or moving device that may
injure a person working on or under a vehicle.
• Never operate the controls of the power take-off or
other driven equipment from any position that could
result in getting caught in the moving machinery.
WARNING: ROTATING DRIVESHAFTS
• Rotating auxiliary driveshafts are dangerous. You can
snag clothes, skin, hair, hands, etc. This can cause
serious injury or death.
• Do not go under the vehicle when the engine is run-ning.
• Do not work on or near an exposed shaft when engine
is running.
• Shut off engine before working on power take-off or
driven equipment.
• Exposed rotating driveshafts must be guarded.
WARNING: GUARDING AUXILIARY DRIVESHAFTS
We strongly recommend that a power take-off and a directly
mounted pump be used to eliminate the auxiliary driveshaft
whenever possible. If an auxiliary driveshaft is used and re-mains
exposed after installation, it is the responsibility of the
vehicle designer and PTO installer to install a guard.
WARNING: USING SET SCREWS
Auxiliary driveshafts may be installed with either recessed or
protruding set screws. If you choose a square head set screw,
you should be aware that it will protrude above the hub of the
yoke and may be a point where clothes, skin, hair, hands, etc.
could be snagged. A socket head set screw, which may not
protrude above the hub of the yoke, does not permit the same
amount of torquing as does a square head set screw. Also a
square head set screw, if used with a lock wire, will prevent
loosening of the screw caused by vibration. Regardless of the
choice made with respect to a set screw, an exposed rotating
auxiliary driveshaft must be guarded.
WARNING: THIS SYMBOL WARNS OF POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................. 1
Driveshaft Torque ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
Common Causes of Vibrations .................................................................................................................................. 3
Universal Joint Operating Angles .............................................................................................................................. 5
Eliminating Compound Angle Induced Vibrations ..................................................................................................... 11
Multiple Shaft Installations ........................................................................................................................................ 13
Mounting a Midship-Mounted PTO, Pump, or Auxiliary Transmission ...................................................................... 16
Maximum Safe Operating Speed ............................................................................................................................... 18

1
General Information
Introduction
This brochure is intended for:
• Installers who install Spicer driveshafts into an application where the transmission and axle are not in direct line with
each other, causing the driveshaft universal joints to operate at an angle.
• Anyone experiencing vibration problems with their application or their vehicle that driveshaft assembly balancing will not
correct.
• Truck Equipment Distributors who:
• Re-work a chassis to change the wheel base.
• Install a midship mounted power take-off or fire pump.
• Mount any other PTO-driven device such as a blower, hydraulic pump, or hydraulic motor.
Universal joint failures, as a rule, are of a progressive nature, which, when they occur, generally accelerate rapidly resulting in a
mass of melted trunnions and bearings.
Some recognizable signs of universal joint deterioration are:
1. Vibrations - Driver should report to maintenance.
2. Universal joint looseness - End play across bearings.
3. Universal joint discoloration due to excessive heat build-up.
4. Inability to purge all four trunnion seals when re-lubing universal joint.
Items 2) thru 4) should be checked at re-lube cycle and, if detected, reported to the maintenance supervisor for investigation.
Experience with universal joint failures has shown that a significant majority are related to lubricating film breakdown. This may
be caused by a lack of lubricant, inadequate lube quality for the application, inadequate initial lubrication, or failure to lubricate
properly and often enough.
Failures which are not the result of lubrication film breakdown are associated with the installation, angles and speeds, and manu-facturing
discrepancies.
Driveshaft failures through torque, fatigue, and bending are associated with overload, excessively high universal joint angles, and
drive shaft lengths excessive for operating speeds.

2
Installation Techniques
Driveshaft Torque
Driveshaft Torque
The following problems are usually a result of torque overloads:
Twisted driveshaft tube
Broken yoke shaft, slip yoke, tube yoke, flange yoke, end yoke
Broken journal cross
How much torque can be generated in your application?
Engine
Trans.
How to Calculate Torque:
LGT = T x TLGR x TE x SR x TCR x C
Axle
LGT = Maximum Driveshaft Low Gear Torque SR = Torque Converter Stall Ratio (if applicable)
T = Net Engine Torque or 95% of the Gross Engine Torque TCR = Transfer Case Ratio (if applicable)
TLGR = Transmission Low Gear Ratio (forward)* C = Transfer Case Efficiency (if applicable, 0.95)
TE = Transmission Efficiency (automatic = 0.8; manual = 0.85)
How to Calculate Wheel Slip:
WST = (.71 x W x RR) / (11.4 x AR)
WST = Wheel Slip Torque Applied to the Driveshaft RR = Tire Rolling Radius (in)
W = Axle Capacity (lbs) AR = Axle Ratio
For On Road Applications
Relate the lesser of above to Spicer universal joint ratings. If your torque exceeds the Spicer rating for the universal joint used in
your application, switch to a size with a rating compatible to your calculation. However, the series selected cannot be more than
one series below the series called for by the LGT calculation.
For Off Road or On-Off Road Applications
Use Low Gear Torque value only to verify or switch to a size with a rating compatible to your calculation.

Series Specification
1310, 1330 .375 oz-in total at each end of shaft *
1350, 1410 .500 oz-in total at each end of shaft *
1480 - 1880 1.00 oz-in for each ten pounds of driveshaft weight divided proportionally at each end of shaft
* Passenger Car, Light Truck, Van, and SUV only. Industrial, Mobile Off-Highway, PTO, etc. same as 1480 - 1880.
3
Common Causes of Vibrations
The three most common causes of driveshaft vibration are: Driveshaft Imbalance, Critical Speed, and Universal Joint Operating
Angles.
Driveshaft Imbalance
Eliminate the potential for balance problems before you undertake any other measures.
A driveshaft on a vehicle usually rotates at a higher rate of speed than the tire. For that reason, like tires, driveshafts should be
balanced.
Any time you build or rework a driveshaft, make sure it is dynamically balanced at, 3000 RPM for Light Duty or 2500 RPM for
Heavy Duty, to the following specifications:
Critical Speed
Every driveshaft has a critical speed. Critical speed is the point at which a rotating driveshaft begins to bow off its normal rotating
centerline.
Driveshafts begin to vibrate as they approach critical speed. If they are operated at near critical speed for an extended period, they
often fail. This can damage the vehicle and possibly injure persons nearby.
As a driveshaft fabricator or installer, you are responsible for checking the safe operating speed of any driveshaft you fabricate or
specify into an application. Make sure it will not operate at a speed higher than Spicer’s recommended safe operating speed. Use
Spicer Calculator (P/N J 3253) to determine safe operating speed.
Checking for a Possible Critical Speed Problem
Here is what you must do to make sure you won’t have a critical speed problem:
• Determine the safe operating speed of the driveshaft you want to use in your application. Insert the tube diameter and
center-to-center installed length of the shaft you want to use into a Spicer Safe Operating Speed Calculator (P/N. J3253).
The calculator will tell you the safe operating speed of the shaft you have chosen.
• Determine the NORMAL and MAXIMUM POSSIBLE operating speed of the driveshaft.
REMEMBER:
• On vehicles with a standard transmission that have a 1:1 direct drive high gear and no overdrive, MAXIMUM POS-SIBLE
driveshaft RPM is the same as the maximum possible ENGINE RPM.
• On vehicles that have an overdrive transmission, MAXIMUM POSSIBLE driveshaft RPM is higher than maximum
possible ENGINE RPM.

4
Common Causes of
Vibration
Maximum Possible Driveshaft RPM
To calculate the maximum possible driveshaft RPM in vehicles having an overdrive transmission, divide the maximum possible
engine RPM by the overdrive ratio. (See examples below.)
Example 1:
Max. engine RPM: 2100
Overdrive ratio: .79
2100/.79 = 2658 maximum possible driveshaft RPM
Example 2:
Max. engine RPM 6000
Overdrive ratio: .66
6000/.66 - 9091 maximum possible driveshaft RPM
Compare the maximum possible driveshaft RPM with the safe operating speed determined from the Safe Operating Speed Calcu-lator.
If the maximum possible driveshaft RPM meets or exceeds the safe operating speed determined from the calculator, you
must do whatever is required to raise the critical speed of the driveshaft you have chosen for the application.
Sample Specification:
To specify a driveshaft for the application described in Example 1 above, compare the safe operating speed for the driveshaft se-lected
with the maximum possible driveshaft RPM calculated (2658 RPM). Make sure the safe operating speed of the driveshaft
is greater than 2658 RPM.
Changing the Safe Operating Speed of a Driveshaft
A driveshaft’s safe operating speed can be raised by increasing its tube diameter or by shortening the installed center-to-center
length of the driveshaft. Changing the installed length of a driveshaft will require the use of multiple driveshafts with center bear-ings.
Important: The critical speed of an assembly can be affected by driveshaft imbalance, improper universal joint operating angles,
or improperly phased driveshafts. (A properly phased driveshaft has the in-board yokes of the shaft in line with each other.) Each
of the above items will tend to lower the true critical speed from the values shown on the calculator.
Since critical speed can ultimately cause driveshaft failure, it is extremely important to be very precise in all applications.

5
Universal Joint Operating Angles
Every Universal Joint that Operates at an Angle Creates a Vibration
Universal joint operating angles are probably the most common causes of driveline vibration in vehicles that have been reworked,
or in vehicles that have had auxiliary equipment installed.
Universal joint operating angles are a primary source of problems contributing to:
• Vibrations
• Reduced universal joint life
• Problems with other drivetrain components that may include:
- Transmission gear failures
- Synchronizer failures
- Differential problems
- Premature seal failures in axles, transmissions, pumps, or blowers
- Premature failure of gears, seals, and shafts in Power Take-Offs
When you rework a chassis or install a new driveshaft in a vehicle, make sure that you follow the basic rules that apply to universal
joint operating angles:
RULE 1: UNIVERSAL JOINT OPERATING ANGLES AT EACH END OF A DRIVESHAFT SHOULD ALWAYS BE AT LEAST 1 DEGREE.
RULE 2: UNIVERSAL JOINT OPERATING ANGLES ON EACH END OF A DRIVESHAFT SHOULD ALWAYS BE EQUAL WITHIN 1 DE-GREE
OF EACH OTHER (ONE HALF DEGREE FOR MOTOR HOMES AND SHAFTS IN FRONT OF TRANSFER CASE OR AUXILIARY
DEVICE).
RULE 3: FOR VIRTUAL VIBRATION FREE PERFORMANCE, UNIVERSAL JOINT OPERATING ANGLES SHOULD NOT BE LARGER
THAN 3 DEGREES. IF THEY ARE, MAKE SURE THEY DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED ANGLES.
A universal joint operating angle is the angle that occurs at each end of a driveshaft when the output shaft of the transmission and
driveshaft and the input shaft of the axle and driveshaft are not in line. (See Fig 1)
The connecting driveshaft operates with an angle at each universal joint. It is that angle that creates a vibration.
Engine
Figure 1
Trans.
Axle
Driveshaft
Operating Angles

6
U-Joint Operating Angles
Reducing and Canceling Vibration
A key point to remember about universal joint operating angles: To reduce the amount of vibration, the angles on each end of a
driveshaft should always be SMALL.
To cancel an angle vibration, the universal joint operating angles need to be EQUAL within 1 degree at each end of a driveshaft.
On motor home applications and auxiliary transmission installations, the tolerance is 1/2 degree. (See Fig 2)
Figure 2
Trans.
Axle
Make angles small
Make angles equal

Figure 3
7
Single Plane and Compound Universal Joint Operating Angles
There are two types of universal joint operating angles: Single Plane and Compound.
Single Plane
Single Plane angles occur when the transmission and axle components are in line when viewed from either the top or side, but
not both.
Determining the universal joint operating angle in an application where the components are in line when viewed from the top, but
not in line when viewed from the side, is as simple as measuring the slope of the components in the side view, and adding or
subtracting those slopes to determine the angle. (See Fig. 3)
These angles should be small and equal within 1 degree.
DanaDana Spicer Anglemaster
a
Trans.
1 2
Spicer
Anglemaster
Bubbletype
protractor
Spicer Anglemaster
Dana
3 4
5
6
b c
d
Engine
Axle
Spicer Anglemaster
DanaDana
Axle
Legend
Anglemaster Spicer
Dana
Spicer Anglemaster
DanaDana
Spicer Anglemaster
Dana
The most convenient way to determine universal joint angles in the side view is through the use of a Spicer Anglemaster™ or a
bubble type protractor.
Using an Anglemaster or a bubble protractor, record inclination angles of drivetrain components. Set Anglemaster or protractor
on machined surfaces of engine, transmission, axle, or on machined lugs of transmission and axle yoke(s).
Note: Universal joint angles can change significantly in a loaded situation. Therefore, check vehicle loaded and unloaded to achieve
the accepted angle cancellation.
Example:
Engine-Transmission Output 4°30’ Down (1)
Main Driveshaft 7°00’ Down (2)
Input 1st Rear Axle 4°00’ Up (Input Shaft Nose Up) (3)
Output 1st Rear Axle 4°00’ Down (4)
Inter-axle Shaft 7°00’ Down (5)
Input 2nd Rear Axle 4°15’ Up (Pinion Shaft Nose Up) (6)
Note: If inclination of driveshaft is opposite connecting component, add angles to obtain the universal joint operating angle.
Angle a = (2) - (1) = 7°00’ - 4°30’ = 2°30’ (2.50°)
Angle b = (2) - (3) = 7°00’ - 4°00’ = 3°00’ (3.00°)
Angle c = (5) - (4) = 7°00’ - 4°00’ = 3°00’ (3.00°)
Angle d = (5) - (6) = 7°00’ - 4°15’ = 2°45’ (2.75°)

8
Determining the universal joint operating angles on a driveshaft that is straight when viewed from the side and offset when viewed
from the top requires the use of a special chart (See Angle Chart). In this type of application, the centerlines of the connected
components must be parallel when viewed from the top as shown. These angles also should be small and equal within 1 degree.
(See Fig. 4)
Figure 4
Axle
x
B
Angles in Top View
Engine
Trans.
x
A
Measure dimensions "A" and "B" shown in figure 4. Use the instructions in the angle chart below to determine the size of the angle.
Look at the Angle Chart and note that the smaller the offset, the smaller the resultant angle.
To reduce the possibility of vibration, keep any offset between connected points to a minimum.
There are two things you can do to always make sure Single Plane angles are SMALL and EQUAL: Make sure the transmission
and axle are mounted so their centerlines are parallel when viewed from both the side and the top. Make sure the offset between
them is small in both views.
ANGLE CHART
6.0o
5.0o
4.0o
2.0o
1.0o
9.0o
8.0o
11.0 o
14.0 o
10 20 30 40 50 60 70
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
3.0o
7.0o
10.0 o
12.0 o
13.0 o
15.0 o
Dimension A (inches)
Dimension B (inches)
Operating Angle x
For Driveshafts Having An Angle in the Top View
Example: (See Fig. 4)
1. Measure Dimension "A"
2. Determine Dimension "B"
Using chart, determine angle "x" by
finding the intersection point of a
dimension "A" vertical line and a
dimension "B" horixontal line.

Engine
Figure 5
9
Compound Angles
Compound universal joint operating angles occur when the transmission and axle are not in line when viewed from BOTH the top
and side. Their centerlines, however, are parallel in both views. (See Fig. 5)
Axle
Trans.
Engine
Trans.
Axle
Top View
Parallel Centerlines
Driveshaft
Side View
Parallel Centerlines
When you have a compound angle, you have to calculate the "True Universal Joint Operating Angle" of each universal joint. It is
the True Universal Joint Operating Angle that must meet the three rules shown on page 5.

10
True Universal Joint Operating Angle
The True Universal Joint Operating Angle, which must be calculated for each end of the shaft with compound angles, is a combi-nation
of the universal joint operating angle in the top view, as determined from the chart, and the measured universal joint oper-ating
angle in the side view.
To determine the true universal joint operating angle for one end of a shaft, (compound angle C° in the formula shown in Fig. 6)
insert the universal joint operating angle measurement obtained in the side view and the universal joint operating angle obtained
from the chart into the formula.
Figure 6
T
o
(2.15 )
o
(2.50 )
Angle in Top View (from Chart) SideView
S
o
Compound Angle (C ) =
o
T + S 2 2
T = 2.15 (A calculated angle)
S = 2.5 o
(The measured angle)
C = 2.152 + 2.5 2
C = 10.873
C = 3.3 o
(True operating angle)
Do the same for the other end of the shaft. Compare the resultant calculated universal joint operating angle for each end. They
should be EQUAL within 1 degree. If they’re not, the driveshaft will vibrate.

Figure 7
11
Eliminating Compound Angle Induced Vibrations
Compound universal joint operating angles are one of the most common causes of driveline vibration. To avoid theses problems,
remember these important points:
• When setting up an application that requires compound universal joint operating angles, always keep the centerlines of
the transmission and axle parallel in both views.
• Always keep the offset between their horizontal and vertical centerlines small.
Note: Centerlines of transmission and axle must be parallel in both top and side views to use this method of determining true
universal joint operating angle. Please contact Spicer Driveshaft Engineering if you have an application where the compo-nents
cannot be installed with their centerlines parallel.
If adjustments must be made to the system:
• Install shims between the axle housing and springs to rotate the axle input yoke to change operating angles.
• Change operating angle on torque arm type suspensions by lengthening or shortening torque arms.
• Raise, lower, or shift side-to-side a pump, blower, or other piece of auxiliary equipment to change operating angles.
Note: It is important to remember to keep the centerlines of two components that are connected by a driveshaft parallel in both
the top and side views, so the operating angles will ALWAYS be equal.
Axle
Engine
Trans.
Engine
Trans.
Axle
Keep Angles Equal
and Offset Small
Top View
Side View
Less Than 3
Small Offset
o

12
Compound Angle
Vibrations
Angle Size
The magnitude of a vibration created by a universal joint operating angle is proportional to the size of the universal joint operating
angle. Spicer Engineers recommend true universal joint operating angles of 3 degrees or less.
Obtain the true universal joint operating angle, as explained above, and if it is greater than 3 degrees, compare it to this chart.
Driveshaft Maximum Interaxle
RPM Operating Angle Parallel Intersecting
5000 3.2° - -
4500 3.7° - -
4000 4.2° 3.8° 3.8°
3500 5.0° 4.4° 4.4°
3000 5.8° 5.1° 4.8°
2500 7.0° 6.0° 4.8°
2000 8.7° 6.0° 4.8°
1500 11.5° 6.0° 4.8°
The angles shown on this chart are the maximum universal joint operating angles recommended by Spicer Engineers and are di-rectly
related to the speed of the driveshaft. Any universal joint operating angle greater than 3 degrees will lower universal joint
life and may cause a vibration. Remember to check maximum safe driveshaft RPM by using the Spicer Safe Operating Speed Cal-culator.

Figure 8
13
Multiple Shaft Installations
Multiple Shaft Set Up Recommendations
In general, multiple shaft installations follow the same guidelines, except there are different recommendations for setting up the
driveline:
• For a 2-shaft application, set up the first coupling shaft (sometimes called a jackshaft) so that the universal joint operating
angle that occurs at the transmission end is 1 to 1-1/2 degrees. (See Fig. 8)
• Try to avoid building a compound universal joint operating angle into the first coupling shaft by installing it in line with
the transmission.
• If it ends up being compound, make sure the true universal joint operating angle, determined by using the information
mentioned earlier, is 1 to 1-1/2 degrees.
Install or tilt the axle so it is mounted on the same angle as the first coupling shaft (the centerlines of the axle and the first coupling
shaft will be parallel).
Note: BY FOLLOWING THIS PROCEDURE, THE UNIVERSAL JOINT OPERATING ANGLE AT EACH END OF THE LAST SHAFT WILL
AUTOMATICALLY BE EQUAL. (See Fig. 9)
1 to 1-1/2
True Angle Center
Bearing
o o

14
Multiple Shaft
Installations
Figure 9
Adjust the axle to be
on the same angle
as the first shaft
If there is an offset in the installation of the axle, make sure it does not create too large of a compound universal joint operating
angle. Whenever possible, mount the axle directly in line with the first coupling shaft (when viewed from the top).
Check the actual universal joint operating angle at the rear of the first coupling shaft. If it is less than 1º and the transmission
universal joint operating angle is greater than 1.5º, rotate the end yoke at the center bearing position so that the ears of the yoke
are 90º to the ears of the tube yoke on the transmission end of the coupling shaft. (See Fig. 10) As an alternative, rotate the slip
yoke on the driveshaft 90º if the slip spline has 16 teeth.
Figure 10
True angle
1 to 1-1/2
Center
Bearing
These angles will
automatically be equal
o o
Rotate
Yoke
On same angle
If this angle is
less than 1 o
, rotate yoke
as shown

15
On applications having more than two shafts, mount the first coupling shaft as outlined in the preceding example, and each addi-tional
coupling shaft at a 1 to 1-1/2 degree universal joint operating angle to the previous coupling shaft.
Install or tilt the axle to the same angle as the last fixed coupling shaft so the centerline of the axle and the last fixed coupling shaft
are parallel.
Note: THIS ASSURES THE UNIVERSAL JOINT OPEARTING ANGLE AT EACH END OF THE LAST SHAFT WILL AUTOMATICALLY
BE EQUAL (See Fig. 11).
Figure 11
1 to 1-1/2 Angle o o
Shaft 1
Shaft 2
Check size
of these angles.
Do not exceed
maximums.
Mount on same
angle as shaft #2

16
Midship Mounted
Components
Mounting a Midship-Mounted PTO, Pump, or Auxiliary Transmission
When installing a midship-mounted PTO, auxiliary transmission, or midship-mounted pump into the main driveline of a vehicle,
install it at the same angle as the transmission. Keep the offset to a minimum to reduce universal joint operating angles.
Note: Do not make the universal joint operating angle less than 1/2 degree.
Before bolting the device in place, check the universal joint operating angles that occur at each end of the driveshaft. They must
be 1 to 1-1/2 degrees and they must be equal to within 1/2 degree for this type of application.
If the device ends up being installed in direct line with the transmission, with little or no universal joint operating angle on the
joints, raise or lower it so there is enough offset to create the required 1 to 1-1/2 degree universal joint operating angle on each
end of the driveshaft. (See Fig. 12)
Figure 12
If there is only one driveshaft between the device and the rear axle, rotate the rear axle (using shims in the appropriate place) so
it is the same angle as the device. This makes the universal joint operating angle at each end of the driveshaft equal (See Fig. 13).
Check the size of the universal joint operating angles to determine if they meet recommendations.
Figure 13
1/20 minimum
10 to 1-1/20 recommended
30 maximum
Equal within 1/20
Install at same angle
and in-line in top view
Auxiliary
Device
Check size of
these angles
Rotate axle to same
angle as Auxiliary
Device
1/20 minimum
30 maximum
Equal within 1/20

Figure 14
17
If there is more than one driveshaft between the device and the rear axle, install the driveshaft as outlined earlier with a 1 to
1-1/2 degree universal joint operating angle on the input end of each shaft. Then rotate the axle so it is on the same angle as the
last fixed shaft. The universal joint operating angle on each end of the last shaft will automatically be equal. (See Fig. 14)
1/20 minimum
30 maximum
Equal within 1/20
1 to 1-1/2 angle minimum o o
Mounting a Remote-Driven Pump, Blower, or Similar Device
Check these angles.
3 recommended o
Mount on same angle
rotate axle if necessary
Remote mounted-pumps, blowers, or similar devices are usually driven by a side, top, or bottom-mounted PTO and use an aux-iliary
driveshaft.
Many times these devices are mounted to the vehicle frame or cross member. The usual method of mounting, where the driven
device is mounted parallel with the ground without regard to the mounted angle of the PTO, will produce a vibration that may cause
failure of the PTO, pump, blower, or other driven device.
Any remote driven device must be mounted parallel and in line, if possible, with the PTO.
To select the appropriate auxiliary driveshaft for these types of applications, you should consider proper torque, safe operating
speed (which is different than the critical speed for tubular driveshafts), and angularity. (See Maximum Safe Operating Speed Chart
on page 18).
An auxiliary driveshaft must be capable of transmitting the maximum torque and RPM required by the driven equipment. For most
low-torque applications operating at less than 1200 RPM, solid bar-stock constructed driveshafts are adequate. For applications
requiring additional torque or RPMs, tubular shafts should be fabricated.

TUBING MAXIMUM INSTALLED LENGTH (IN INCHES) FOR GIVEN RPM
Diameter Centerline to Centerline of Joints for a Two Joint Assembly
& or
Wall Thickness Centerline of Joint to Centerline of Center Bearing for a Joint and Shaft
W - Welded RPM - Revolutions Per Minute
S - Seamless 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000
1.750" x .065" W 82" 67" 58" 52" - - - - - - -
1.250" x .095" S 64" 52" 45" 40" 37" 34" 32" - - - -
2.500" x .083" W 87" 70" 62" 55" 50" 45" 43" 41" 39" 37" 35"
3.000" x .083" W - - 85" 76" 70" 64" 60" 57" 54" 51" 49"
SOLID SHAFT DIAMETER
.750" 42" 35" 30" 27" 25" - - - - - -
.812" 44" 36" 31" 28" 26" - - - - - -
.875" 46" 37" 32" 29" 27" - - - - - -
1.000" 49" 40" 35" 31" 28" - - - - - -
1.250" 55" 45" 39" 35" 32" - - - - - -
18
Maximum Operating
Speed
Maximum Safe Operating Speed
MAXIMUM OPERATING SPEED* BY TUBE SIZE, SOLID SHAFT SIZE, AND LENGTH
*(For speeds over 6000 RPM, contact Spicer Universal Joint Division Engineering)
To prevent premature wear, auxiliary driveshaft breakage, and possible injury to people or equipment, be aware of the critical
speed of these types of driveshafts. Critical speed, explained earlier in this guide, is different for these solid shaft and small tube
driveshafts.
Refer to the chart above for maximum safe operating speed information on these types of shafts.
If the chart indicates that the critical speed may be a problem, use multiple shafts. Be sure to use support bearings where neces-sary
and set up the true universal joint operating angles as indicated earlier in this guide.
As with all driveshafts, auxiliary driveshafts should be:
• Carefully installed to minimize vibrations caused by incorrect universal joint operating angles
• Capable of absorbing shock loads
• Capable of changing length as needed
• Guarded so as to prevent inadvertent entanglement

19
Special Notes Regarding Auxiliary Driveshafts
WARNING: Working on or near an auxiliary driveshaft when the engine is running is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.
You can snag clothes, skin, hair, hands, etc. This can cause serious injury or death.
• Shut off engine before working on power take-off or driven equipment.
• Do not go under the vehicle when the engine is running.
• Do not engage or disengage driven equipment by hand from under the vehicle when the engine is running.
• Fasteners should be properly selected and torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• If a setscrew protrudes above the hub of an end yoke, you may want to replace it with a recessed (Allen-type) setscrew.
• If you decide that a recessed setscrew does not have enough holding power for your application and you must use a
protruding setscrew, be sure no one can come in contact with the rotating driveshaft or the protruding setscrew.
• Exposed rotating driveshafts must be guarded!
• Lubricate auxiliary driveshafts according to manufacturer’s specifications.

J3311-1-DSSP
8/08
Printed in U.S.A
© Dana Limited 2008.
All rights reserved.
Dana Holding Corporation
Spicer Service Parts - Canada
5095 South Service Road
Beamsville, Ontario LOR 1BO
Spicer Service Parts
PO Box 321
Toledo, Ohio 43697-0321
1-800-SAY-DANA (729-3262)
www.spicerparts.com
Spicer Service Parts - International
(419) 861-6325

universal joint

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