Why is it necessary for the rear axle to have a slip joint between the two
U-joints? The inner U-joint has a splined shaft which slides into the transaxle
carrier. Isn't the engagement of this splined shaft long enough to allow for
full wheel travel?

So, if there can be a change in the length of the axle shaft (between the
U-joints), then what holds the inner splined shaft into the transaxle when the
suspension goes to full down? Is there a spring (in compression) across the slip
joint of the axle shaft that always exerts some inward push on the inner
U-joint?

Maybe I missed a picture of this slip joint in the parts or maintenance manuals;
obviously, I'm not in that deep yet.

Ed
El Cajon
67 Rust Guppy


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Ed, the answers to your drive shaft questions are:

1) The slip joint is needed to allow the shaft to get longer and shorter as
the suspension goes down and up.

2) The engagement into the differential MAY be long enough to take the change
in length, but the seal area on the shaft is not. I hear that if the slip
joint is stuck, then the shaft will pull out of the transmission far enough for
the oil and water to change places.

3) Yes, there is a spring. It's under the rubber boot, and it's fairly good
size. You can't miss it when you take the shaft apart.

Roger
White '63
Seattle


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