[MOPARINMYCAR]

I have done a search on motor offset and it seem that if the motor is offset but still paralell in the chassis this is not a problem ? But is a motor that is 2 inches offset to one side accecptable ?


Thanks

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by MOPARINMYCAR

I have done a search on motor offset and it seem that if the motor is offset but still paralell in the chassis this is not a problem ? But is a motor that is 2 inches offset to one side accecptable ?


Thanks

The output shaft of the trans is ALWAYS offset from the pinion on the rear end in the up/down direction. The u-joints neither know nor care whether the offset is up/down or side-to-side. The only thing to look out for is not to exceed the maximum allowable angle on the u-joints.

[MOPARINMYCAR]

Joe thanks for your reply this must be your specialist area as when I searched I see that you had replied to many of the post LOL. When I had my axle narrowed I went for a centred pinion so with my motor off to the left 2 inches when veiwed from the front and the pinion in the center of the chassis and the wheelbase of the car is only 89 inches would you say that Im with in the max angle the UJ can opperate ?

Thank

[68NovaSS]

There is a difference between side angle and up/down angle. The relationship between the trans output shaft and pinion angle is important, the angles need to offset each other the same amount. Spicer recommends not more than a 3 degree compensated angle, that's up and down angle. Three degrees is very conservative, but a joint's life at 15 degrees is cut in half at 30 degrees, which is excessive. Suspension plays a big part as well, I run a solid 4-link, with very little movement under acceleration, therefore my setup angle was very tight with no movement or suspension flex.

Google "drive shaft angle" for some good information.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by 68NovaSS

There is a difference between side angle and up/down angle. The relationship between the trans output shaft and pinion angle is important, the angles need to offset each other the same amount. Spicer recommends not more than a 3 degree compensated angle, that's up and down angle. Three degrees is very conservative, but a joint's life at 15 degrees is cut in half at 30 degrees, which is excessive. Suspension plays a big part as well, I run a solid 4-link, with very little movement under acceleration, therefore my setup angle was very tight with no movement or suspension flex.

Google "drive shaft angle" for some good information.

Sorry, but the driveshaft is rotating. The U-joints cannot differentiate between up-and-down and side-to-side offset. Yes, the trans and axle pinion need to be parallel in BOTH directions. Other than that, all the U-joins know is the max angle that they see while rotating. There are LOTS and LOTS of mechanical drive systems that use driveshafts with U-joints offset horizontally, vertically, and every angle in between.

[68NovaSS]

I understand that, and think you said what I meant. There are indeed maximum angles, and there does need to be some angle to allow the needle bearings to rotate. I'm addressing primarily up and down relationships in my post.

And yes, virtually all vehicles are offset to one side or the other. Like the OP, I had my (FAB-9) housing narrowed, centered, it's a back half car. I don't know what you're sorry about, I think we're on the same track.

[MOPARINMYCAR]

Thanks for your reply guys I have redone my the engine mounts and now im just 1& half inches offset so I think Im well with in the max UJ angle

[red65novawagon]

The driveshaft is only designed to operate out of plane in a single direction. Offset of the moter means you have to offset the pinion the same amount otherwise it will operate in an eliptical fashion during
suspention travel.

[tomslik]

Originally Posted by MOPARINMYCAR

I have done a search on motor offset and it seem that if the motor is offset but still paralell in the chassis this is not a problem ? But is a motor that is 2 inches offset to one side accecptable ?


Thanks

yep, sounds like you're working on an amc....

[adantessr]

Originally Posted by red65novawagon

The driveshaft is only designed to operate out of plane in a single direction. Offset of the moter means you have to offset the pinion the same amount otherwise it will operate in an eliptical fashion during
suspention travel.

Not really, as long as the engine is still kept perpendicular to the differential. If the engine was installed at an angle, then there would be a problem. I have seen some drivelines run at odd angles in heavy equipment with no problems.