New high-end u-joint from Spicer

[Jerry Bransford]

I just saw this on Spicer's webpage and it appears to be Spicer's competition for the long revered and pretty much bulletproof CTM u-joint.

This would be used more likely in the front axle shafts than anywhere, which is why its lack of bearings is a non-issue since those u-joints don't move their bearing caps except during turns. CTM's design uses the same bearingless design which is done to increase strength. My front axle shafts have CTMs in them and zero problems in the 10+ years I've had them.

Few rigs would require this strong (and expensive) of a u-joint on the front axle shafts but if you need them you need them.

https://spicerparts.com/parts/driveshaft/performance/spicer-extreme-u-joints?
utm_campaign=sp_facebook&utm_content=extreme_ujoints&utm_source=sp_facebook_september2019

 

[Chris]

I saw these a month or so ago and thought they were pretty cool. Of course I wondered who exactly would need these. I mean if one was installing a brand new set of Revolution front axle shafts, would it be beneficial to install these at the same time, or would there be potential drawbacks?

 

[toximus]

Personally, at the similar price points, I'd go with RCVs (and have) since they're an end game — even if they are unnecessarily strong.

Edit: I suppose these ujoints could be cheaper if you can stick with the shafts you already have, but then won't the ears become the weak point?

 

[strumble8]

I googled them only pricing I could find was $335 each.

 

[tworley]

I bet if you could fit them into the RG&A front shafts the grease fittings would contact the unit bearing bolts.

At that cost though Ill stick with the regular needle bearing joints.

 

[jjvw]

Needless bearing cups? Then why are they still there, Spicer?

 

[jjvw]

...

This would be used more likely in the front axle shafts than anywhere, which is why its lack of bearings is a non-issue since those u-joints don't move their bearing caps except during turns. CTM's design uses the same bearingless design which is done to increase strength. My front axle shafts have CTMs in them and zero problems in the 10+ years I've had them.

Few rigs would require this strong (and expensive) of a u-joint on the front axle shafts but if you need them you need them.

I wonder why they couldn't be used at the pinion, especially if it is set to 0°?