Hey,

I'm interested in finding out any information that people know about the small NTN CV joints that are used on Suzuki 4x4's. I am trying to retrofit them onto a small Formula style racecar that uses a CBR 600cc Honda F4i engine. My main concern is finding something small and light that will work. Top speed for our vehicle will be under 100km/h (60mph) with an approximate output torque of 84lbft acting on the driveshafts. A technician at a local ATV shop believed that these could not be used for this application and was saying something about these being a low speed CV joint. I was not aware of such a thing but took his word for it. Another technician there did not believe that they would be able to hold up to the torque output of our vehicle because ATV's put out significantly less torque on average. Any opinions/suggestions would be appreciated.

 

first of all depending on the diameter of the tires you will be using the shafts shouldnt spin much faster than they do on my 70 mph vinson. But the torque might be a problem. Is that 84lbft that the motor is producing, or is that the accual torque on the drive shaft. Remember that the torque on the shaft is a factor of vehical weight, gearing and the power that the motor is making. Just an idea a company called gorilla axles makes cv shafts for quads that are way stronger than stock and alot cheaper also.

 

Might try contacting NTN directly.

Have you looked into auto type CV joints?

 

We are using 20" OD tires which would be similar to your vinson. The torque that I mentioned would be after the gearing, so the torque on the driveshaft. I will look into gorilla axles. Where are they based out of? Thanks for the advice!

 

I have received some donated driveshafts from NTN in Missisauga Ontario. They are off a Suzuki Swift, they are also used on a Geo Metro. These are pretty much as small as Auto CVJ's come. These are still overdesigned for the car we are building. This is why I was looking into ATV CVJ's. The contact I have at NTN has no been to helpful with questions. He basically gave me the shafts and said good riddance. So I can use what I have which is pretty much the standard at our competition but I was hoping to find something even smaller that would hold up. Thanks for the suggestion!