My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: PaulS on July 02, 2013, 11:46:48 AM

Title: Rzeppa vs Cardan
Post by: PaulS on July 02, 2013, 11:46:48 AM

The Dana 25 (from 1949 or so) I opened up this weekend had Rzeppa joints in it, while the D27 (c1969) I also opened up had Cardan joints.

I looks like Walcks sells only the Cardan type, saying it replaces the "older" joints.

Isn't a Rzeppa joint better, being CV, than the Cardan?  Why is the Cardan joint used on the newer axles?

-Paul

Title: Re: Rzeppa vs Cardan
Post by: Quebec Jeep on July 02, 2013, 01:44:32 PM

Rzeppa was great joint but expensive to produce and maintain. They were replaced by Bendix joint later and finally get replaced by Spicer U-joint. The Bendix was also good joint but had a less turn angle 23 degree.

Rzeppa and Bendix are no longer made.

I think it is more related with the cost then with the reliability.

Title: Re: Rzeppa vs Cardan
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on July 02, 2013, 06:23:56 PM

Just happened to run across these..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/G503-Ford-GPW-Willys-MB-Army-Jeep-Rzeppa-Axle-Rebuild-Kit-/360644930235?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53f81ceabb&vxp=mtr