Long-travel suspensions paired with short-wheelbase vehicles can create havoc on a driveline. While the abbreviated wheelbase and extended articulation make for a smooth and nimble trail machine, the compact drivetrain package often leaves wheelers with a short driveline fixed at an extreme angle. Though a short driveshaft is not necessarily a bad thing, a dramatic operating angle can lead to accelerated wear, breakage, and harsh driveline vibrations. Last month we showed you the basics of the modern CV (constant velocity) driveshaft in the story "Driveline 101." This month we examine the latest in cutting-edge driveline technology with J.E. Reel's new 45-degree CV driveshaft. Created for the wheeler that has extreme driveline angles, the 45-degree CV driveline is an off-road-only shaft that blends the durability of J.E. Reel's beefy aftermarket drivelines with the flexibility and strength of the RCV Performance CV joint. Capable of operating from zero to 45 degrees, this fresh take on the CV shaft is a great solution for those needing more angle and performance over what a traditional 1310 or 1350 CV joint offers. To get a closer look at this cutting-edge driveline we went to J.E. Reel's headquarters in Pomona, California, and got the exclusive scoop on the company's latest creation. Reel Travel To put the new drivelines to the test, J.E. Reel fitted a front and rear set under Carey Steiner's competition Land Rover. With both of the Rover's shafts relatively short in length and resting at just a touch over 40 degress, the modified crawler made for a great R&D platform. After spending many hours over the rocks and dirt it seems that Steiner's Rover will finally have a pair of driveshafts that last more than a few trail rides. Though the current RCV-style drivelines are not intended for highway use, we were able to drive from trail to trail (hitting the highway for short bursts) with zero issues. Overall, the new drivelines are a great off-road solution for those dealing with extreme angles and are an easier investment than a wheelbase stretch or a custom/high-pinion axle conversion. To compensate for an increased driveline angle and allow the driveshaft to rotate in harmony, most vehicles upgrade to a 1310 (left) or 1350 (middle) CV (constant velocity) joint. Though the 1310 is capable of 28 degrees of operating angle and the 1350 32 degrees, neither comes close to the RCV's (right) 0- to 45-degree range.To compensate for an increased driveline angle and allow the driveshaft to rotate in harmo Under the CV joint's cap rest a billet steel bell, a hardened metal inner race, and a ball bearing cage. The heavy-duty ball bearings allow the joint to rotate smoothly and maintain strength as the shaft cycles and angles change.Under the CV joint's cap rest a billet steel bell, a hardened metal inner race, and a ball The breakdown of the new 45-degree CV shaft is similar to that of a traditional aftermarket driveline. While this CV configuration uses a welded flange at the transfer case end, J.E. Reel can build the driveline virtually any way you want it.The breakdown of the new 45-degree CV shaft is similar to that of a traditional aftermarke Though the CV joint is capable of operating at a 45-degree angle, the less degree it consistently rides at, the longer it will last. This custom Land Rover's shaft sits at an extreme 40.1 degrees at ride height.Though the CV joint is capable of operating at a 45-degree angle, the less degree it consi SOURCES JE Reel 448 S. Reservoir Pomona CA 91766 909-629-9002 www.reeldriveline.com By Ali Mansour Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
