Front Drive Shaft Update

[derek0343]

Long Story short. My last post showing my front drive shaft broken in Glamis, since Ineos doesn't want to cover it under the warrantyI took my car to Agile Offroad for some better aftermarket solution.

Please note: All products installed on my car is still a prototype.

John Brindell All thanks to Agile Offroad!

I have both front and rear draft replaced with a U joint solution. The only cons is if you fully release the gas pedal at 70mph or higher you will hear some noise like 'Voom Voom' from the drive shaft. Other than that, no vibration or noise for other situation. If you lifted and also have 35 tire on your Grenadier I recommend you replace the factory CV joint.
They also helped me to reuse the rear shaft CV joint to replace the broken front one, now I have a factory front drive shaft as a spare. ( Note: Dealer is charging $1300 for the whole front drive shaft).

One more modification I have is the rear sway bar air link. It definitely will give you more flexibility when you on trail! Looking forward also get the front one!

It's a fantastic experience to work with Agile Offroad to get on the ground and resolve some real offroad issues for the Grenadier!

 

[Texas Grenadier]

Thanks for the update!!! This is awesome. We are getting closer to a permanent solution!

 

[ORSO]

given the front sharp angles, why a single double U-joint and not a double/double one?

 

[Ex-defender driver]

@derek0343 Sorry probably a stupid question but what does the sway bar air link do instead of a disconnect? How does it work?

 

[derek0343]

given the front sharp angles, why a single double U-joint and not a double/double one?

Someone In LA already tried that the vibration is bad.

 

[C-Mack]

I think it would be very difficult to get single or double/double u-joints of any configuration to run as smooth as the Rzeppa style CVs fitted on the Grenadier. The most obvious angles everyone is concerned about is the vertical angles brought on by suspension lifts. However, if you look underneath the Grenadier down the centerline of the vehicle front to rear you’ll notice there are fairly obvious lateral angles involved as well between the transfer case and front/rear differentials. In effect, you’d are asking a standard u-joint to run smooth while faced with compound angles both vertical and lateral at the same time.

Unless all the angles are engineered and balanced out perfectly a cross the entire drivetrain all u-joints style driveshafts installed on a Grenadier will either vibrate or offer a harmonic resonance at some point. The only joints able to handle both vertical and lateral angles simultaneously without vibration is Rzeppa style joints and is the most likely the reason IA went with them for the Grenadier and how the drivetrain is packaged.

It might be possible to get u-joints to run smoothly over a certain speed range but at some combination of speed or load you are going to feel them going about their business. It comes down to the severity of the vibration (potential extra wear on transfer case and diff input bearings, etc…) and whether or not the trade-off for stronger joints off-road is a bigger priority.

 

[derek0343]

@derek0343 Sorry probably a stupid question but what does the sway bar air link do instead of a disconnect? How does it work?

this is an airLynx made to the Grenadier specs with mods to the rear skid plate. The airLynx softens the bar, and allows you to adjust the sensitivity.
The Grenadier rear links will be released next week and fronts in about 6 weeks.
https://youtu.be/UH48kqqucdY?si=cbsPHqHxnO-xqWY6

 

[derek0343]

I think it would be very difficult to get single or double/double u-joints of any configuration to run as smooth as the Rzeppa style CVs fitted on the Grenadier. The most obvious angles everyone is concerned about is the vertical angles brought on by suspension lifts. However, if you look underneath the Grenadier down the centerline of the vehicle front to rear you’ll notice there are fairly obvious lateral angles involved as well between the transfer case and front/rear differentials. In effect, you’d are asking a standard u-joint to run smooth while faced with compound angles both vertical and lateral at the same time.

Unless all the angles are engineered and balanced out perfectly all u-joints style driveshafts will either vibrate or offer a harmonic resonance at some point. The only joints able to handle both vertical and lateral angles simultaneously without vibration is a Rzeppa style joints and most likely the reason IA went with them for the Grenadier. It might be possible to get u-joints to run smoothly over a certain speed range but at some combination of speed or load you are going to feel them going about their business. It comes down to the severity of the vibration and whether or not the trade-off for stronger joints off-road is a bigger priority.

Completely agreed! The stronger joints is way important for me since I don't want the CV fail again on the trail. Doesn't matter how you instal the lift kit, the CV will fail on this front draft eventually.