Front axle.....success at last.....

[Tony Smith]

Originally posted by Bob Carriere
Have a look at the following pictures.....

The type "A" which you are mostlikely to encounter is the one with the simple massive yokes......

The type "B" is the more elaborate all enclosed cup.

The Ford people call the Type "A" the Bendix-Weiss Joint, and the Type "B" the Rzeppa. There was a third joint very similar to the Bendix called the "Tracta". All three styles of joint were also used in Jeeps, Dodge VC+WCs and Marmon-Herringtons. (In fact, the Rzeppa still continues to be used in the front end of many 4wds today, but for some reason is now called a Birfield joint.)
While the Rzeppa is the more time consuming to manufacture, it can be used at higher angles than either the Bendix-Weiss or Tracta, and has better wear properties as it shares the torque over a wider area, but is more particular about lubrication. (Hint: remove the set screw in the end of the stub axle and fit a grease nipple and lube with hi-temp lithium grease. There is a spring loaded pin on the inner end of this threaded hole, and centrifugal force will spread the grease into the ball channels.)

Good stuff, Bob!