Racing Yokes, U-Joints & Components

For high-torque, high-power racing applications, the use of strong driveline parts is a must if you don’t want to suffer unexpected failure on the track or drag racing strip. Stock driveshaft components cannot handle the power and torque produced by your upgraded powertrain, so you need to eliminate weak links in the chain responsible for delivering torque and rotation to the drive wheels. In vehicles with rear wheel drive and front-mounted motor, the power from the output shaft of the transmission is transferred to the rear differential through the driveshaft with universal joints on both sides that allow the shaft to pivot when the differential is moving with the suspension.

Universal joints or U-joints are often overlooked, but their strength and efficiency can determine the capabilities and reliability of the whole powertrain. It consists of two yokes and a bearing cross shaft. Such a coupling is capable of transmitting torque between two shafts that are at an angle to each other. When the shafts are parallel, the input speed equals the output speed. The higher the angle, the higher the rotational speed fluctuations. Such jerky rotations are compensated thanks to the incorporation of another U-joint. The use of two universal joints on both ends of the driveshaft makes the whole assembly work like a long constant velocity joint.

High-performance U-joints are made from forged and hardened Chromoly steel and feature great tensile strength. Such a component has a cross-shaped shaft or “spider” with needle bearings on each of its four ends. The rollers are covered with cold-extruded and induction-hardened steel races or bearing caps which are then pressed into yoke sockets. Many U-joint models offered in our store feature a serviceable construction. The bearings can be greased from the outside without the need to take the assembly apart thanks to special grease nipples on the spider or on each of the bearing cups. Visit our store to find suitable racing yokes, U-joints, and related components, such as dust caps, snap rings, strap bolts, and much more.