Driveshaft Angle Trigonometry 102

	Driveline angles
	The YouTube link above gives an excellent explanation of how to measure and determine universal joint operating angles.
	If you do not own a protractor, our form below requires only accurate length measurements to determine relative angles. "A" is measured from absolute U-joint center.  " X" and "Y" are center of U-Joint top and bottom. Our calculations are only as good as your measurements. Please read ***

Angle of box "O"

All measurements below must be filled out A X Y Angle of box "O" T/C series 1310 1310 3R 1330 1350 1410 Differential series 1310 1310 3R 1330 1350 1410

Assuming top U-joint is at 0 degrees:   Top U-joint Angle = 0    Pitch = 19.305   Bottom U-joint angle = -9.382    Misalignment = -9.382

Precise u-joint angle measurements cannot be calculated with length measurements alone. Only the pitch of the shaft can be determined. However, by assuming the tranmission or transfer case universal is sitting at zero degrees, we can then determine the rear universal's angle provided "A", "X" and "Y" above are accurate. Knowing the universal joint series also aids in increasing accuracy.

 

Therefore, the above calculations are RELATIVE. They are also extremely dependent on measurements as even one quarter of an inch will have a great effect on the final angle. We are measuring a very small triangle. Still, the information should help in seeing just how compound poor set ups can get.

 

Note* Unrealistic numbers will yield "NAN" - which means impossible trigonometry.

 

Note* If attachments are flanges, some calculation must be made to arrive at universal joint center. Otherwise, accuracy will diminish proportionately to "A".

 

 

 

 transfer case is 3.25

 Last side = 3.2065284755846

 diff b = -0.52978782098592