Are double universal joints on the front drive line better than a single universal joint?

Answer 1

A single hooks type u/v joint will not work on the stearing whees of a vehicle. In itself the Hooks type u/v joint as a single unit will not give the necessary constant velocity to afford vibationless driven steared wheels. A Hooks type universal joint arrangement will give constant velocity when used in the old style rear wheel drive because there is one at each end of the prop shaft. This allows the differential stub shaft and transmission stub shaft to be maintained in parallel alignment even with the rear susspension compressed. This parallel alignment gives a constant velocity output at the diff. end and thusly to the rear drive wheels, if the tube yokes are alligned when welding to the propshaft tube. A double Hooks joint, though cumbersome, is essentially a very small propshaft that gives equalized angles to the associated input and output stubs to the joint, even when the driven steering wheels are turned. Equalized angles will also give constant velocity output. Maybe there are agricultural applications for this style but it is not used much anymore. Probably one of the most impotant developments in the automotive world, the Rzeppa Cocnstant Velocity Joint or style is universally used now. Without this invention space saving and fuel saving front wheel drive would not have been as universal as it is today. Curiously it did not come from the racing arena. It made possible also the advent of all wheel drive which seems to be popular and even needed in certain areas. It is not likely that the double Hooks joint would have been persevered with.