ID My 1977-1993 Dodge Full Size 4x4 Front CV Driveshaft IDN-143

The original equipment front CV driveshaft used on 1975-1/2 and all 1976 to 1993 Dodge and Plymouth full size 4x4 models used a Saginaw Double-Cardan Constant Velocity joint at the transfer case end and a slip joint mounting a Detroit Universal internal c-clip universal joint at the axle end. The CV parts remained unchanged over the entire 18-year production run, however, the slip joint will vary after 1985 and the front universal joint changed in 1993 for trucks powered by the Cummins Diesel engine.

CV MOUNTING FLANGE: The QU40761 mounting flange on Saginaw Double-Cardan CV Joints as used with original equipment 1975-1/2-1993 Dodge front CV shafts can be identified by the following features:
5" outside diameter, 4 bolt Round Flange mates to the Transfer Case Output Flange using 4 QU10806 7/16" Bolts that fit through holes in CV Flange and thread into your Transfer Case Output Flange. Note: If you have a CV mounting flange that is half-round, your driveshaft has an aftermarket Spicer type CV head.

CV CENTER YOKE: The Saginaw CV Center Yoke has squared off ends. The 1-1/8" diameter holes for the u-joints have a 3-1/4" center to center dimension. Plastic injected into grooved machined in the yokes and u-joint cups retains the factory installed universal joints. TK40725 and QU40758 replacement universal joints are kept in place by spring steel C-Clips that fit in a groove machined on each u-joint cup. When installed, the C-Clips will be against flats machined on the inside faces of the yokes. Note: If you have CV u-joints with external snap rings, your driveshaft has either been through a major rebuild or it is an aftermarket replacement driveshaft assembly.

FRONT U-JOINTS: Until 1993, the front universal joint in the slip yoke was always a dinky Detroit Universal 7260 series which has 1.078" diameter cups with internal C-Clip lockup. 7260 yokes measure 2-1/8" between the inside machined flats of the yoke. 1993 Diesel trucks (and possibly some very late 1992 models) have a larger Detroit 7290 series universal joint with 1-1/8" diameter cups and internal C-Clip retention. The inside span between the slip yoke ears will measure 2-5/8". Note: If you have a front u-joint with external snap rings, your driveshaft has either been through a major rebuild or it is an aftermarket replacement driveshaft assembly.

SLIP JOINTS: Up through January 2, 1986, the spline size for Slip Stubs and Yokes on factory assembled shafts will be a 1-1/4"-16 with an external slip yoke seal. From January 2, 1986 to March 28, 1988, several combinations can be found all of which should have a rubber protective boot. Starting on March 29, 1988 all factory front CV shafts use a 1-9/32" fine spline stub and yoke shielded by QK3078 Boot. Note: You may also find 1-3/8" 16 spline slip yokes on rebuilt or aftermarket replacement CV driveshaft assemblies.

VERIFY YOUR PARTS: Given the age of this era of Dodge trucks, it is not unusual to find non-standard components particular with the 1986 and older models with 1-1/4" diameter slip joints using a press on seal. A great many of these trucks have had the original slip joint replaced with 1-3/8" diameter 16 spline aftermarket parts. We also see a lot of shafts with internal/external snap ring conversion joints and a fair number that have replacement shafts made with Spicer style CV components (these will have a half-round CV flange). YOU MUST VERIFY what parts you have before ordering! If you are not sure you have a factory driveshaft, e-mail us some clear photos!

Original Equipment U-Joint Specs for 1975-1993 Dodge Double Cardan Front CV Driveshafts:
Slip Yoke 7260 Series: 1.078" Cup Diameter, 2-1/8" inside yoke span, Internal C-Clip, 1975-1992, 1993 Gas LD
Slip Yoke 7290 Series: 1.125" Cup Diameter, 2-5/8" inside yoke span, Internal C-Clip, 1993 Diesel or Heavy Duty
CV Joint S44: 1.125" Cup Diameter, 2-9/16" inside yoke span, Internal C-Clip, 2 used in all factory CV Joints

Aftermarket U-Joints you may find on 1975-1993 Replacement or Rebuilt Front CV Driveshafts:
Spicer 1310: 1-1/16" Cup Diameter, 3-7/32" overall width, External Snap Ring, usually in slip yoke
Spicer 1330: 1-1/16" Cup Diameter, 3-5/8" overall width, External Snap Ring, slip yoke or CV
Spicer 1350: 1-3/16" Cup Diameter, 3-5/8" overall width, External Snap Ring, slip yoke or CV