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C4 (vs C3) differential question: Yoke longevity

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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 02:51 PM
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Default C4 (vs C3) differential question: Yoke longevity

Just curious why I never hear complaints about output yoke end-wear on C4 differentials similar to how often (and quickly) the yokes wear out in C3 differentials. The basic construction looks similar. Does the "opposite" offset of the C4 wheels reduce the side force enough in straightline driving to reduce/eliminate this problem? Or, what is the reason?

Just curious.
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 03:22 PM
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The yokes on a C3 can push in against the the pin that the spiders ride on pretty easy if the camber is way off. I dont think it can happen on a C4. I put 200k miles on a C3 and never had that problem.
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted by JackDidley
The yokes on a C3 can push in against the the pin that the spiders ride on pretty easy if the camber is way off. I dont think it can happen on a C4. I put 200k miles on a C3 and never had that problem.
The camber is set the same way on both models (C3 and C4).
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 69427
Just curious why I never hear complaints about output yoke end-wear on C4 differentials similar to how often (and quickly) the yokes wear out in C3 differentials. The basic construction looks similar.

This is a very good question. I've never considered this until now, and now I'm curious about this, too. I don't think I've ever heard of yoke end wear problems on a D44 or D36.


Does the "opposite" offset of the C4 wheels reduce the side force enough in straightline driving to reduce/eliminate this problem? Or, what is the reason?
I doubt this is the answer. In straight-line travel, there's no relative movement between the yokes' ends and the shaft they bear upon, so there should be no wear regardless of side loading in straight-line travel, even in a C2/C3.

Anybody know the answer to this? I'm guessing maybe better hardening of the yoke ends than was done on the yokes in C2/C3 diffs?

Live well,

SJW
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 10:57 PM
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Originally Posted by SJW
This is a very good question. I've never considered this until now, and now I'm curious about this, too. I don't think I've ever heard of yoke end wear problems on a D44 or D36.


I doubt this is the answer. In straight-line travel, there's no relative movement between the yokes' ends and the shaft they bear upon, so there should be no wear regardless of side loading in straight-line travel, even in a C2/C3. Remember, no two tires are exactly the same circumference, especially if they've got a few autocrosses or miles on them. There's always going to be some relative movement going on in the differential. Anybody know the answer to this? I'm guessing maybe better hardening of the yoke ends than was done on the yokes in C2/C3 diffs?

Live well,

SJW
I've thought about the heat treating issue several times, and it's disappointing to think of the possibility of a very basic manufacturing process like this being hit or miss as often as it seemed to be.
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