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I want to know what model the front axle is on a VF Dodge. on anohter forum I am in debate with someone over the size. I think it is the same size as the later Rockwell split axle used in W500 dodges but has a smaller knuckle assembly. does anyone have any specs, part number or model number for the VF front?

Will try to remember to look when I go to see my truck again- it may be a few weeks as it lives about 30 miles away in storage (sorry!).

-Ken

Lets see now, VF front axles.

1. VF Parts List has no part number for a complete front axle, just bits.

2. VF Parts List shows Bendix-Weiss and Rzeppa joint types, so both were used.

3. VF Parts List part numbers suggest this was a Dodge / Chrysler own brand axle.

4. VF Manual has no real info, but does reflect both joint types as above.

5. Master Parts List gives only one number, 598825, for axle with Rzeppa joints.

That's about all the original paperwork tells me, but I think Dodge pioneered this size / configuration of drive axle around 1934 and would have produced it in quantity at least as early as the TF40x4 in 1939.

Gordon

thanks, that makes sense as Dodge did everything before anyone else! I guess I can t win the debate on whether it is the same size as the later Rockwell set up without actually physically measuring.

I'll throw another log on the fire here...

I do also have a manual for the T203B (DX6519) which shows the manual information for the export version of the same truck - rather annoyingly it doesn't have the chassis numbers or quantities prdouced though.

One of the differences I noticed to the standard T203 manual (D9122 and similar) is that it only shows the Rzeppa joint type on the front axle details, just like the Master Parts List.

From this I'd suggest ( no evidence ) that the Bendix - Weiss and Rzeppa joints were in use when the VF401, 402, and 403 were produced, but they went to the Rzeppa joint only some time in the production sequence, and the export trucks were probably made at the end of the production run by which time only the Rzeppa joint was in use.

I suspect that, like the jeeps, you could swap the Bendix - Weiss and Rzeppa joints as complete units, but not sure. Anyone have the manual for the VF404, 405, 406, and 407 to confirm that only the Rzeppa joint type is shown for the front axle?

My theory about the joint change concurs with yours. I believe everyone dropped the Bendix Weiss joint because of the added cost to manufacture. The Bendix joint is a superior design but the Rzeppas in Dodges are so enormous that breakage is not an issue. I have never seen a broken one in a 3/4 ton. I have seen plenty of broken Trachta joints from post war Power Agons though. well a few anyway. the ear can break off one of the axles.

I believe the axle center section is a Timken spiral bevel type with the knuckles added, possibly by Chrysler's Detroit Gear. Timken supplied axles for the '30's era K-39-X-4 and RF-40-X-4 trucks. It's similar to the type used on the Jimmy deuces. I found some info on this and filed it... but now I can't find it. I'll look around a little more. Considering the number of filing cabinets I have, that's not too surprising but I have two drawers just devoted to axles. You'd think it would be there.

well that is more than I knew before. that makes sense. thanks Jim

If this can be of any help...

Comes from "Dodge Truck T-203 Parts list"
VF 404 - 407 or TM10-1178




Bart

From what I have been told, the Rzeppa is the stronger of the two. In Dave Zentmeyer's book, he says to use the Rzeppa joint in any conversion. I belive it was more expensive and time comsuming to manufacture the Rzeppa joint with the cage and all the rest of the parts than the Bendix. Perhaps that is why the 3/4 and 1.5 ton WC's only came with Bendix joint. Only guessing here.

You are correct I had it all backwards. Rzeppas are stronger. There is none that fit in 3/4 tons either. thanks

Dozerman51 wrote:From what I have been told, the Rzeppa is the stronger of the two. In Dave Zentmeyer's book, he says to use the Rzeppa joint in any conversion. I belive it was more expensive and time comsuming to manufacture the Rzeppa joint with the cage and all the rest of the parts than the Bendix. Perhaps that is why the 3/4 and 1.5 ton WC's only came with Bendix joint. Only guessing here.

Yeah, the Rzeppa is stonger than the Bendix and is a true constant velocity joint. The Bendix comes close, but not quite. Interesting stories on how both those units came to be. Art Herrington came out with another design for front axles, which is now called the Double-Cardan and is commonly used on high angle driveshafts. I've never been able to find any history on the Tracta Joint... Anyone?

"Dave" Zentmeyer? Do you mean John Zentmeyer, the Dodge guru and inventor of the Lock-Right locker?

In the 3/4 tons the Bendix joint has proven to be excellent. Dave Butler told me they have never sold one of the thousands of NOS Ball bearings that he has for those joints. So they started gluing them to a piece of wood and giving them away at the annual rally as 'Steel Balls award" for the peole who drove their Dodge to the rally the greatest distances

HI Jim,
Yes you are right, I meant to say John not Dave Zentmeyer. I used his book to find the 4.30 third members that I recently installed in my WC-12. Best thing I have ever done on the truck in a long time.

I have had NOS Rzeppa WC axles.