how important is a pilot on a flange?

[muddybuddy]

how important is a pilot on a flange? does everybody use the correct flange yokes/cv's on the t-case flanges, or is the 4bolts adequate for strength?

 

[Zeus33rd]

A pilot is very important. Not so much for strength, but more to keep things on center. I wouldn't drive, let alone wheel a truck with a pilot-less drive line. Might as well not balance a drive shaft without a pilot....the vibes would be horrible.

 

[muddybuddy]

thanks joe, i was asking because i can get some spicer flange yokes, but they have a bigger pilot than what im needing. i thought the 4 bolts would be enough to keep is centered, but i see what your saying, it makes sense. i will say that this would be for a front driveshaft being made out of square tubing, but at the same time, i want the connection to be a strong and centered as possible

 

[mikey_d05]

If you search for threads I started you'll see what I did to put 1410 flange yokes on my Toyota cases. If you have access to a lathe it's not hard.

 

[Zeus33rd]

thanks joe, i was asking because i can get some spicer flange yokes, but they have a bigger pilot than what im needing. i thought the 4 bolts would be enough to keep is centered, but i see what your saying, it makes sense. i will say that this would be for a front driveshaft being made out of square tubing, but at the same time, i want the connection to be a strong and centered as possible

Even with square tubing, not a good idea. I would say that the concern would shift more to the strength issue than the on center issue, just because of vibrating nature of the square stuff.