IRS CV Joint

[Bob Cowan]

This axle is not from my Cobra, but it's pretty typical of all modern IRS axles. The stock Ford parts are a little different. But most heavy duty aftermarket parts look like this. I'm pretty sure, anyway. ;)

After 8 seasons of racing this car, I noticed that the left CV joint was rattling a little bit. Not much, just a little. I took it apart to see what was going on.

Assembled, the joint looks like this.
https://i.imgur.com/dZRWk3i.jpg

Disassembled, it looks like this.
https://i.imgur.com/4LSPD22.jpg

When I opened mine up, it looked like this. Even though this is sealed, and had no leaks, it was all dried out.
https://i.imgur.com/6a08kib.jpg

After taking it all apart and cleaning everything, I find a lot of wear in there. Look at the top center, where the ball bearings impact the gear.
https://i.imgur.com/grrJnXE.jpg

I greased it up, and put it all back together. I flipped the bearing cage over, so the thrust surface is now on the other side, where there is minimal wear.

I'm contacting The Driveshaft Shop to see if I can get some new ones. Might as well replace them both at the same time.

So, what's the point? The point is, I should have been taking the axles apart for cleaning/lubing on a regular basis. If you have this type of CV joint, you should too.

[michael everson]

Is this a T-bird IRS? haven't seen axles like that recently.
Mike

[weendoggy]

Is this a T-bird IRS? haven't seen axles like that recently.
Mike

Exactly! Looks like the newer or some modified version to replace them.

[Bob Cowan]

The Ford T-Bird joints haven't been made in years. They are difficult to come buy, and can't handle a ton of torque. This Porsche style replacement is pretty common these days.

[weendoggy]

The Ford T-Bird joints haven't been made in years. They are difficult to come buy, and can't handle a ton of torque. This Porsche style replacement is pretty common these days.

Yep, see a lot of these. Didn't know someone fiugred out the joint/axle combo for the Cobra's. I do have a new set (axles) of the old T-Bird style in stock.

[Its Bruce]

The Ford T-Bird joints haven't been made in years. They are difficult to come buy, and can't handle a ton of torque. This Porsche style replacement is pretty common these days.

Where did you source these replacements for the old 8.8 IRS?

[Bob Cowan]

The Drive Shaft Shop