Date:         Tue, 14 Jan 1997 10:20:29 -0800
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Todd Francis <tbf@pacifier.com>
Subject:      Re: CV Joint Load Visual Aid

Jeff Carver wrote:
> 
 
> Now, apply load with your right thumb.  This is the same axle, on the
> other SIDE of the tranny.  Resist the load with you left index
> finger.  Both of these  load points will be on the side of the tab
> without the markers.
> 
> Summary - To lengthen the life of a CV, one needs to switch sides of
> the transmission.
> 
> Vanagons - For those with autos, you need to remove the CV's
> from the axle and install on the other axle.  Manual trans are the
> same length.  Don't know offhand about loafs.
> 
> - Jeff

Hi Jeff and all: I think the CVs should be taken off and switched from
side to side, but the drive axle should remain on the original side.
These are torsional axles and are designed to twist a bit to take up
some shock loads. If you take the axles and switch sides they will have
to start twisting in the opposite direction they have been broken in to
twist. It is like torsion bars. You are not supposed to switch torsion
bars or they might fail.   Todd Francis