I think I know the answer to this, but Im going to put the question to the collective....

So on the lotus 23 build I’m doing, when the centreline of the gearbox drive shaft flanges is lined up with the centere line of the rear hubs, the gearbox is about 2or3 inches too long to fit under the rear fibreglass body tub.

So Im pondering on this question;
Can I push the gearbox forward a couple of inches? The driveshafts wouldnt line up with the hubs by about 2inch when viewed from above, but does this matter and would the cv joints take these additional angles on top of the suspension movement?

I could then modify the rear gear linkage to give myself another inch and it would then all fit under the rear fibreglass tub?

If I cant do this, then the only other thing is to cut and lengthen the tub by a couple of inches which isnt ideal, but doable.

Here are some photos and a rubbish sketch;

You need to measure what the shaft length from centre to centre of the joints so that you can calculate the shaft angle and compare this to the joints you are using.

I know this doesn't answer your question.

Cheers
Davie

I am sure that the audi 80/90/coupe of the 80s had their drive shafts 'pointing forward'

ie inline engine and gearbox, front wheel drive

Imagine the CV joint on a front wheel drive car when turning, you can go a long way out of true or looking at the rear of the car with the body lifted, you will be fine the joints do not care about gravity, dropping down or going forwards makes no difference to them.

quote:

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Originally posted by mark chandler
Imagine the CV joint on a front wheel drive car when turning, you can go a long way out of true or looking at the rear of the car with the body lifted, you will be fine the joints do not care about gravity, dropping down or going forwards makes no difference to them.

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