Driveshaft Torque The lower driveshaft speed calculated from Methods

1-2 is the correct rpm for the application of the OEM.

The maximum driveshaft torque can be approximated
when the following is known: converter stall torque Caterpillar recommends that driveshaft speeds be
ratio, transmission gear ratio, and engine output kept below 3,000 rpm in order to avoid potential
torque. Several methods are available in order to engine and transmission resonance problems.
determine the correct engine output torque. The
best method is to use the maximum engine torque Note: The highest allowable engine rpm is given in
when the engine is at the speed which occurs at the Truck Engine Performance Manual in the Engine
converter stall. This number should then be modified Data Sheets as the high idle rpm. This value may not
as suggested in Step 1 or Step 2 below. be reached due to the following: insufficient reserve
horsepower, speed limits imposed by the customer
1. Engine gross torque X 0.85 = T(in) (OEM), and transmission ECU engine overspeed
upshift protector.
2. Engine net torque X 0.95 = T(in)
Driveshaft Balance
3. Torque converter stall torque ratio = (STR)
If a balanced driveshaft exceeds the critical rpm,
a. Usually a number from 1.5 to 2.8 increasing the tube diameter or making the driveshaft
shorter can raise the driveshaft critical speed. Multiple
b. STR = X . XX driveshafts are frequently used to increase the critical
speed on a long driveline. A properly phased and
4. Transmissions lowest forward gear ratio balanced driveshaft has the inboard yokes in line with
each other. International Standard ISO 1940-1 is an
a. LGR = X . XX excellent reference for balancing rotating shafts.
5. Transfer case gear ratio (if applicable)
Driveshaft Length
a. TGR = X . X
Caterpillar recommends a transmission output
6. Transmission efficiency TE = 0.95 driveshaft length of between 18 and 57 inches.
The length is measured as installed from bearing
cap to bearing cap. Field experience indicates that
Maximum driveline torque can be calculated as
shown in the following equation: shorter than 18 inch driveshafts may have excessive
angular displacement. Longer than 145 cm (57 inch)
driveshafts are heavier and as the splines and joints
T(in) X STR X LGR X TGR X TE = Maximum Torque
wear, the driveshafts tend to “whip”. Universal joints
that operate at a misaligned angle are a common
Note: Keep in mind that the maximum steady state
cause of vibration. Driveshaft vibrations can cause
torque as calculated above might never be reached.
The torque may never be reached because of torque problems with the following: transmission, seals, and
universal joints. Some angularity in the universal
limitations of driven equipment. However, dynamic
joint (that is, 1 degree) is helpful because angularity
torque spikes, which are higher than the calculated
steady state torque values can occur. causes motion in the U-joint bearings. This motion,
along with proper lubrication, will increase U-joint life.
A zero angle within the U-joint can cause the U-joint
Driveshaft Speed bearings to brinell. Three degrees is the maximum
angle for a design where the driveline is not derated
The maximum driveshaft speed can be calculated as for angularity. The angles should be equal to within
shown in the following Steps: 1 degree at each end of the driveshaft in order to
reduce torsional driveshaft vibration.
Engine Speed Method 1

1. Engine rpm @ maximum OEM allowable pump Driveshaft Angles

speed = E rpm
Components can be installed so that the alignment
2. Highest transmission gear ratio = T od creates an angle in two planes. This arrangement
creates a compound angle. Most of the design rules
for single angles also apply to compound angle
3. (E rpm) /(T od) = Maximum driveshaft rpm
arrangements. However, the components application
is beyond the scope of this Transmission Application
Speed Method 2
and Installation Guide and the OEMs should consult
1. Maximum pump input speed = Maximum the driveshaft supplier.
driveshaft rpm

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