Driveline components manufacturer Mark Williams Enterprises has developed a series of ultra-strong driveshaft assemblies that incorporate CV joints in place of conventional U-joints. They are primarily intended for use in drag cars with the transmission positioned close to the rear end (like dragsters, altereds and funny cars), with limited suspension travel.

There are a number of important advantages to this design, the foremost being the CV joint’s ability to safely function at a much greater operating angle than a universal joint — a very important consideration with 4-link suspensions. It’s also less prone to vibration, said the company.

M-W’s CV shaft package is available to fit “shorty” Powerglide transmissions with 27- or 32-spline output shafts. The assembly consists of a tail housing, driveshaft and pinion yoke. And while the CV setup is substantially more expensive than a conventional driveshaft, it can prevent costly problems from U-joint failure.